This weekend we continued teaching the kids about the real reason for Christmas. We taught them that God is a great big God, and that God loves us with a great big love. We shared with the kids the biblical account of how the angel brought the good news of Jesus to Mary. We also showed them ways to celebrate the good news about Jesus.

We begin this quarter with some good news! We as Christians believe that God sent hope to all people through the birth of Jesus. Prior to the scene described in today’s Bible passage, the angel Gabriel visited a priest named Zechariah during his time of temple duty and announced that Zechariah’s wife Elizabeth would have a son. Now, in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Gabriel visits Mary and announces that she, too, will have a child. Try to read the story forgetting that you know the ending. Imagine the thoughts and emotions that Mary must have experienced during those initial minutes with Gabriel, as she felt the first flutterings of her unborn child. Reflect on Mary telling Joseph about her experience with Gabriel. Consider how she may have told her family. At this point in our Bible story, Joseph and Mary are engaged, or betrothed. Betrothal was a commitment as binding as marriage. Like a divorce, it could only be broken by a legal transaction made with sufficient grounds, such as adultery. Once pregnant, Mary may have been perceived as an adulteress and, as such, subject to stoning (Deuteronomy 22:23-27). Read Matthew’s account of this story in which Joseph “planned to dismiss her quietly,” but didn’t (Matthew 1:19). This shows us Joseph’s strength and faith.

This week as you interact with your children remind them that God doesn’t just use angels to send us messages, remind them that God’s messengers come to us today through various forms. They are often ordinary, everyday people and occurrences. They are often initially unrecognizable or hidden. But when they are recognized, they are extraordinary and powerful. Think of people who have appeared in your life and have helped you hear God’s voice or feel God’s touch. Share a story with your children. When we least expect it, perhaps when we most need it, we will experience God’s good news that Jesus is the Savior God promised to send to all people. That assurance brings hope. That assurance also brings faith that “nothing will be impossible with God.”

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11