For Mom & Dad:
Sanctification is an ongoing experience.  It begins when a person places their faith in Christ and “the believer is set apart to God’s purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person’s life.”- Baptist Faith and Message, Part IV C

The believer is designed to live in intimate, abiding relationship with God. This relationship is kept healthy and helped to grow through worship, Bible study, prayer, listening to God’s desires for you, serving Christ and others, and consistent commitment to following Christ.

Read Together:  John 15:1-17; Galatians 5:22-23

Big Idea for Kids:  God wants to grow me each day to be more like Jesus.  God wants me to have a close relationship with Jesus in which I talk to Him, listen to Him and study the Bible.

Learning Question:  What things can we do to help us grow closer to God?

Activity Link:
Find numerous, age-appropriate activities here—
http://www.littletaka.com/2010/07/26/christian-kids-activity-sheets-the-vine-and-the-branches/

“To Do” Today:  Make the time and the investment to buy a small plant today (Lowes has many tropical plants and vines inside this time of year).  Use it with your child to illustrate our gardener/vine/branch relationship with Jesus Christ and God the Father.  Let it be their responsibility to water and feed it—using it as an on-going object lesson.

Pray Together:  Ask God to draw each family member closer to Him.  Help each child express what they want out of their relationship with God to Him.  Help your children to seek God’s help in their relationship with Him.

State Missionary Jerrod Brown serves Alabama Baptists as a Baptist Campus Minister at the University of South Alabama. He may be contacted at [email protected]. 

Editor’s note:
December 13 through December 24 we will post a daily guide that you can use with your family to help reclaim the Christmas season.