DAY FOURTEEN (14 DEC 2020) - COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

by King's Cross Training December 14, 2020

“On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus…when the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem..”

Luke 2:21-23

Extra readings: Leviticus 12; John 1:1-14

We need to refer to Leviticus 12 to fully understand our reading for today. The events referred to in Luke 2:21-23 probably happened like this:

(a) the birth of Jesus

(b) on the 8th day the rite of circumcision and naming of the boy, Jesus. This would have occurred in the synagogue in Bethlehem.

(c) Then Mary and Joseph had to wait for 33 days after the naming rite before presenting Jesus to the priests in Jerusalem on the 34th day. That would make it the 42nd day after birth.

Although this baby was treated like any other baby boy born to a believing Jewish couple, he was far from an ordinary child. This birth narrative is further expounded in John 1: 1-14 - “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God” and “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us”. Jesus is none other than the ‘living word’ revealed from within the ‘written word’. His birth was meticulously planned by God: his earthly ‘father’, his earthly mother, the time of his birth and the place of his birth. There are no coincidences in the Kingdom of God.

This Christmas remember again that “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son..” Jesus is a living love-letter from God. Addressed to you.

Prayer

Our Father, as we remember the choice that Jesus, the Son of God, made in coming to Earth; help us to receive this great gift of everlasting life anew.

Here’s a guide on how to do this devotional with your family:

1. Prepare by selecting some word games to play with the kids. Here are some ideas

word games

2. Begin by having fun playing some word games together.

3. Talk about how we use words to communicate reality, ideas, truth and especially our feelings and emotions. What are some of the ways in which we use words as gifts?

4. Give each child a turn to give the others the ‘gift’ of some kind and encouraging words. What is the greatest gift we can give each other? Hint: I xxxx you!

5. Explain how Jesus is the Word of God made flesh..a love letter from God.

6. Finish by praying and blessing each child, then allow them to open their Day 14 Advent Calendar