Wana appA Merry and Bright Adventure for ChristmasChikamu
God Can Turns It All Around
Do you know the difference between sun and son? Sun means the star that shines outside during the day and is the center of our solar system. Son refers to a male child. Jesus is described as the Son of God and the Sun of Righteousness. Both the sun and the Son are essential for life.
Do you know why we celebrate Jesus’s birth on December 25 each year? Long ago, this day was spent celebrating the change of seasons in what was known as Sol Invictus or the Rebirth of the Unconquered Sun after the winter solstice. There was a Roman festival called Saturnalia in which people had a big feast and exchanged gifts.
But as God tends to do, He turned it all around. After the Roman Emperor Constantine gave his life to Jesus, he began changing things. By the year AD 336 (that’s a loooonnngg time ago), the Christian church in Rome started celebrating the Feast of the Nativity on December 25, and this replaced Saturnalia.
Isn’t it amazing how God turned that day around? Instead of worshiping idols, we now celebrate the birth of the unconquered Son of God! December 25 has become a day filled with light and love. It reminds us that there’s always a reason to hope.
Family Discussion Questions
- What does it mean to hope?
- Can you think of a story in the Bible in which God turned someone’s life around or a bad situation into a good one? (For example, the story of Joseph in Genesis 37–50.)
- Can you think of a time in your life when something seemed bad but turned out good?
- How can we have hope when life feels hard?
Family Adventure: Mess into a Message Abstract Art Project
Adults: Scribble or put a line or an X on a page and have kids turn your mess into a masterpiece. See what sort of art they can create from a mess and remind them that Jesus turns our messes into messages of hope for others.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for the hope You bring us. Help us to always remember that You promise to work everything out for our good. We need Your Holy Spirit to help us hold on to hope even when things are hard. Amen.
Rugwaro
Zvinechekuita neHurongwa uhu
With all the excitement of Christmastime, it can be hard for everyone to focus on the real reason for the season: the birth of Jesus Christ. Katie J. Trent offers a solution to the mad rush of Advent with this unique family devotional. You’ll grow in your relationship with Jesus—and each other—as you learn the history behind holiday traditions and discover Jesus in everyday moments.
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