ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES date
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as we confess our sin to god, he forgives us, making us right before God. Inspire (for parents) There is nothing that expands friendship quite like having children. Right where we live, our son and daughter have introduced us to families we would have never otherwise met. They have made friends in our neighborhood and in the local elementary school they attend. In fact, their school is very multi-cultural, with over 30 countries represented. At a young age, our children are being exposed to diverse cultural traditions, cuisine, and belief systems. And being exposed to different cultures is raising many questions about God from their daily interaction with classmates.
each of us is a sinner in need of healing and restoration, and that our sin has separated us from a holy God. But the good news is God sent His Son to die for us, and by rising again, He defeated our sin. As we confess our sin to God, He forgives us, making us right before God. I could see my daughter starting to understand our hope in Christ. She’s learning that Jesus is our Savior. by Mike Kenyon
One friend of my daughter’s is Hindu, and the family worships many different gods. Recently, my daughter asked, “Daddy, why are cows sacred to the Hindu people?” This sparked even more Jeremiah 31:15; ew 2; Micah 5:2; Scripture: Matth questions about other religions Men Visit Jesus) Hosea 11:1 (Wise and what people believe. us Is Savior Main Point: Jes your family to Rather than dwell on what designed to allow This resource is ur children yo re others believe, I’m taking this Word befo d’s Go in e tim have n is for parents opportunity to ground her in the cause God’s pla tend church. Be at children’s faith, Word of God and what makes l nurturers of their ur children to be the spiritua ow spiritually, yo gr Jesus unique. I reminded her that u yo as at th we know lly as well. will grow spiritua
Getting Started
Equip (for parents) Following the star, God led the wise men into Jerusalem. Scripture tells us this star moved as the men traveled. Each movement of the constellation brought them closer to the anticipated destination. Upon entering Jerusalem, the wise men sought an audience with King Herod. It appears these men presumed Herod would be worshipping the promised King, so they inquired, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2). Instead of finding celebration, they were met with Herod’s ignorance and the Jewish priests’ disregard for the prophecies of the Lord. Herod sent for all of the chief priests and teachers of the Law to explain to him where the Christ was to be born. “In Bethlehem, in Judea,” they replied. The long journey to the promised King and Savior was almost complete. Leaving Herod, the caravan continued on. The star once again rose before them and finally rested above the home where the Christ child and His family were staying. The royalty of all creation—of all eternity—was about to be found in a humble dwelling. And there they would worship Him. All of life is a journey of faith. Parenthood, especially, requires our faith and trust as we follow God on a journey that we have never gone on before. Yet, God will be faithful to lead. He will speak to us through His Spirit in various ways. Just as He gave the wise men a star to lead the way, His guidance is there and He promises to direct us, but we must stay connected to Him to see these things. As we follow Him in obedience and worship, may we experience Jesus and the fullness of His love for us. May the fullness we have received overflow into the lives of our children as they journey with us.
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(for parents & kids) Sometime this week, read through the biblical account of the magi following the star in Matthew 2:1–2 and 2:9–11. After reading the passage, think of a question that reviews what you just read such as, “Why did the wise men travel such a long way?” Before you begin to read, gather together as a family and pray God would help each of you to worship Him in new ways during this time. Just for fun, bundle up your family and head outside to gaze at the stars in the night sky as you read. Simply look up at the night sky and take in the wonder of a God who created all of the stars in the universe. Ask your children to imagine following just one of these stars on a very long journey, just like the wise men did. When you are finished, tell your children that what they just heard is a part of The Big God Story in the Bible and they will hear it in church. Ask your children to share with you their thoughts and questions about what they just heard. End your time by thanking God for always leading us to Him, and ask Him to continue to show your family how to best worship Jesus this season.
© 2010 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.