BIg Idea: We are called to be God's big family together.

Bible Passage: Luke 15:3-7, John:1-4

This week we talked about family. We learned that God calls himself our Father, and that all those who turn to trust God as Father and Jesus as Lord are called children of God. We are called 'brothers and sisters' in the family of God and called to love and serve one another as Jesus has loved and served us.

We talked about the story of the Lost Sheep, and how the Shepherd left the 99 to seek out and rescue the one sheep he loved. He carried the sheep all the way home, and when the lost sheep was home, they celebrated with a party. We talked about for those who put their trust in Jesus, it is like 'coming home' to the family of God. We belong to Him, and are safe with Him, and can trust God for all we need. 

Jesus also describes heaven like a house, or a big party, and that one day, all those who trust Him will be with Him to celebrate His victory forever. There is a seat at the party-table of heaven for all the children of God! We then challenged kids to think about who else they could invite to the party. We asked kids to think about someone they could 'make room for at the table'. Making room at our table and helping others belong helps demonstrate the love of God for us.

Family Activity

Over next week or so, design an invitation to a Christmas activity you might do as a family. (Christmas light-looking, carols by candlelight, parades, a special family dinner, or our Christmas Day church service). Then pray and think together who God might be laying on the hearts of your kids, and make an invitation for them to come along with your family. Pray together that you would 'make room at the table' for these people, and that God would use your family to demonstrate His love and bring more people into His Big Family. 

See you next week!