PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN KIDS & FAMILIES date
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This Jesus sighting was the topic of many conversations in their household that night. Inspire (for parents) “Mommy, Mommy, Jesus was at my school today!” four-year-old Ruby exclaimed as she hopped in the car after preschool. Ruby’s mother, my daughter, assured her that she was indeed correct; Jesus is always with us, even at school. “No, Mommy, no! He really was there today!” she insisted. Curious, my daughter decided to investigate, only to discover that Ruby’s “Jesus” was a man dressed as Jesus who visited each classroom and talked with the children.
demonstrations of His presence. When God sent His Son, He was not a mere man dressed in costume, but the holy and living God wrapped in flesh. God is always present, but in Jesus, God showed us Himself. In John 17:3, Jesus says, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” He chose to live with us so we could know Him. And when Jesus’ time on earth was complete, God decided to give us an even greater gift—His Spirit to live in us for all eternity. Jesus is Immanuel—God with us.
This Jesus sighting was the topic of many conversations in their household that night. It was by Debbie Guinn difficult but important to let Ruby know that the man she had seen and talked with at school was not actually Jesus; he was someone dressed up to represent Jesus. But it was also important to help Ruby grasp that the real Jesus also was with her—at thew 1:18–25 ) Scripture: Mat school, at home, everywhere she went. ts with Joseph (An Angel Mee As disappointed as Ruby was, these uel esus Is Imman ve Main Point: J conversations helped her begin to your family to ha signed to allow de nd is te at ce n ur re understand that God is with us even if so re ild This your ch Word before be the we cannot see Him. time in God’s for parents to is an pl ’s od G se , we au fa ec children’s ith church. B As adults, we’re not so unlike Ruby. rturers of their nu will al n tu re iri ild sp ch y primar tually, your We want to know God is with us in a you grow spiri as at th ow kn as well. tangible way. And God is pleased to grow spiritually answer that cry of our heart. Every day He gives us expressions of Himself—
ted Getting Star
Equip (for parents) Both gospel accounts that record the birth of Christ have unique ways of telling it. In Matthew and Luke, the genealogy of Christ is presented, but from different perspectives. Matthew lists the generations from King David and traces Jesus’ royal lineage through Joseph. Luke traces the bloodline from Adam to David, and his genealogy from Abraham to David is identical to Matthew’s account. Luke diverges from Matthew after David, tracing the lineage not through Solomon but another son of David, Nathan, to Heli, the father of Mary, Jesus’ mother. The significance is that the combined genealogies establish Jesus’ absolute right to the throne of David through the bloodline of Mary (Luke 3:23–38) and by title through Mary’s husband, Joseph. The genealogy of Jesus shows God’s hand orchestrating His divine plan of redemption, but names also play an important role throughout Scripture. They intentionally point to the character and role a person will play. There were several names given to the Lord before He came to earth as an infant. These include: Jesus, “Savior” (Jehovah is salvation); Christ, “Anointed” (the Greek equivalent to “Messiah”); and Immanuel, “God with us.” Each of these names defines His title, purpose, and identity. God came to earth and dwelt among men. He gave up His kingly rights to become a servant to all. He is the Messiah and the Savior of Israel and the world. He became God incarnate. The name Immanuel, God with us, was prophesied in Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Jesus’ names announced His arrival and His purpose: God Himself will save us from our sins. He is with us. He has come. Jesus is Immanuel.
REMEMBER VERSE
Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. 1 Corinthians 10:24
Support (for parents & kids) JUST FOR FUN this week, since this part of The Big God Story (Matthew 1:18–25) is about Joseph’s dream, pile the family into Mom and Dad’s bed. Snuggle in under the covers. Once everyone gets settled, read the passage in a hushed voice. Afterward, reconstruct the story by asking family members to recount what they heard. What happened first? What happened next? Then what happened? What was the last thing that happened? After you’ve hit all the meaningful parts, pray together and ask God to show you where He appears in the story. Then discuss together: Where is God in this part of The Big God Story? Where is God now? How do we know that God is with us? Talk about the fact that Jesus was called “God with us.” Whisper together His name several times, and take in the fact that He is present with you now and always. Pray for others who need to know that God is with them. When you’re finished, tell your children that what they just heard is part of The Big God Story in the Bible, and they’ll hear it in church this week. Close your time by praying and thanking God that He never leaves us alone and is always with us.
© 2011 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.