Advent is the few weeks leading up to Christmas designed by the early Church for celebration and anticipation of Christ’s birth. This Advent season, we’ll feature a special family devotion each week to help you seek God and focus your attention on him during this busy time of year.

“But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.” -Luke 2:10-11

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL: JOYFUL STOMACH

Someone once said that joy was the feeling of smiling in your tummy. Joy isn’t just a smile or something you feel when you hear a funny joke. Joy is a happy feeling that comes from inside of you. People who believe in Jesus experience true joy. Jesus gives joy. Joy is knowing that Jesus loves you and that you can always depend on Him. Jesus has always been and will always be the true source of JOY!

FAMILY ACTIVITY: JOYFUL PANCAKES

A fun favorite meal for families has always been “breakfast for dinner.” For dinner tonight prepare pancakes in the shape of the letters J, O, and Y. Don’t worry, they won’t be perfect! As your family enjoys their dinner, talk about things that make them happy. Remind them that earthly things might make them happy for a little while, but the joy we receive from Jesus will always last. (You can make the pancakes for breakfast too, if you want!)

CONNECTION QUESTIONS:

1. What are things that make you happy? What are things that make you joyful?

2. How do you think the shepherds felt when the angel told them about Jesus’ birth?

FAMILY DAILY READINGS: Luke 2:1-3 Luke 2:4-5 Luke 2:5-7 Romans 15:13 2 Corinthians 9:15 Psalm 29:11