Advent: The Coming of Jesus ChristSample

DEVOTIONAL

We've been celebrating the Bethlehem candle, also known as the candle of FAITH. Mary had a lot happen to her life in a short time! Humans generally don't enjoy change, but Mary seemed to be able to embrace the unknown. I'm sure there were hard days for her. We all have days of doubt and anxiety. But Mary isn't known in the Gospels for her timidity and nervousness about the future; she's known as a woman of FAITH and courage in God's plan for her life. And she married an incredible man, Joseph, known for the same qualities.

Imagine if your friends and family all wrote a book about you. What would be the theme of your book?

Would it be filled with your fears? Maybe a lack of joy? OR would the pages of your book be filled with stories of adventure, courage, and trusting God like Mary and Joseph?

It's not too late to have God re-write your book! When we give Him control of our lives, He'll provide us with adventure. When we fix our eyes on Him, He'll give us His courage. He will provide us with FAITH to move mountains. Think about what the title of your life book would be today. Now, decide with Jesus what the title of your life book SHOULD BE from now on.

ACTIVITY

Are you up for a game?! It's time for "Christmas Catapult". You need the following for this game:

• Your phone to record the video
• Christmas music
• Plastic ornament balls
• A spoon (for each player)
• Leverage for your spoon catapult
• A container of some sort to catapult ornaments into (a cup or bowl works great)

Rules of the game: Who in your house can leverage your spoon catapult just right to make the ornament get into the container? Turn on that Christmas music and try catapulting from different distances. Maybe on the floor or on the table? Inside or outside? If there are two or more of you - you could even try putting the container on someone's head (be careful!). Get creative with your catapults and press record on your phone to capture all the fun!