Good News B5 Luke 2:22-40 Jesus Grew and Became Strong, Feast of the Holy Family, Children's Devotional, Children's Liturgy,

Cycle B

Good News B5

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Luke 2:22-40 Bible Gateway New International Version

Jesus grew and became strong.

Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple to consecrate him to God. It was amazing what they heard people say about their son. Simeon warned Mary that sadness would pierce her heart. We know that Jesus was crucified to save us from our sins. Anna said that all of Israel was waiting upon this child to redeem them. Just like you, people at the time of the birth of Jesus had been waiting for the birth of the Messiah. Simeon and Anna both knew from the scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. God rejoices when each new baby is born. Each baby is created in his image. You were created in God’s image. Look in the mirror. That twinkle in your eye and the curl in your hair takes after your heavenly father. God loves you very much. He will help you grow strong and show you favor while you are at home with your parents.

When you were baptized, you were presented to God as a gift. It is amazing every day of your life how miraculous and blessed life is. Life in all families is to be cherished. Not all families are the same. Some have a mother, father and children. Others have mothers and fathers living separate from the children. Sometimes grandparents and grandchildren form a family. Whatever your family is, God wants you to know that he loves each member of your family. Ask God to bless your family by letting you know what his will is. Then ask him for the wisdom to carry out his will. Remember that God loves you very much. He wants you to obey your parents in all that is not evil. He wants you to love and respect your mother, father, sister, and brother. He wants you to help your family in any way you can to keep your home a neat, fun place to be, and a place where God knows you love him. If your family is having problems of any kind, be sure and ask God to help show you how to solve the problem. If your parents are in search of a job, ask God to open the doors of opportunity for them.

It is good to make sure you make room for God in your family. Take time to pray together. Take time to read the scripture together. Read books together. Eat together. Play together. The more activities that you have to connect you to God and to each other, the stronger you will be. Make sure you take time to be quiet and listen to God. Ask God for help when you are afraid. He will help keep your family filled with love for him and for each other.

Say the “Our Father” and ask God to help you keep his spirit alive with your heart and the hearts of everyone in your family all year long.

“Our Father, who art in Heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Copyright © 2008 Joan Y. Edwards. www.joanyedwards.com/ All rights reserved.