Last Minute Advent Devotional – 1

December 14, 2020

For the Lord [Jesus] himself will come down from heaven. . ..Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.  I Thessalonians 4:16-17

Notes for adults and older children: 

The first four days of these devotionals remind us that Jesus is returning to earth, to eventually become the king and ruler of all. It is so easy for us to forget that promise and focus only on what is happening in our lives and in our world now. Keeping the bigger picture of eternity in mind helps us to put everything into perspective. If we really believed he is coming back and that all earthly conflict will be resolved, how would that change how we live today? 

Notes for young children: 

How do you feel when you are waiting for someone you really like to come to your house? How do you get ready for them to come?

Jesus came to live with people on the earth many years ago. We celebrate his birth on Christmas. Some day he will be coming back to earth and will be the King over all. Almost everybody looks forward to Christmas, when we celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Not as many people think about looking forward to when Jesus comes back again because they may not know how wonderful it will be to live together with Jesus forever. We can look forward to Jesus coming back and thank God that he loves us so much that he wants to be our king.

[If your children can understand the concept, you can discuss why you look forward to Christ’s return]

Prayer: 

Father, thank you for sending your son Jesus to earth to bring your message of love and forgiveness. Thank you that he is coming back to be the king over all people. Please help us to look forward to his coming and to be ready to see Jesus when he comes. 

Advent activities related to this devotional or scriptural theme:

1. For adults and older children: Read or sing “Joy to the World.” What parts of this song are referring to Christ’s second coming?

2. For families with young children:  Who are you looking forward to seeing this Christmas? When you think about seeing them, how do you feel?  Make a card with pictures [perhaps cut and pasted from magazines] telling them how much you love them and give it to them when they come. If you won’t be able to see them at Christmas (because of the pandemic or other reason) make a card for them, ask your parents to help write your thoughts down, then mail it to your special person before Christmas.