December 17

Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and His apostles didn’t even have time to eat. Mark 6:31

The are days march on; we’re getting busier by the moment.  There are presents to be wrapped, dinners to cook, and programs to attend.  It seems you barely lay your head on the pillow and the alarm goes off.  And we start it all again. But Jesus is calling. Do you hear Him? “Come away with Me to a quiet place and rest.” He wants to give you sanctuary. As the days progress, be sure to spend time with Him daily. It’s hard to set that time aside, but you can’t afford to ignore Him. Your day will go better, for the time spent with Him will help you to see your responsibilities clearer. Time spent with Him will help you see your purpose for the day. Jesus knows you need the rest; He has provided time for you to rest with Him. Take Him up on that invitation even if it’s just a short time. You won’t be disappointed.

Jesus, thank You for asking me to spend some time with You today, not only today but also each day. Help me to choose to spend time with You. Amen.

Seventeenth-Day Activities

You need to remember that Jesus is the reason for the season and spend time with Him. Even if you can only carve out five or ten minutes to be in His Word and talk to Him, you will be blessed and refreshed. Remember: He made room for you on this earth. Can you make room for Him this day?

As Christmas is just a week away, maybe today you and your children can make some felt ornaments. There are many online sites that have patterns. Glue pieces of felt together to form stars, stockings, or anything your children would enjoy. They can decorate the ornaments with glue, sequins, and paints. You and your family could visit a nursing home or elderly care home and give them to the residents. 

Older children can research how Christmas is celebrated in other countries and share what they learn with the family during dinner. They could even put together a pictorial presentation to show what they have learned today.