Pray: Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.
From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord God, we want to trust you and in your plans, but sometimes we worry and feel uncertain. Help us to believe your Word, and to live each day in faith. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Listen: Pay close attention as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.
That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their sheep. All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord’s glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. You will know who he is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay.” (CEV)
Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.
Child: What do you typically do when you are frightened, like the shepherds were? How does this help you?
Child: What do you think the “brightness of the Lord’s glory” might have looked like? How might that have changed the night sky (especially in a time before electricity)?
Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.
Heavenly Father, please be with all those who work at night, like the shepherds in today’s story. Keep them safe, and help them stay awake to do their jobs well. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.
May you be filled with gladness, as the shepherds were! Amen.