Look back: Look back over Hebrews 12:1-2 and remember because Christ is better and has secured our joy, we endure by laying aside sin and fixing our eyes on Jesus as we run the race set before us.

Look ahead: This coming Sunday, we will be in Hebrews 12:3-4. Read the passage during the week with your family. 

Ask: In what ways do you "consider" Jesus and his endurance? How is that helpful and encouraging for you?

Pray: Pray that you would endure in faith and resist sin and temptation.

Sing: Visit the blog for this week's music. You can also find our music playlists on Spotify.

SCRIPTURE GUIDE FOR MUSIC:

You can read some or all these passages in conjunction with the songs during family worship. You might consider doing one song per day, Monday-Friday.

All Praise to Him: Psalm 95:4, Psalm 147:4, Mark 10:45, 1 Timothy 2:6

All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name: Philippians 2:9-11, Revelation 5:12-13

Before the Throne of God Above: Isaiah 49:16, Romans 3:21-26, Colossians 3:3, Hebrews 6:19-20, 7:25

He Will Hold Me Fast: Isaiah 62:4, Zephaniah 3:17, John 6:39-40, 10:28-28, Romans 3:24-26, 8:38-39, 1 Cor. 15:22, Philippians 1:6, 1 Thess. 4:16-17, James 4:7, 1 Peter 1:18-19

Come to Jesus (Rest in Him): Matthew 11:28-30, John 10:14-18 James 5:11

Monthly Missions Focus: New York City

Catechize: New City Catechism #38

From January 4: 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: Everyone who believes in God will one day live with Him, be happy, and worship Him forever in heaven.
• Younger Preschool: God kept His promise and brought His people home. One day, God will bring all His people together to a new, perfect place where no one will cry anymore, and everyone will be happy and worship God forever.
• Older Preschool: God kept His promise and brought His people back to Jerusalem. One day, God will bring all His people together in a new, perfect place where no one will cry anymore, and everyone will worship Him forever.
• Kids: Just as God promised, He brought His people back from exile to Jerusalem. One day, God will bring all His people together—all who trust in Jesus to save them from sin. There will be no crying that day. The people will worship Him in the new heaven and new earth.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: How did God fix what sin broke? God sent Jesus.
• Older Preschool: How did God plan to fix what sin broke? God planned to send Jesus.
• Kids: How did God plan to fix what sin broke? Before He created the world, God planned to send the Messiah.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: This is our God. He saved us. Let’s rejoice and be glad! Isaiah 25:9
• Younger Preschool: This is our God. We waited, and He saved us. Isaiah 25:9
• Older Preschool: “Look, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he has saved us. Isaiah 25:9
• Kids: On that day it will be said, “Look, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he has saved us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him. Let’s rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” Isaiah 25:9

** Next week: Rebuilding the Temple (Ezra 4-6; Haggai 1-2)