“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give HIs life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 NIV)
Since our sons, Trent and Troy, were little, we’ve gathered as a family for regular devotional times throughout the Christmas season.
Some years, that’s been daunting, but as the boys have grown older, it’s become easier for all of us to keep focused. Then on Christmas morning, we rise with the sun, open gifts and enjoy a breakfast feast of red and green pancakes. Traditions are an integral part of our family, but we’re always eager to refresh our perspective on Christmas.
Through all the ups and downs of this past year, I’m reminded of the true reason behind the season — not the colorful presents and pancakes, but the story of the newborn King. The birth of Jesus is the gift that gives meaning to all gifts, and I want our boys to have a genuine understanding of the mighty Savior who arrived as a baby and was laid in a manger. I want them to truly know Jesus and His role in our lives.
As a father, I’m pleased to present Focus on the Family’s 2024 Advent calendar, a practical, convenient way to journey through the season with your children. The pages of our calendar are filled with faith-based activities that will help your children develop a deeper understanding of the identity of Jesus. He is the Word, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Lamb of God! You can get the calendar here.
As you and your children study the Scriptures and enjoy the activities, I hope you will gain a new understanding of Jesus and of that silent night in Bethlehem.
Jim Daly is an author and broadcaster, president of Focus on the Family and host of its daily radio broadcast, which is heard by more than 6.6 million listeners a week and has been honored as Program of the Year by the National Religious Broadcasters.
Under his leadership, the ministry has reinvigorated its traditional focus on helping couples build strong marriages and raise healthy, resilient kids. In just the last 12 months, with the help of Focus on the Family, 610,000 couples have built stronger marriages and 697,000 moms and dads built stronger, healthier, and more God-honoring families.
Daly and his wife, Jean, have two sons and live in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Read More About:
To answer the question: Why does God allow suffering?, you and your children will need some logic, communication, and patience, as well as an understanding of God’s wisdom and the Bible.
The most significant action we can take to further the pro-life movement is to cover our nation, and one another, in pro-life prayer.
Why would a Christian choose the abortion clinic over the church? Many women believe church members are more likely to gossip about a woman considering an abortion than to help her understand her options.
