ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES date:
This resource is designed to allow your family to have time in God’s Word BEFORE your children attend church. Because God’s plan is for parents to be the primary spiritual nurturers of their children’s faith, we want YOU to be the one to introduce this part of The Big God Story to them. For additional support in spiritual parenting and to learn more about creating transforming environments in your home, be sure to pick up HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource from your church, or download it at HomeFrontMag.com. You can also access the HomeFront app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
2.3 God’s Son Brings Peace
Younger Kids
Did You Know? • Old Testament prophecies describe the Messiah as a Ruler who brings peace to Israel and the nations. • To the Romans, peace meant the subjugation of their enemies and the establishment of order.
n Just for Fu out different road signs
t As you drive around this week, poin sign means. Later, at to your kids. Ask what they think eache 2:1–20. Ask everyone Luk home, gather your family and read of Scripture and share what to identify a sign from this portion of what the angels said to this sign represented. Remind themhighest heaven, and on earth the shepherds: “Glory to God in the that God’s Son brings us peace” (v. 14). Share with your kids . peace with God
Your older child may be very competitive and may not take failure very well. As a result, you may see outbursts from your child when she experiences failure or a loss. Remember to be patient and react calmly to these unexpected and sometimes unwarranted shows of emotion.
• This understanding of peace is completely different from the pax romana under Augustus at the time.
Remember Verse
Birth of Jesus
Older Kids
• The word for peace in the Greek is eirene, which translates in Hebrew as shalom. In the Bible, peace refers to more than the lack of conflict; it encompasses the actions one undergoes to bring about restoration and wholeness.
Part of The Big God Story Luke 2:1–20
Your younger child may tend to be self-critical. As a result, he may refuse to do things that he’s not sure he can do correctly. Remember that his self-esteem may be fragile, so provide plenty of encouragement and positive feedback when you see these perfectionistic tendencies in him.
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
Blessing
Teachable Moments After reading Luke 2:1–20, discuss the following together: • Why did Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem? • Why did God send His Son? • How can we respond to the good news of God’s Son bringing peace?
For more information about blessing your child see the Blessing section in HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource.
A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you experience God’s peace in your life. May you be encouraged to share the good news of His peace with others. © 2014 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.