The Parent Weekly for December 19th (Jesus is God's gift.)

What we learned today

Big Idea: Jesus is God's gift

Zechariah and the Angel. Luke 1v5–25, 57–80. An angel told Zechariah he would have a son.

Where we're headed next time

Big Idea: God's son brings peace

Birth of Jesus. Luke 2v1–20. Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

Did you know?

Share these facts to get the conversation started:

• Old Testament prophecies describe the Messiah as a Ruler who brings peace to Israel and the nations. 

• To the Romans, peace meant the subjugation of their enemies and the establishment of order.

• The word for peace in the Greek is eirene, which translates in Hebrew as shalom. In the Bible, peace refers to more than the lack of conflict; it encompasses the actions one undergoes to bring about restoration and wholeness. 

• This understanding of peace is completely different from the Pax Romana under Augustus at the time.

Connect as a family

As you drive around this week, point out different road signs to your kids. Ask what they think each sign means. Later, at home, gather your family and read Luke 2v1–20. Ask everyone to identify a sign from this portion of Scripture and share what this sign represented. Remind them of what the angels said to the shepherds: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace” (v. 14). Share with your kids that God’s Son brings us peace with God.

After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together:

• Why did Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem?

• Why did God send His Son?

• How can we respond to the good news of God’s Son bringing peace?

These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about God's Son brings peace into your everyday life as a family.

Blessing

Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide.

A blessing to pray over your child:(Child’s name), may you know God’s peace in your life. May you be encouraged to share the good news of His peace with others.