Freeze! Family Advent Devo: Monday, December 16

Gather: Around the Advent wreath and bring your nativity nearby. Light two purple candles and one pink candle. Remember that these are the candles of hope, peace and joy.

Read:  Luke 1:2-30 -- In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to Mary. Upon entering her home, Gabriel greeted her:Good morning! You’re beautiful with God’s beauty, Beautiful inside and out! God be with you.She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.

Do Together: Put the Angel above the stable. Remember that angels are messengers who bring good news to people. Write a letter to someone who needs to hear good news. You can even include cookies or another treat!

Think about:  In the city of Nazareth there lived a young woman who was faithful to God. Her name was Mary. One day God sent an angel to Mary, to tell her that she would have a special baby. Her baby would be called the Son of God, and he would be a great king whose kingdom would last forever. Do you know who her baby was going to be? God had chosen Mary to be the mother of Jesus! Even though it was so incredible, Mary believed what the angel said. She sang praises to God for making her the mother of Jesus and keeping the promises to his people.

Pray Together: Dear God, Thank you for sending Jesus at just the right time. We praise you because you use humble, ordinary people in your plan. Help us to believe your word like Mary did. Amen.