A Merry and Bright Adventure for Christmasنموونە

Following Jesus

Stars appear everywhere during Advent—from the tops of our Christmas trees to our cookie cutters. Can you see any stars in your house? How about outside your house? Why do you think stars are important?

In the story of Christmas, the star is significant because it guided the magi or wise men to Bethlehem when Jesus was born. It led them on a long journey to find Him.

Just like the bright, shining star that led the magi, Jesus promises to lead and guide us as we trust and follow Him. The Bible teaches us that God not only knows exactly how many stars are in the sky, but He actually gives them names. Do you think you could count all the stars in the sky and remember all their names? I couldn’t! Isn’t God amazing?!

Did you know that you are far more precious to God than even the stars? He created only one of you in the whole wide world. God knows your name too, and if you will choose to follow Him all the days of your life, Jesus will never lead you the wrong way.

Family Discussion Questions

• Do you let the light of Jesus guide your life? In what ways?
• Is it hard or easy to follow Jesus? Why?
• How can you figure out what way Jesus wants you to go?
• Since we can’t follow a star in the sky like the magi, what tools has God given us so we can know His will for our lives?

Family Adventure: Following the Light of Jesus Flashlight Walk

Let’s practice following the light of Jesus. We are going to play follow the leader. (Either turn off all the lights inside or go outside at night. Have the leader shine a flashlight for everyone to follow.) Notice how easy or hard it is to follow the light when you are close to it or far from it. (Talk about how we want to stay close to Jesus by spending time with Him every day through prayer and reading the Bible. This makes it easier to follow Him.)

Prayer

Jesus, we trust in You and ask You to lead and guide us all the days of our lives, just like You led the magi. Amen.