Gods plan is for you to be the primary spiritual nurturers of your childs faith.
This resource is Reading Gods Word Together
designed to allow your family to share time in Gods Word before your child attends youth group.
At Home Weekly is meant to inspire you toward a deeper personal relationship with Jesus
Christ, equip you to be the primary person to present these biblical concepts to your child, and
support you as you connect and grow alongside your son or daughter.
WERE STARTING A NEW SERIES: ADVENT
The word advent means arrival, a coming into place, view, or being. At
Christmastime we celebrate Advent as we anticipate the arrival of Jesus Christ our
Savior. We remember the days when Israel waited for a Savior and we wait as
well, looking forward to the day when that Savior returns. This five-week series
focuses on the four traditional virtues of Adventhope, peace, joy, and lovethrough
the lens of the Christmas narrative. As you engage in meaningful discussions with
your family over the next four weeks, its our hope that youll develop a deeper faith, a
renewed awe, and a transformed heart.
WHERE WERE HEADED IN THIS SERIES
1. HOPE (Context for the Gospel)
The hope of the coming Messiah is what sustained Gods people prior to the
first coming of Jesusand hope of His return is what sustains us now. Hope
connects all of history. Well explore Jesus as the hope of the world.
2. PEACE (Luke 2:820)
The coming of Messiah brought peace to a suffering world. Jesus brings
spiritual peace in reconciling us back to God; internal peace by calming our
fears; external peace by teaching how to love others; and eternal peace by
promising a kingdom that will never end.
3. JOY (Luke 1:2656)
The angels announced good news that will cause great joy when Christ
was born. His coming helped define for us what joy truly is. Joy is much
more than Christmas parties, presents, and ornament-laden memories. True
joy is deeper, more satisfying, and long-lasting. Jesus is the definition of joy.
4. LOVE (Matthew 1:1825; John 3:16)
We sometimes mistake warm feelings or intimacy for love. But love is so
much more. The sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us in becoming a man
and then dying an undeserved death shows us what true love is all about.
5. REMEMBER AND CELEBRATE
INVITATION TO BE INTENTIONAL
During this series, we want to challenge your family to participate in some activities that
can deepen the faith of your child and your family.
2017 David C Cook. TruIdentity is developed in partnership with a national network of
family and student ministry leaders. All rights reserved. Reproducible for church use only.
As a family, commit Isaiah 9:67 to memory. Consider how your family might
celebrate learning this passage together.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his
shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting
Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will
be no end. He will reign on Davids throne and over his kingdom, establishing it
and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The
zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:67)
Advent Family Dinner Questions
Once a week at family dinner, explore some of the most meaningful aspects of
Advent. (See the next page for a list of questions you can cut out and place in a jar.)
Have your child pull out a question, and learn and grow together as you take turns
answering. You might have time for two or three questions per meal.
Make a Connection
Invite your childs leader(s) over to your house for dinner sometime in the course of
the series. Not only is this great chance to pour into someone who is loving your child,
it will also build the leaders relationship with your child. See that leader as your ally in
leading your child to love Jesus.
WHERE WERE HEADED NEXT TIME
HOPE (Context for the Gospel)
Focus: In this first week, were focusing on the story of hope throughout Gods grand
redemptive narrative and how people like you and me placed their hope in the
promise God made to send a Savior. These people experienced trials and hardships,
and what drove them on was hope. Their hope was founded on the promise of God,
Gods faithfulness in the past, and His personal relationship with His people. Because
their hope was founded in God alone, their hope wasnt in vain. Hoping in Jesus is a
hope that never disappoints.
BLESSING
Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of
Scripture, or words to encourage and guide.
(Childs name), may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust
in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
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ADVENT FAMILY DINNER QUESTIONS
If you could change one thing about how our family celebrates Christmas this year,
Whats more important than gifts during Christmas? what would it be?

Whats the most meaningful Christmas gift youve ever received?
Whats the best Christmas gift youve ever given someone else?
Whats your favorite ornament? Is there a story or meaning behind it?
Why do you think Jesus came to earth?
If you could give one gift to every child in the world for Christmas this year, what
would it be?
If you could start a new family Christmas tradition, what would it be?
Read Luke 1:2638. When the angel comes to Mary, everything in her life changes.
How has God changed your life?

If you could spend Christmas anywhere in the world, where would you choose? If you didnt have a Christmas tree, what else would you want to decorate?

How can you remember Christ more during the Christmas season?
What are the signs of Christmas that make you realize its coming soon?
What does hope mean?
Read Luke 1:4655. Mary is remembering and celebrating the great things God has
done for her. Name three great things that God has done for you.
Read Luke 2:114. Whats something new that stood out as you read the story of
Jesus birth?

How do you think Jesus brings hope? Read Luke 2:820. Describe what you think the shepherds might have been feeling
when they saw the angels when they saw Messiah.
What is peace?
If you could ask Mary and Joseph three questions, what would you ask?
How do you think Jesus brings peace?
What do you feel most hopeful for?
What is joy?
If a friend asked you to define Christmas, what would you say?
Whats the difference between joy and happiness?
How can you bring more peace to your family?
How do you think Jesus brings joy?
When was a time you felt the most joy?
Whats the difference between joy and hope?
Whats your favorite Christmas song and Christmas movie?
What does love mean?

When is a time you felt loved by your family?

How do you think Jesus brings love?

Whats your favorite Christmas tradition?

2017 David C Cook. TruIdentity is developed in partnership with a national network of

family and student ministry leaders. All rights reserved. Reproducible for church use only.
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