Calvary Baptist Church

The Promised One

Family Devotional

How to use this Devotional?The weeks leading up to Christmas, Advent, are a great time to spend with your family reading the Bible. If you don’t already, it is the perfect opportunity to start having family Bible time. We have written this devotional guide to assist you and your family’s focus on God during this busy Christmas season.1) Read the Devotionals

Each day for the first two weeks there will be a devotional for your family to read. Read through each devotional and Scripture reading with your family. For the third week, Christmas Eve, and Christmas week we have switched it up to make things interesting!

2) Ask the QuestionsTake a few minutes after reading the devotional and scripture to talk about the readings with your family. The questions are there to stir up Godly conversation in your family devotions. We know it can sometimes be hard to think of questions, so we have put a few for each day to assist.

3) Sing the Songs“It is a good thing to sing praise unto the Lord, to sing praise unto thy name, O most High.” (Psalm 92:1) Each day there will be at least one suggested song for your family to sing. Sing the gospel through Christmas carols. We have included lyrics to each song in the back of the booklet in Appendix 1.

4) Pray

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Scripture quotations are taken from KJV Bible

December 1st What is Advent?“Advent,” is a holiday that has been celebrated by the church for centuries. Yet I think it safe to say, that many of us do not know what Advent is or why we celebrate it. Hopefully, this devotion will teach us why we should celebrate the season, and help focus our attention on Christ during Christmas. When looking at the meaning of Advent, Pastor Tullian Tchividjian explains it well:

The word “Advent” literally means “coming” or “arrival.” It’s the four weeks of the year leading up to Christmas when Christians all over the world look back to the first coming of Jesus and look forward to his second coming. In one sense, Christians are always to be doing this. But these four weeks are meant to be an intensified celebration of Christ’s first arrival which, in turn, is meant to fuel our anticipation of his second arrival. This means that Advent is a season marked by hopeful anticipation.1

During Christmas, we can very easily be sucked into the anticipation of other things, even good things. Anticipating Jesus fulfills all of our other anticipations. It puts everything into perspective. No longer do we need to look to things to make us happy or satisfy us during Christmas, because Jesus Christ satisfies. We must not forget the meaning of Christmas/Advent, Jesus Christ. Our prayer is that this family devotional will help you and your family focus over these next couple of weeks, Advent, on Christ through celebrating His arrival as baby Jesus and anticipating His second coming as King!

Family Questions: What is Advent? What are we anticipating? How does Christ satisfy more than things?

SSongs to Sing (see back for words) “Joy to the World” O Come, O Come Emmanuel

1Tchividjian, Tullian. "Anticipation." Weblog post. TGC. p., 19 Dec. 2009. Web. 29 Nov. 2014.

Week 1Promises of the

MessiahDecember 1st-6th

December 2nd

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and

thou shalt bruise his heel.”Genesis 3:15

Adam and Eve had just sinned! They had been given a perfect place to live, and all the good food they could ever want, and a perfect relationship with God...yet Adam and Eve chose to sin against God. Instantly, after Adam and Eve’s sin, there were consequences that took place – they were even kicked out of the beautiful Garden of Eden! But, in Genesis 3:15, God gives a prophecy several thousand years before it takes place. A prophecy is a promise that something will happen in the future. Adam and Eve experienced a lot of sadness after they had sinned and God gave them a promise of something wonderful in Genesis 3:15. This is what Genesis 3:15 means “Satan is our enemy. He will do anything he can to get us to follow his evil path. The phrase ‘thou shalt bruise his heel’ refers to Satan’s attempts to defeat Christ during his life on earth, but ‘it shall bruise thy head’ is a future promise that Jesus will defeat death, the cross, and Satan when Jesus rises from the dead! A bruise on the heel hurts, but it’s not deadly, but a bruise or strike on the head is deadly. Already God was revealing His plan to defeat Satan and offer salvation to the world through His Son, Jesus Christ”(note from the Life Application Bible).

As we look forward to Christmas, always remember that the baby Jesus born was GOD in flesh! Jesus came to defeat sin, death, and Satan. God promised and Jesus came at the perfect time and kept God’s promise!

Family Questions:1. What is a prophecy?2. What does Jesus do to Satan?3. Do you keep your promises? God always keeps

His promisesSong to Sing: “Christ Arose”

December 3rd

“Nevertheless the dimness, shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of

Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, In

Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the

shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined…For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government

shall be upon his shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father,

the Prince of Peace.”Isaiah 9:1-6

Sin! It messes everything up! Adam and Eve sinned and they were punished. The Israelites sinned and they were punished. Sin, ultimately, always brings sadness, pain, punishment, and even death – that’s the bad news! But the good news is God loves us in spite of our sin! That’s why Jesus was born! Our sin had made the world dark and sad, but Jesus was born at Christmas and there was light and joy! Remember the bright star that led the wise men to Jesus? Remember the shepherds that saw the bright light of the angels singing and rejoicing! Why was everybody so happy about a little baby being born? The answer is that after thousands of years of pain, sorrow, sadness, and darkness – Jesus came! He is wonderful! He is the all-wise, all-powerful, always loving Father who gives peace! Peace is a calm happiness knowing that God loves us and takes care of us – if we ask Jesus to forgive us for our sins, we don’t have to worry about pain, punishment, and death anymore! Because Jesus will take care of us! That is wonderful news!Family Questions:

1. What are the sad things that sin causes?2. What does it mean that “Jesus is the light?”3. How can you have peace and joy?

Song to Sing: “Joy to the World”

December 4th

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him…. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was

bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed…yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; He hath put him to grief: when thou

shalt make his soul an offering for sin…”Isaiah 53:3-10

Do you remember in Genesis 3:15 where Satan was going to bruise Jesus, but Jesus would defeat sin, death, and Satan? Do you remember how sin messes everything up and how there is pain and punishment because of sin? Isaiah 53, written 700 years before Jesus was born in a manger, tells us how Jesus would be “bruised” – baby Jesus grew up and allowed Himself to be beaten, whipped, spit upon, placed on a cross, and huge nails to be hammered through His hands. IT WAS HORRIBLE! Why did Jesus have to be beaten and die? Sin is breaking God’s law and each one of us has broken God’s law by disobeying, lying, etc. If you break God’s law there is a punishment, but Jesus took OUR punishment. Let’s say you lied to your parents and you were about to be disciplined by your parents and it was going to HURT! But your older brother\sister said – “I will take his punishment!” and your parents disciplined him rather than you…even though you deserved it! Would you be thankful to your brother or sister? That’s what Jesus did for you! It hurt Him, but Jesus took YOUR punishment! During Christmas let’s show Jesus and other people how thankful we are for how Jesus took our place!Family Questions:1. How many years before Jesus was born did Isaiah write

about Jesus’ death?2. Why was Jesus beaten, and put to death on the cross?3. How can you show to God and others that you are

thankful to Jesus for how He took your punishment?

Song to Sing: “Born to Die”December 5th

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from

Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.”Isaiah 53:3

“Despised and Rejected!” Have you ever been disliked? Have you ever gone up to talk to somebody and they turned and walked away? Has anybody ever said mean things to you? Has anybody not wanted to “hang” out with you? That’s what it means to be “despised!” Jesus loves YOU and Jesus loves EVERYBODY! But even Jesus’ friends ran away…and even one of His REALLY GOOD FRIENDS actually acted like he didn’t know Jesus!

Isaiah prophesied (promised something 700 years before it happened!) that people would reject Jesus! That people would not want to talk to Jesus or be with Him! Isn’t that sad? Do you know why people didn’t want to be with Jesus? First, people liked their stuff, their lives, and their sin so much that they didn’t want to listen to Jesus! They despised and rejected Him! Secondly, people were afraid of what other people would think of them if they spent time with Jesus!

The amazing thing is this, Jesus KNEW that people would despise Him, reject Him, and even run away from Him! BEFORE Jesus was born, Jesus lived in heaven with God the Father and He knew EVERYTHING! He knew how people would hate and reject Him; He knew how they would beat and kill Him…but Jesus still decided to come at Christmas time! Why? Because Jesus loves us “even while we were yet sinners” – even when we rejected Him…He still showed us His love!Family Questions:

1. How did Jesus know how He would be treated BEFORE He was born as a baby?

2. Why did Jesus still come to earth?3. How can we show that we love Jesus?

Song to Sing: “Hallelujah, What a Savior”December 6th

“Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call in name

Immanuel.”Isaiah 7:14

Jesus is Immanuel – “God with us!” God can do anything He wants to do! Jesus even chose His mother, His name, and His birth date!

I was born November 30, 1979 in California! But I didn’t choose that birthday. I didn’t choose where I was born! I didn’t choose my parents. I didn’t even get to choose my name – Each of those was chosen by God and my parents!

But Jesus is different because He’s God. He decided who His mother was going to be. Jesus decided what His name was going to be. Jesus decided what town to be born in. Jesus even decided his exact birth date! Did you know that Jesus told us all those details about HIS own mother and name hundreds of years before He was born using the prophet Isaiah to write down his birth plans!

Family Questions:1. What does Immanuel mean?2. How many years before Jesus was born did Jesus tell

us His name and special facts about His mom?3. How come Jesus can choose His mother, His name,

His birth town, and His birth date?4. Why is it important to understand that Jesus wasn’t

just a cute baby…He was God in flesh? (hint: can just a human baby rise from the dead? Can just a human baby save us from our sin?)

Song to Sing: “Away in a Manger”

December 7th

“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth

unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”

Micah 5:2Yesterday, we saw how Jesus chose His mother and

His name – today, the prophet Micah tells us that Jesus was going to be born in the little town of Bethlehem. How did the prophet Micah know that -Micah lived about 700 years before Jesus was born as a baby in Bethlehem? (This isn’t the same Micah that is our youth pastor!) You know what the answer is? Jesus TOLD Micah where He was going to be born! Jesus TOLD Micah hundreds of years before it happened! What’s it called when Jesus promises something BEFORE it happens? A prophecy! Only Jesus who is eternal could know where He was going to be born!

Problem! Joseph and Mary, the people that Jesus chose to be His human parents, didn’t live in Bethlehem…they lived in Nazareth a LONG WAY away! But it was no problem for Jesus, because He’s the all-powerful God! He told the Caesar in Rome to make everybody go to the place where their ancestors had been born. Guess where Joseph and Mary’s great (lots of greats) ancestor was? David! Guess where David was born? Bethlehem! So Jesus not only chose His human parents, but He moved them to Bethlehem right at His birth. God can do anything He wants to do.Family Questions:

1. Who was Jesus’ great (lots of greats) ancestor?2. Do you believe that God can do anything He wants

to do? What does that mean for you?3. List out all the prophecies about Jesus’ birth that

we have looked at all week long.4. What makes Jesus so special?

Song to Sing: “O little town of Bethlehem”

Week 2The Promised One Has

Come(Christ’s fulfillment of OT Prophecy)

December 8th-14th

December 8th

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own

city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called

Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great

with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she

brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there

was no room for them in the inn.Luke 2:1-7

This next week, we will be looking into several passages that are the fulfillments of the OT verses you read last week. What do we mean when we say, “fulfillment.” The word fulfillment in this context means, “it has come to pass, or it happened.” Last week you looked at several Bible verses that told about the coming of Christ and what He would do, but Christ hadn’t come yet. Christ was not born until the NT. So, what is going on then? Prophets in the OT told about the coming of Christ. Jesus, in the NT, is the fulfillment of that prophecy. He made “it happen.” If you think about it for a second, this is a really cool fact about God. He can tell what will happen and then it does. Can you do that? Can you tell the future and then it happens just the way you said? NO! No one can foretell the future. Only God can, and He did. He told us that Jesus would come and be born and it happened exactly like He said.Family Questions:

What does fulfillment mean? What OT verse did Jesus fulfill in Luke 2? (Use the

worksheet to match the verses each day) Can you think of any promises that God will fulfill in

the future?Song to Sing: “Away in a Manger”

December 9th

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being

interpreted is, God with us.Matthew 1:23

Every time I read this verse, my mind is blown away! The things that happened here were miraculous beyond comprehension. First, the Virgin Mary has a child. Mary wasn’t married, and Jesus enters into her womb. This statement is incredible, because that means that Jesus was the only man in history not born of a sinner. Every other human being has come from a sinful mother and sinful father. Jesus was miraculously born of God. This means He was sinless. The second miracle is that baby Jesus was/is God. Many people try to disprove this fact that Jesus was/is God, but you can’t. This verse proves that Jesus was God. His name was Emmanuel, which means, “God with us.” God came to earth in flesh. His name was Jesus. Only God could take away our sins. This is why Jesus must be God and be born of a virgin. Last of all, this verse is miraculous in that it fulfilled Is. 7:14. What God said would happen hundreds of years before came to life! When it comes to the promises of God, we can be 100% sure it will happen exactly the way He said it would.

My hope is that today you will be filled with thankfulness in your heart, because God sent Himself to earth to take your sin on the cross. He was no ordinary man. He was Emmanuel born of a virgin. He was “God with us!” May we use these truths to point someone else to the truth.

Family Questions: What was miraculous about Jesus birth? What does Emmanuel mean? Can you name the three miracles that took place here? What OT verse is being fulfilled in Matthew 1:23?

Song to Sing: “Emmanuel”

December 10th

6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even

dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:6-8Every time I have a birthday, normally I am asked,

“What did you get?” Now, if you are like me, you love getting a gift and telling others what you got. There is something special about the anticipation and excitement that I love. But if you really think about it, getting a gift on your birthday is a pretty funny concept. Did you have anything to do with your birth? Not really, the only thing we did at birth was cause our mother pain, and a lot of it! We didn’t really do anything. I say all of this to make a point. We don’t deserve any gifts on our birthday, because we didn’t do anything on our birth-day. The same is true when it comes to our salvation. We did nothing to deserve it! In fact, we deserve the opposite, eternal death. “But God, commendeth (showed) His love towards us, while we were sinners, Christ died for us.” Wow! Christ went through all that pain and suffering for you, to give you a gift you didn’t deserve, because He loved you. It was just like your mother and father giving you a gift on your birthday. They do it because they love you. The only difference between their gift and God’s gift is that God’s is eternal! His gift was eternal life! No one else could give that except Jesus Christ, Emmanuel. Have you received His gift to you? Are you thankful for this gift?Family Questions:

Have you ever been given a very nice gift you didn’t deserve? What?

What was the gift Jesus gave you? Have you received it?

What verse does Romans 5:6-8 fulfill?Song to Sing:

“Jesus Loves Me” “God is so Good”

December 11th

13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and

Nephthalim: 14 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying 15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of

the Gentiles; 16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and

to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.Matthew 4:13-17

In this passage, Jesus fulfilled what Isaiah had prophesied in the OT. The “light” that verses 16-17 talk about was Jesus Christ. Jesus came as the light to the darkness, the world. But often, I think we see the Light, but miss the message of the Light. What exactly is the message of Jesus, the Light? The message is given in verse 17: “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Mark 1:15 says it this way, “The kingdom of God is at hand: Repent ye, and believe the gospel.” What these two verses are saying is that Jesus’ message was repent of your sins and believe in the gospel (good news) of Christ, because Christ’s return is near. What exactly is the gospel? It is the wonderful news that Jesus came to earth as God, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for your sin, and rose again the third day. Now that is some good news! The reason Jesus was a shining Light was because of His message. This message of hope is light in the dark world of sin and suffering. But you see, if you have been saved you too are a light in this dark world. So ask yourself, are you telling others of the message of the Light? Are you being a light? While we are anticipating (looking forward to) the second coming of Christ, we must be telling others now of this message of light.

Family Questions: Who is the Light of the world? What was the message of the light? Who is someone you can tell this message to?

December 12th

14 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.

15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his

word, and healed all that were sick:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our

sicknesses.Matthew 8:14-17

Jesus ministry on earth was full of miracles, and many of these miracles involved Him healing people. It seams like almost every other chapter we read Jesus is healing someone. This passage is one of those instances. Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law from her fever. By healing the sick, Jesus was fulfilling what was said in the book of Isaiah, “He took our infirmities, and bare our sickness.” But this verse isn’t just talking about physical sicknesses that Jesus was miraculously healing. It is also talking about a spiritual sickness. Jesus came to heal our spiritual sickness, sin. He did this by dying on the cross and taking our sins on Himself. He rose the third day to show that He did indeed have power over death. Jesus died to heal every sick, weak sinner on earth. Jesus will heal your sickness if you “repent and believe the gospel.” You see, Jesus healing takes care of more than your daily cuts and bruises it takes care of death! Jesus came to give you victory over death. This is how much he loves His people; He died to heal our sickness. As we go about today, will you tell someone of the miracle of salvation?Family Questions:

What physical miracle does Jesus perform in these verses?

What Spiritual miracle was Jesus referring to here?

What prophecy does this passage fulfill? Song to Sing: “Go, Tell it on the Mountain”

Week 3The Telling of His

Coming(The Angels and Shepherds)

December 15th-21st

December 15th-21st

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore

afraid.10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring

you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,

which is Christ the Lord.12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe

wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the

heavenly host praising God, and saying,14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will

toward men.15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from

them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come

to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and

the babe lying in a manger.17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the

saying which was told them concerning this child.18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which

were told them by the shepherds.19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her

heart.20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto

them.Luke 2:8-20

Instructions:

This week we will be focusing on just two passages. Take two or three days this week to read through the passages, read the devotional, and talk about the family questions.

Devotional:As Christmas week soon approaches, I am sure that everyone in your family is excited. I can recall the feelings of joy and excitement I would get every year as a child. Christmas is just a wonderful time of year! Now, think about the excitement you get when the tree goes up or when the house is lit with lights. Can you imagine the excitement of the shepherds that night when the angels came to them and announced that Jesus, the Messiah, was being born? The Jews had waited over a thousand years for this promise to come about, and it had finally come true. They had waited all of their lives wondering if they would ever see Jesus, and now they were actually seeing Him as a baby. The Bible says that they were so excited they went to Bethlehem “with haste.” That means they went to see baby Jesus as fast as they could. I think I would have to if I were in their shoes. But I find it very interesting that their excitement didn’t stop with them; it fueled their worship to God. Did you catch what happens after the shepherds heard about and saw the baby Jesus? They went away “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen” The angels sing, “glory to God in the highest and on earth peace good will towards men.” Their excitement was fueled by Jesus, and returned to God in worship.

I wonder how often we just let our excitement of God stop with us. Maybe we read a wonderful passage from God’s word, but never thank Him for it. Or, maybe God convicts us through His word about an area in our lives that need change, but we never act on it. We must be “doers of the word and not hearers only.” (James 1:22)*Continued on next page

As you read and think about all that Jesus has done for you, let it fuel true worship in your life. Let this excitement of the incarnation of Jesus fuel your worship of Him.

Family Questions: What are some things that excite you at Christmas

time? Why do you get excited about the birth of Jesus? What are some ways you can worship God today?

Songs to Sing: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” “Angels We Have Heard on High”

* (See next page for Extra Reading)

Extra Reading:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was

sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's

name was Mary.28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail,

thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of

salutation this should be.30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for

thou hast found favour with God.31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb,

and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him

the throne of his father David:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be

called the Son of God.36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also

conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel

departed from her.Luke 1:26-38

Week 4Christmas Week December 22nd-27th

December 22nd-23rd

“The Promise for All”2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came

wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3 When Herod the king had heard

these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief

priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea:

for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall

come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the

star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young

child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they

rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and

worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and

frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country

another way.Matthew 2:1-12

December 22nd Devotional:Today, we meet Herod the Great, one of the most powerful rulers in history. Herod was a Roman king that ruled over Judea from 37-4BC. King Herod was known for his grand building projects, one in particular, the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. At the time of Jesus birth, Herod was ruling Judea, which is where Bethlehem was. I say all of this not to bring credit or glory to Herod, because he was far from worthy of God’s glory, but to give you a little background to our reading today. Now, if we only read today’s story, we may think that Herod had good motive for sending for the wise men. After all, he did tell the magi he wanted to know Jesus location so he could “worship him.” But we know, that just a few verses later, verses 16-18, that Herod kills all of the male children 2 years old and younger, because his real plan was to eliminate Jesus. Herod did not want anyone to compete with his rule, and the knowledge that the Messiah, which means King, had been born was a threat to Herod’s reign. So, did Herod kill Jesus in this mass slaughter of babies? No, he didn’t and couldn’t. Matthew 2:13-15 tells us, “13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him. 14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” No man could stop King Jesus from accomplishing what he was born to do, not even Herod the Great!

May this be a comfort to us today. Nobody can stop our God! Jesus is coming back and will reign as King forever. Herod’s reign was temporal, but Jesus reign is eternal!Family Questions: Who was Herod the Great? What does Messiah mean? Can anyone stop Jesus as King? Is He King of your life?December 23rd Devotional:Yesterday, we took a look at king Herod. Today, we are going to focus on the magi from the east. Who were these men? Where did they come from? Why were they bringing gifts to Jesus? How many of them were there? Let’s start by answering the last question, how many were there? Did you know that we don’t actually know how many wise men came to Jesus? The reason we say three was because the number of gifts they brought, but the Bible doesn’t actually tell us the number. Sorry if that fact ruined every childhood manger scene for you. So, who were these men? Well, they probably were not Kings, yes I said Not kings. These men are called, “wise men” or “magi,” which were more like modern day scientist or astronomers. They had come from the east which could have been Persia, but that is just a guess. So, why are astronomers from Persia coming to “worship the king” bringing Him kingly gifts of “gold, frankincense, and myrrh? The best answer is because Jesus was King of all the earth. These men recognized that Jesus was the true “King of the Jews,” a fact that Herod refused to believe. They had seen the star and come to worship the true King. It is also very significant that these men were what the Bible calls, “Gentiles.” They were not Jews, yet still they had come before Jesus to worship Him. This is great news for us in America. We are not Jews, yet by Jesus we have free access to worship God. What a beautiful fact! Jesus was not just King of the Jews. He is King of all who repent and believe on His name.

Family Questions: How many “wise men” were there?

Why had they come to see baby Jesus? Is Jesus only the “King of the Jews?”

Song to Sing: “We Three Kings”

Christmas EveDecember 24th

“The Promised One was God”1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was

the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was

John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him

might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into

the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He

came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them

that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of

grace and truth.John 1:1-14

Family Questions: Was Jesus God? (Answer: vs. 1)

What else is Jesus described as in this passage? (Hint: vs. 4-5)

Why was it so important for Jesus to be “God in flesh?”

Song to Sing: “Across the Lands”

Christmas DayDecember 25th

Instructions: It’s Christmas Day! Have one of your children read each of the following passages, then sing your favorite Christmas carols and pray together as a family.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came

together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to

make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying,

Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy

Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their

sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and

they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as

the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her

firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Matthew 1:18-25

*Readings continued on next page

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be

taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of

the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were

there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and

wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:1-7Songs to Sing:

“Joy to the World” “Away in a Manger” “Silent Night” “Angels We Have Heard on High”

Appendix 1Songs To Sing:

O Come, O Come Emmanuel (Note: While this song focuses on the coming of Christ mentioned many time in the OT, we know that Christ has come already!)O Come, O come, Emmanuel,And ransom captive Israel,That mourns in lonely exile hereUntil the Son of God appear.Chorus:Rejoice! RejoiceEmmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Christ Arose“Low in the grave he lay, Jesus my Savior, waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!Chorus: Up from the grave he arose; with a mighty triumph o'er his foes; he arose a victor from the dark domain, and he lives forever, with his saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!”

Joy to the WorldJoy to the world! The Lord is comeLet earth receive her King!Let every heart prepare Him roomAnd heaven and nature sing

And heaven and nature singAnd heaven, and heaven and nature sing

Born to DieOn the night Christ was bornJust before the break of morn,As the stars in the sky were fading,O'er the place where He lay,Fell a shadow cold and grayOf a cross that would humble a King.Chorus:Born to die upon Calv'ry,Jesus suffered my sin to forgive;Born to die upon Calv'ry,He was wounded that I might live.

Hallelujah what a Savior1. “Man of Sorrows!” what a nameFor the Son of God, who cameRuined sinners to reclaim.Hallelujah! What a Savior!2. When He comes, our glorious King,All His ransomed home to bring,Then anew His song we’ll sing:Hallelujah! What a Savior!

O Little Town of Bethlehem1. O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie; above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

2. For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above, while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love. O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth, and praises sing to God the king, and peace to all on earth!

Away in a MangerAway in a manger, no crib for a bed,The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the skyAnd stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stayClose by me forever, and love me, I pray.Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

EmmanuelEmmanuel, EmmanuelHis name is called, Emmanuel.God with usRevealed in usHis name is called, Emmanuel.

God is So GoodGod is so good; God is so good.God is so goodHe’s so good to me.

Jesus Loves MeJesus loves me this I knowFor the Bible tells me so.Little ones to Him belongThey are week, but He is strong.Chorus:Yes, Jesus loves meYes, Jesus loves meYes, Jesus loves me for the Bible tells me so.

Go Tell It on the MountainGo tell it on the mountainOver the hills and far awayGo tell it on the mountainThat Jesus Christ is born

We Three KingsWe three kings of Orient areBearing gifts we traverse afar.Field and fountain, moor, and mountainFollowing yonder star.Chorus:O star of wonder, star of night,Star with royal beauty bright,Westward leading, still proceeding,Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Across the Lands Vs. 1) You’re the Word of God the FatherFrom before the world began.Ev’ry star and ev’ry planetHas been fashioned by Your hand.All creation holds togetherBy the power of Your voice.Let the skies declare Your glory;Let the land and seas rejoice!Chorus:You’re the Author of creation;

You’re the Lord of ev’ry man;And Your cry of love rings out across the lands.Vs. 2) Yet You left the gaze of angels,Came to seek and save the lost,And exchanged the joy of heavenFor the anguish of a cross.With a prayer You fed the hungry;With a word You calmed the sea;Yet how silently You sufferedThat the guilty may go free!

Appendix 2*Match the Prophecy to the Fulfillment

OT Prophecy NT Fulfillment1) Gen. 3:15 Matt. 1:23

2) Is. 9:1-6 Rom. 5:6-8

3) Is. 53:4 Luke 2:1-7

4) Micah 5:2 Matt. 4:12-17

5) Is. 7:14 Matt. 8:14-17

Appendix 3Family Activities

Promise Keeper- Promise to take your family on a fun Christmas outing a week in advance. During the week randomly remind your family of the fun activity to get them excited. The next week, keep your promise. Use this as an opportunity to remind your family of how God kept His promise and sent Christ.

Serving Time- Christmas is a great time to obey what Christ told us to do, serve others! Take someone cookies, or visit a shut in, etc. It would be great to do this for at least one unbeliever.

Teaching Moments- Look for those great opportunities this Advent to teach your about Christ through every day events. It happens all the time!