Salvation is a Free Christmas Gift

December 6, 2020

Bible Readings

Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.

Acts 22:1-21

Memory Verse

Romans 10:13

All who call out to the Lord will be saved. (CEV)

written by Ron VandenBurg
illustrated by Chad Thompson

We are looking into the room and seeing all of the room. The living room is decorated for Christmas with candles, lights, and ornamental balls Christmas mood lighting. The family is in the living room. The presents are under the tree. The tree with lights is in the frame, but it’s not the focus. All the family is sitting in the living room. Brother is sitting in a chair. Dad and Mom are on the couch with Tori snuggling in.
But...Casey has her back to everyone and is looking out the window and looking up into the sky. The panel is focused on Mom. They are listening to Mom reading the Bible Luke 2:14, “ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying…”,

The panel is now focused on Casey. Casey takes over the verse. She’s still looking outside and up at the sky at a bright star. She says, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

We see everyone from behind. They are now all at the window looking up at a shining star in the sky. We see the star. Casey says, “At Christmas, God really did give us the best present ever.” Behind them and to the right, we see the focus of the panel is the black angel at the top of the Christmas tree glowing brightly, the tree shining with lights and glitter. There are lots of nicely wrapped presents around the tree.

Print Comic

Have you ever had a big problem that you couldn’t fix on your own? Maybe you got a bad grade in school or you messed up and caused a sibling to get hurt. Who helped you understand that what you had done was wrong? Maybe your teacher explained the right answers for the assignment, or your parents showed you how misbehavior can affect other people.

Paul made the worst choices and messed up in a huge way. In Acts 22, Paul tells his life story about how even though he used to put people who loved Jesus in jail, Jesus still saved him. Of course, you haven’t done the incredibly bad things Paul did, but no one- not Paul... not you...not me- can earn God's forgiveness. Just as Jesus had done for Paul, he helps us recognize our sin. It’s Jesus who can pay the price. Remember the Christmas story: God sent Jesus to pay for all the wrong that we’ve done.

So what do we do now? In thankfulness for God’s forgiveness and Jesus’ sacrifice, Christians are called to spread the good news about God’s mercy. Be patient with family and friends, and forgive those who cause trouble for you. By showing patience and forgiveness to others, you can help your family and friends celebrate a peaceful Christmas and focus on its true meaning: the birth of Jesus, God's merciful gift to the world.

Prayer

Dear Merciful God, thank you for sending Jesus as your gift to the world. Help me to remember to share the good news with others, and to be merciful just as you are merciful to me. Amen.

Related Resources

Liz and Friends

The Knights Before Christmas

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Heaven Came to Earth

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Christmas Coupon Book

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Kids Corner Christmas Card

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Know Your Bible Activity Book Christmas Part 4!

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Gifts of Kindness Advent Calendar and Devotionals

Abby Epplett

Abby Epplett works as a park ranger for the National Park Service at Big Thicket National Preserve in Texas. She recently earned a Master’s in Museum Education at Tufts University and is a member of Pleasant Street Christian Reformed Church in Whitinsville, MA.