Family Advent: Week 2 - The Servant
Bible Verse
“The Lord has blessed you because you believed that he will keep his promise.” (CEV) Luke 1:45
Isaiah 9:6
A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. (CEV)
The four weeks leading up to Christmas are a special time for God's people. This time of year is called Advent. In this month’s devotion and parent blog series, we’ll address The Promise of God to His People, The Servant of God, The Baby Sent by God, and The Blessing from God, which all bring the message of love the season brings. In this second week, your family can use the activities to discuss The Servant of God.
We want our children to give back to their community and the world around them and have a good attitude about it. Service is just as much about how we serve as the service given. When discussing service with your children, remember to emphasize that we serve God as we help others.
To teach your children about a servant’s heart this week, here are some ideas to think about:
Follow the leader. As Christ's followers, Jesus is our most significant example of a servant and a servant's heart. He came into the world to serve it. In all that he did in his ministry, he had an attitude of love and a desire to represent God well. We can follow his example as we serve others. List some examples together of the different ways that Jesus acts as a servant.
- Read Scriptures. Take the time to investigate what the Bible says about service. Use the following scriptures for your family devotion time to help develop a servant's heart.
You may also wish to re-read this week's devotion from Luke 1:26-45. Highlight verse 45 and ask your children to share their thoughts on Mary's response to God's plan.
Look for areas in need. Set aside time to discuss some areas of family service opportunities. Is there a park near your home that could use trash cleanup? Maybe you have older persons in your neighborhood who could use assistance or a local organization seeking volunteer support. Guide your children to find a family service opportunity that interests them. The more passionate they are about the area of service, the more likely their heart for service will grow.
Get involved. Finally, get connected. Knowing a need is the first part, and being moved with compassion to do something is the second part. Taking the time and being willing to help someone else teaches our children not to be selfish.
Want to do a deep dive?
Faith Practices for Families: Serving Others—Explore how to create a plan and a space for acts of service in your family's weekly routines. Let this guide inspire and equip you to become God's hands and feet on earth.
Check out Family Fire’s article Parenting Lessons from Mary the Mother of Jesus.
Natasha Menifee
Natasha Menifee is an educator, writer and most importantly a child of God. She has taught in public schools for 12 years and holds two master's degrees from Georgetown College in Learning & Behavior Disorders and Teacher Leadership. Natasha also serves as the Christian Education Director at her church. She is the proud mother of two daughters. For more information about her, visit www.natashamenifee.com.
