“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 2018 Advent calendar, a practical, convenient way to journey through the season with your children. This year’s theme teaches the names of Jesus, and we’ll focus on how Scripture uses different names to describe the character and role of the Savior. 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!
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.
Once you sign up for the current calendar, you’ll be sent an email that contains a link to this Advent calendar on the final page of the download.
We want your marriage to be thriving and healthy. Take the free Marriage Assessment from Focus on the Family to learn how to strengthen your bond with your spouse and get the tools to help you need to grow closer together.
The Fruit of the Spirit Devotional is a free series of nine short videos to get you into God’s Word and inspire you to seek the Holy Spirit’s help in loving your spouse.
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.
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Make your own Advent wreath to celebrate the Christmas season and keep your focus on Jesus!
