Game Changers: Devotions for Families Who Play Different (Age 13-18)ਨਮੂਨਾ

The Birth That Changed the World

Ready: Matthew 1:18–24; Luke 1:26–38; 2:1–20

Set:

About 2000 years ago, the Son of God was born in a manger in Bethlehem. A young woman named Mary was engaged to a man named Joseph at the time, and an angel named Gabriel came to her and told her not to be afraid. He had a special message for her from God. She was going to give birth to God’s Son, and His name would be Jesus. When Mary told Joseph, it must have been hard to believe. He was hurt and confused. But an angel visited Joseph in a dream and told him that Mary was telling the truth. Mary would give birth to God’s Son, and He would save the people from their sins.

Eventually, Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem because an order from the Roman Emperor declared that all people must return to their hometowns, where a census would be taken of all citizens. When Mary and Joseph arrived, Mary was about to give birth. There were no rooms anywhere for them, so they were forced to stay with the animals in the stable of an inn owner. It wasn’t exactly a fancy hotel room . . . even a proper room. It was a borrowed space in a dirty stable. It was in this humble place that Jesus was born. Mary wrapped Him in scrap cloth, and they laid him in a manger (the trough that held the animal’s food). Guess who got to be the first people to see Jesus after He was born. You might think it would be kings or other powerful people. But it wasn’t. Angels were sent way out into sheep pastures where there were only shepherds. These shepherds weren’t powerful, rich, or famous. They were everyday people. And they were the first people invited to see Jesus.

Every single person is important to God. God chose Mary, a young girl from a town no one thought twice of. God chose Joseph, a carpenter, not a very prestigious way to make money. God chose shepherds, people often left out of society. So, it doesn’t matter if you’re a star player, a coach, a trainer, or a team manager. God loves every single person; and because of Jesus, we can have a personal relationship with Him.

Go:

1. What is the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ?
2. How would you have felt if you were Joseph and you found out that your fiancée was pregnant (by the Holy Spirit)? How would you feel if you were Mary and an angel visited you and told you that you were going to give birth to God’s son?
3. Why are the angel’s visits so important?
4. Why is it important that the shepherds were the first to hear about Jesus’ birth?
5. Why do you think God chooses people who appear unimportant to play such a big role?

Workout:

John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Overtime:

“Thank You, Lord, for sending Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for choosing ordinary people to do extraordinary things. You are amazing, and I am so grateful You created me. Open my eyes to see the beauty in everyone You have placed around me. In Your name, amen.”