Parents: If you’ve chosen to use an Advent Wreath, light the two purple candles from last week and then the pink candle to begin. 
“But the angel reassured them, ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. “I bring you good news that will great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2: 10 MSG)

Read Luke 2:1-18 (in your favorite version), and then read this devotion with your children:

Did you notice who showed up after baby Jesus was born? Yes, the angels, not just one, but a whole choir of them. And what did the head angel say? “‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people’” (Luke 2: 10, NLT). Since angels are God’s messengers, we need to ask why He sent them. What do you think? What were they trying to announce? Yes, the birth of our Savior, the Messiah.  That was exciting news for the shepherds.  The Jewish people had been waiting for a very long time for the Messiah to come. So, the shepherds were excited to find this baby.

Think of one time when you were so happy. Did you get to see someone you haven’t seen for a while, or did someone give you a big hug just because? Did something happen that you had hoped and hoped for?  This is what the shepherds felt. Even the Christmas carol we just sang tells us that we should make room in our hearts for Him; He is our Savior. 

Did you know that everyone has done naughty things in our lives (Roman 3:23); no one but Jesus has lived a perfect life. So, that means that no one can be good enough, but He loves us so much that He came to save us anyway! How can I not want to make Him boss of my life?  He is Lord of all.

Then we can truly know the joy of that salvation and that joy even when sad and bad things happen. Why, because He has promised to never leave us alone. He is always right there. That means that I don’t ever need to feel lonely. Have you ever felt that way? That’s when we need to pray and read our Bibles (or have someone else read it to us). He loves you so much and that should make you very joyful! Joy comes from Him; it’s one of His characteristics.  So, let’s find joy in Him during Christmas and always!

Activities

  1. Tell Mom and Dad about a time when you felt joyful. What makes you rejoice? Is it when you are with family or friends? Is it when you get to go somewhere to do something with Mom and Dad?   
  2. Draw a picture of what brings you joy or color a “Joy” coloring page.
  3. Make a present with Mom or Dad’s help for someone else for Christmas. Think of something that will bring that person joy.

Close in prayer with thanksgiving and any thoughts you each want to communicate to Jesus. (Even ask each child to thank Jesus for at least one thing; it’s ok if that thing seem trivial to us.)

To finish, sing: “The First Noel”
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