2.3

Inspire (for parents)

I’ll never forget the day we brought our son home from the hospital, so tiny and new and perfect. We carefully snapped each brand-new lock on his car seat and watched as every car on the road seemed to be driving in slow motion. I remember placing him in his crib, thinking of all the nights I’d spent standing over that crib with my hand on my pregnant belly, praying for our boy. It was a dreamy, precious time in our home. And it wasn’t long before the overwhelming reality that my husband and I are responsible for this child’s well-being began to set in. More than once we’d look at each other and wonder how we were going to know what to do and how exactly do we “be” parents.

Raising our son can sometimes feel like we’re on an episode of a survival reality television show: Parent Edition … dropped in the middle of the wilderness with only a diaper, a pair of socks, and some duct tape. How many times have you wondered, “Okay, tiny person, now where is your instruction manual?” However, I am thankful that we are surrounded by a community of believers who have gone before us and are willing

to share their experiences with us.

This is what I’m learning about the way God interacts with us as parents: He gives us what we need in order to take the next step of faith. Once we move forward in obedience He shows us the next right step, and then the next. He is leading us to something beautiful and amazing—a deeper experience of life with Jesus and another reason to worship Him. With our son, we are learning to trust our instincts, to listen to the Spirit, and to follow where God asks us to go.

by Sarah Carter

Equip (for parents)

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’ … The shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about’” (Luke 2:8–15).

God again chooses an angel, now to announce the arrival on earth of The Promise. This angel appears to the lowest segment of society in that time—shepherds. A great company of heavenly beings spills out of heaven and fills the skies of earth. The great divide is bridged. Heaven and earth join together to celebrate this moment in time that both angels and man had anticipated for so long. Some Bible versions refer to the heavenly hosts as the heavenly army. This is a strategic moment in God’s plan to redeem man and all of creation. This is the beginning of a battle that will be won; this is heaven saying “Charge!”

This faith community of shepherds responds to the presence of God’s glory and the message of hope fulfilled. From their heavenly encounter they hunger for more—they want to see Jesus personally. Once they do, they spontaneously act to proclaim the coming of The Promise.

Support (for parents & kids)

Sometime this week, read with your child the biblical account of the angels proclaiming Christ’s birth in Luke 2:8–20. Before you begin reading, pray together as a family and thank God for the amazing gift of His Son, Jesus. Then think of a question that reviews what you just read, such as, “What did the angels say when they appeared to the shepherds?”

Just for fun, try gathering around your Christmas tree to read this passage (if you do not have a tree, try turning the lights down and lighting some candles). Explain to your children that it must have been an amazing sight to see so many angels praising God. Next, lead your family in singing the carol “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (you may want to search the Internet for the lyrics or download the song).

When you’re finished, share with your children that what they just heard is a part of The Big God Story in the Bible, and they’ll hear it in church. Ask your children to share with you their thoughts and questions about what they just heard. Close your time by praying and thanking God for sending His Son, and thank Him for the opportunity you have to join in celebrating the amazing birth of Jesus.

© 2010 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with roCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.

PRESCHOOL &KINDERGARTENKIDS & FAMILIES

I am thankful that we are surrounded by a community of believers who have gone before us and are willing to share their experiences with us.

Getting StartedScripture: Luke 2:8–20

Main Point: God Shows Us The Promise

(Angels Proclaim Christ’s Birth)

This resource is designed to allow your family to

have time in God’s Word before your children

attend church. Because God’s plan is for parents

to be the spiritual nurturers of their children’s faith,

we know that as you grow spiritually, your children

will grow spiritually as well.

REMEMBER vERsE

“Cheer each other

up with the hope you have. “

1 Thess. 5:11 (NIrV)

date

2.3

Inspire (for parents)

I’ll never forget the day we brought our son home from the hospital, so tiny and new and perfect. We carefully snapped each brand-new lock on his car seat and watched as every car on the road seemed to be driving in slow motion. I remember placing him in his crib, thinking of all the nights I’d spent standing over that crib with my hand on my pregnant belly, praying for our boy. It was a dreamy, precious time in our home. And it wasn’t long before the overwhelming reality that my husband and I are responsible for this child’s well-being began to set in. More than once we’d look at each other and wonder how we were going to know what to do and how exactly do we “be” parents.

Raising our son can sometimes feel like we’re on an episode of a survival reality television show: Parent Edition … dropped in the middle of the wilderness with only a diaper, a pair of socks, and some duct tape. How many times have you wondered, “Okay, tiny person, now where is your instruction manual?” However, I am thankful that we are surrounded by a community of believers who have gone before us and are willing

to share their experiences with us.

This is what I’m learning about the way God interacts with us as parents: He gives us what we need in order to take the next step of faith. Once we move forward in obedience He shows us the next right step, and then the next. He is leading us to something beautiful and amazing—a deeper experience of life with Jesus and another reason to worship Him. With our son, we are learning to trust our instincts, to listen to the Spirit, and to follow where God asks us to go.

by Sarah Carter

Equip (for parents)

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’ … The shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about’” (Luke 2:8–15).

God again chooses an angel, now to announce the arrival on earth of The Promise. This angel appears to the lowest segment of society in that time—shepherds. A great company of heavenly beings spills out of heaven and fills the skies of earth. The great divide is bridged. Heaven and earth join together to celebrate this moment in time that both angels and man had anticipated for so long. Some Bible versions refer to the heavenly hosts as the heavenly army. This is a strategic moment in God’s plan to redeem man and all of creation. This is the beginning of a battle that will be won; this is heaven saying “Charge!”

This faith community of shepherds responds to the presence of God’s glory and the message of hope fulfilled. From their heavenly encounter they hunger for more—they want to see Jesus personally. Once they do, they spontaneously act to proclaim the coming of The Promise.

Support (for parents & kids)

Sometime this week, read with your child the biblical account of the angels proclaiming Christ’s birth in Luke 2:8–20. Before you begin reading, pray together as a family and thank God for the amazing gift of His Son, Jesus. Then think of a question that reviews what you just read, such as, “What did the angels say when they appeared to the shepherds?”

Just for fun, try gathering around your Christmas tree to read this passage (if you do not have a tree, try turning the lights down and lighting some candles). Explain to your children that it must have been an amazing sight to see so many angels praising God. Next, lead your family in singing the carol “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (you may want to search the Internet for the lyrics or download the song).

When you’re finished, share with your children that what they just heard is a part of The Big God Story in the Bible, and they’ll hear it in church. Ask your children to share with you their thoughts and questions about what they just heard. Close your time by praying and thanking God for sending His Son, and thank Him for the opportunity you have to join in celebrating the amazing birth of Jesus.

© 2010 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with roCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.

PRESCHOOL &KINDERGARTENKIDS & FAMILIES

I am thankful that we are surrounded by a community of believers who have gone before us and are willing to share their experiences with us.

Getting StartedScripture: Luke 2:8–20

Main Point: God Shows Us The Promise

(Angels Proclaim Christ’s Birth)

This resource is designed to allow your family to

have time in God’s Word before your children

attend church. Because God’s plan is for parents

to be the spiritual nurturers of their children’s faith,

we know that as you grow spiritually, your children

will grow spiritually as well.

REMEMBER vERsE

“Cheer each other

up with the hope you have. “

1 Thess. 5:11 (NIrV)

date