The Christmas Story

For this month's Bible reading we're going to take a break from Mark and focus in on Luke and his telling of the Christmas Story!

Luke Chapter 1 is on the schedule for this week. In this passage we'll learn how Mary was told she would be giving birth to the Son of God, and we'll also learn her reaction. We encourage you to read and discuss it with your children.



Together you may want to:

---Try to see things from Mary's point of view. We know the outcome this story, but at the time Mary did not. God came and interrupted Mary and Joseph's life in a way that was probably pretty scary!
Think about the fact that the punnishment for becoming pregnant before marriage could have been death for Mary. Yet despite this, her reaction to God's plan was, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” (v. 38)
She agreed and submitted without knowing what would happen to her! She trusted God and had courage! And the result of this was the beginning of the beautiful and wonderful story of Jesus' life on earth and His sacrifice for our salvation. Wow!

---Take some time to discuss with your children about whether your lives and actions reflect this kind of trust in God and His plan. When we trust and follow God, great things will happen! And we can take courage in knowing that we are not alone; God is always with us!

---Memorize this week's memory verse. It will help us when the unknown scares us, and the kids will get extra tickets for reciting it for us Sunday!
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid
or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever
you go. -Joshua 1:9, NLT




The kids are doing so well with their weekly readings; keep up the good work! Parents - remember that this is not something they have to do on their own - read these together!

Have a great week, and we can't wait to see you Sunday!!!