12.7 Family Experience Resources

Christmas Vacation - Week 1

Grab your sandals, sunblock, and swim gear because it’s time for a Christmas Vacation! We’ll be making sand angels and roasting chestnuts around an open bonfire on our tropical getaway. You’ve never experienced Christmas like this! In this five-week series, our families will focus on the birth of Jesus and the way God had been planning things from the very beginning. We’ll see how God sent Jesus for a reason, learn to trust God’s timing, and see how Jesus is why we celebrate because Jesus is God’s gift to the world.


BIG IDEA: God sent Jesus for a reason.

BIBLE: John 1:1–17; Psalm 80:1–7

 

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world." John 1:9 (NIV) 

 

Toddler Twist: "Jesus brings light to the world! John 1:9

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

 

SONG: Celebrate and Light of the World

 

DISCIPLE: 

Give each family member a piece of black construction paper and a white crayon. Have them try to draw a light source (sun, light bulb, candle) with their eyes closed. On the back side, have them try it with their eyes open.

 

Say: Wasn’t it so much easier to draw with “the lights on?” Following God isn’t easy as it is, but doing it without Jesus is like drawing with the lights out. Having Jesus makes all the difference! God sent Jesus for a reason.

 

Read or paraphrase John 1:1-17 together and pray.

 

Pray: "God, thank you for sending Jesus as the savior we so badly needed and still need today. Help us to step out of the darkness and draw closer to your light. Help this Christmas season to be different so that we can show others how much you love this world. Amen"

 

PARENT DEVOTIONAL