For Mom & Dad:
“Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.  A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God’s grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace. Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire person to Him as Lord and Saviour.  B. Justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with God.” – Baptist Faith and Message, Part IV A&B

Justification is experienced by faith through grace as Christ’s righteousness is imputed (seen as belonging to) to us.  In turn, our unrighteousness is imputed to Christ who took the punishment for that sin on the cross.

Read Together:  John 3:16-17; Romans 3:23-25; Romans 5:10; Romans 10:9-10; 2 Corinthians 5:17

Big Idea for Kids:  I am a sinner and my sin breaks my friendship with God.  If I place my faith and trust in Jesus Christ my friendship with God is repaired.  Jesus takes my sinful heart and gives me his clean heart. Jesus makes me new.

Learning Question:  Who has never sinned?  What did Jesus do for you?  How can your friendship with God be repaired?

Activity Link:
http://ministry-to-children.com/covered-by-christ-coloring-pages/

“To Do” Today:  Spend some time sharing with your child your story of trusting Christ.  Emphasize your recognizing that you were a sinner, your placing trust/faith in Jesus, and how Jesus made you a new creation (how He changed you).

Pray Together: Thank God for providing salvation for all people who would have faith in Christ.  Ask God to help your child understand the Gospel as they hear it at church and at home.

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.