Devotion Booklets for Seasons of the Church Year 2016 | Page 39

Monday—December 26th

God Made Flesh
John 1:1-5,14
Opening presents on Christmas has been a tradition in my family since before I was born. After
church we would come home and each take turns tearing the wrapping paper off of gifts we
found under the Christmas tree. With each gift we opened we tried our best to show our
thankfulness for every gift (good or bad). The day after Christmas was telling though. You
could which tell which gifts we liked the most by the ones that got the most attention the days
after Christmas. Occasionally there would be a gift that initially didn't look so interesting, but
once I started using it and paying attention to it I would discover it was more exciting than I
thought! The more I spent time playing and using those gifts the better I would understand the
full potential of them.
In John 1 we learn of a gift we can only begin understand. It's the gift we received on
Christmas- Jesus. Don't overlook that gift too quickly! There is more to it than the eye can see.
As we examine this gift we begin to see just how amazing and how great it is for us! John says
the Word (Jesus) was from the beginning! This child who was lying in a manger was around
before the creation of the world! The tender baby in Mary's arms we discover was God! Jesus
wasn't just another baby, he was the ruler and creator of the universe! Without him nothing
would be made! We wouldn't exist! And in that little baby was more than just physical life. In
him was eternal life. As God he would give that eternal life to us! The gift of Jesus was the gift
that saved us from death.
This is a passage of Scripture we can read over and over again. In doing so we discover just
how amazing it is that the child born of Mary is our almighty God and Redeemer. That's a gift
with everlasting benefits.
PRAYER:
Almighty Father, in your wisdom you sent your Son to become like us to redeem us from
death. Draw our eyes to your manger that we may see your glory and your love. Amen.
ACTIVITY:
Each family member pick one present and discuss everything it can do. Now talk about Jesus
(have a manger/baby Jesus handy) and everything that he has done for us. Emphasize the
contrast between earthly presents that last only a while and Jesus' gifts which last forever.
Or: Construct a "Names of Jesus" chain decoration. A reminder of who Jesus is. Found here
http://www.hsprintables.com/files/NOJAdventChain.pdf

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