Advent

Family Equipping Guide

Weekly Advent Readings & Activities

Week 1:

The first announcement of the gospel came after the fall. God promised victory over the enemy to come through Eve’s offspring. This Savior would take on flesh and destroy the power of sin and death forever. He was promised to come from the tribe of Judah as the root of Jessie and descendent of David. Prophecy said the Messiah would be born of a virgin in Bethlehem.

Scripture Readings: Genesis 3:15, Hebrews 2:14-15, Genesis 49:10, Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2-5a, Matthew 1:1-16

Family Advent Activity:

Prophecies Fulfilled – Galatians 4:4: “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son”…

As a family, talk about things that go together or complement each other.  For example, a crayon and paper. Then read the following pairs of Scripture:
– Isaiah 7:14 and Luke 1:26-38
– Micah 5:2 and Matthew 2:1

Define Prophecy for your kids (a prophecy is God’s promise of what is to come).  Talk about how the pairs of Scripture complement each other and show how Prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus was born.

Week 2:

Jesus’ birth was foretold to Mary and Joseph. This child conceived of the Holy Spirit would save God’s people from their sins. Jesus’ birth fulfilled all that had been promised before. Christ our Savior was born.

Scripture Readings: Luke 1:26-38, Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-7, Luke 9:6-7

Family Advent Activity:

The Incarnation – Galatians 4:4: “born of a woman”…

We have a great need for a Savior.  Because of this, Jesus had to be born as a man on earth and ultimately die for our sins.  God knew we were broken (lost in sin) and sent His son, Jesus to fix our brokenness.

Grab a cookie for each family member and place it on your forehead.  Without using your hands, shimmy the cookie down and bite it first before it drops and breaks!

Week 3:

The birth of our Savior was first announced to shepherds and later make known to wise men from the east. The magi gave Jesus gifts, the angels praised the Lord in song, and the shepherds went on glorifying God for all they had seen and heard. The overflowing response to the Word becoming flesh is worship.

Scripture Readings: Luke 2:8-21, Matthew 2:1-12, John 1:14, Luke 2:25-38

Family Advent Activity:

Redemption – Galatians 4:4c,5a: “Born under the law to redeem those who were under the law”

The gift of Jesus is redemption from our sins! The long-awaited Savior brought worship from shepherds, magi and angels in many forms!  The magi gave gifts, the angels sang sons and the shepherds told others what they had seen and heard.

As a family, choose a way to worship the birth of Jesus by giving gifts to neighbors, singing a Christmas Worship song or sharing the Christmas Story with others.

Week 4:

Christ was born of woman and under the law to redeem us. He was circumcised on the eighth day, according to law, and from His birth in the manger to His death on the cross, Jesus perfectly obeyed all that it commands. He did what we could not, and redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. He who knew no sin, became sin for us, that we might find our righteousness in Him. Truly, Jesus became poor that we might become rich in Him through receiving our adoption as sons and daughters.

Scripture Readings: Galatians 4:4-5, Luke 2:22-24, Galatians 3:13, 2nd Corinthians 5:21, 2nd Corinthians 8:9

Family Advent Activity:

Adoption – Galatians 4:5b: “so that we might receive adoption as sons”…

Because of Jesus Christ coming in the flesh, and redeeming us from our sins, we can be adopted into the Family of God.  Through this adoption as sons and daughters, we are coheirs with Jesus.

Adoption is the act of taking something on as your own. Jesus was born, lived and died on the cross so that we could experience all God has for us.

Parents, share with your kids your salvation story.  What does it mean for you to be an adopted son or daughter of God?

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