Heart Connex Parents Page - December 25-27, 2011 - Sharing the ...
Truth Flowing from One Generation to the Next—Through Strong Heart Connections
PA R ENTS PAGE December 25-27, 2011 Sharing the Story of Christmas—Bob Bunn, Ed.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a teenager goes first): When it’s your turn, say: I think you have changed for the better in some areas over the past year. One area where I have seen you mature is . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Luke 2:8-18. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these verses. Truth • Sharing the story of Jesus should be an important part of our Christmas celebrations. Untruths • The main thing about Christmas is giving and receiving gifts. • The Christian life is about my walk with God, not how I relate to others. • Even if I don’t share my faith, my friends will hear about Jesus somewhere. 3. Explore Scripture: Read Luke 2:8-18. Ask: Who are the main characters in this story? What is familiar about them? What do you see that you may not have noticed before? Explain that many shepherds were considered dishonest during Jesus’ time, and even those who had good reputations often were still seen as “second-class” citizens. Say: In this passage, you have the most glorious creatures imaginable sharing the message of Christmas with some of the most humble workers of that day. Note that the shepherds also showed obedience to God’s plan when they went to the manger, and they were excited to share their own experience with Jesus. 4. Think It Through: If possible, bring a “before and after” advertisement to the devotion and share it with the family. Encourage family members to describe some similar advertisements they have seen on television or in magazines and newspapers. Read Luke 2:8-18 again. Ask: How would you describe the shepherds at the beginning of the story? (Answer: They were minding their own business, then they were terrified.) How would describe them by the end of the story? (Answer: They were sharing the news about Jesus with everyone they encountered.) What made the difference in this “before and after” picture? Point out that the shepherds had an experience with Jesus. Say: When people have a true experience with Him, they can’t help but share the story with others. 5. Nail It Down: A teenager will lead this activity. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: May God bless us during this Christmas season and help us know Him even better during the year to come. Parent Tip: As the new year approaches, make a list of some milestones your teenagers may reach in 2012. This could include moving into middle school or high school, joining the youth group at church, getting a driver’s license, a first date, or high school graduation. Identify significant ways your family can celebrate these milestone events and use them as spiritual markers in your teenagers’ lives. Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
PA R ENTS PAGE December 25-27, 2011 Sharing the Story of Christmas—Bob Bunn, Ed.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a teenager goes first): When it’s your turn, say: I think you have changed for the better in some areas over the past year. One area where I have seen you mature is . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Luke 2:8-18. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these verses. Truth • Sharing the story of Jesus should be an important part of our Christmas celebrations. Untruths • The main thing about Christmas is giving and receiving gifts. • The Christian life is about my walk with God, not how I relate to others. • Even if I don’t share my faith, my friends will hear about Jesus somewhere. 3. Explore Scripture: Read Luke 2:8-18. Ask: Who are the main characters in this story? What is familiar about them? What do you see that you may not have noticed before? Explain that many shepherds were considered dishonest during Jesus’ time, and even those who had good reputations often were still seen as “second-class” citizens. Say: In this passage, you have the most glorious creatures imaginable sharing the message of Christmas with some of the most humble workers of that day. Note that the shepherds also showed obedience to God’s plan when they went to the manger, and they were excited to share their own experience with Jesus. 4. Think It Through: If possible, bring a “before and after” advertisement to the devotion and share it with the family. Encourage family members to describe some similar advertisements they have seen on television or in magazines and newspapers. Read Luke 2:8-18 again. Ask: How would you describe the shepherds at the beginning of the story? (Answer: They were minding their own business, then they were terrified.) How would describe them by the end of the story? (Answer: They were sharing the news about Jesus with everyone they encountered.) What made the difference in this “before and after” picture? Point out that the shepherds had an experience with Jesus. Say: When people have a true experience with Him, they can’t help but share the story with others. 5. Nail It Down: A teenager will lead this activity. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: May God bless us during this Christmas season and help us know Him even better during the year to come. Parent Tip: As the new year approaches, make a list of some milestones your teenagers may reach in 2012. This could include moving into middle school or high school, joining the youth group at church, getting a driver’s license, a first date, or high school graduation. Identify significant ways your family can celebrate these milestone events and use them as spiritual markers in your teenagers’ lives. Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
