Game Changers: Devotions for Families Who Play Different (Age 8-12)نموونە

God With Us

Ready: Matthew 1:18–25

Set:

The birth of Jesus is the most exciting birth announcement of all time! The Jewish people had been waiting thousands of years for the Messiah, the chosen deliverer, to come and help their people. When Jesus was born, the Jewish people were under the reign of the Romans, who were harsh. But not only did Jesus come to earth as the Messiah for the Jewish people, but also to be the Savior of the whole world. We learned earlier about Adam and Eve and the consequences of their actions. Because sin entered the world, humans lost that close personal relationship we’re made to have with God. There is absolutely nothing any person can do to totally defeat their sin and earn their way back into a close relationship with God. We need help. We need saving. We need a savior. That’s why Jesus came. That’s why we have Christmas!

Let’s look even closer at one verse. Matthew 1:22-23 says, “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’” (which means “God with us”). Immanuel. God with us. What an amazing name for our Savior. When we know Jesus, when we follow Him, we are never left on our own to face any challenge.

There may be times when you feel unseen or unknown. But you are not. God is real and He loves you. God loves you so much that He sent his son, Jesus, to be with us and take the punishment for our sin by dying on the cross. Because he did that, we can be close to God.

Even when we follow Jesus, there will be hard days and huge challenges. But we never have to face any of them alone. God has promised never to leave or forsake us; we know we can always count on Him to help, strengthen, guide, and comfort us. No matter what.

Go:

1. When is a time you have felt as if no one noticed you or cared about something you were going through? How does knowing God sees you and loves you help during those times?
2. How does it feel to know that God knows you and came to be with you?
3. How can it help your attitude and actions to consistently follow the God who came to be with you and promises to never leave or forsake His people?

Workout:

John 3:16; Zephaniah 3:17; 1 John 3:1

Overtime:

“Thank You, Lord, for the gift of Jesus. Thank You that You sent Him into the world so that I can have a relationship with You. Thank You that You see me and know me, even I don’t feel it. You are awesome! In Jesus’s name, amen.”