Family Devotion
Centering on Bible characters is a meaningful way to engage children in learning about faith while reinforcing key lessons through activities.
By incorporating storytelling, discussion, and hands-on activities, families can create a nurturing environment where faith is explored and practiced together.
By incorporating storytelling, discussion, and hands-on activities, families can create a nurturing environment where faith is explored and practiced together.
The Ethiopian
Acts 8:26-40
The Ethiopian in the Bible is an important eunuch and treasurer of the Kandake, the queen of the Ethiopians, who had gone to Jerusalem to worship and was reading the Book of Isaiah while returning home. Philip, directed by an angel, met the Ethiopian on a desert road and explained the Scriptures to him, leading to the Ethiopian's belief in Jesus and his baptism. After being baptized, the Ethiopian went on his way rejoicing.
Joseph
Luke 2:27,33, 48; 4:22
Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, was a humble carpenter from Nazareth and a descendant of King David. He was betrothed to Mary, who conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit, and Joseph obediently took Mary as his wife after an angel reassured him of the divine nature of the child. Joseph played a protective role, fleeing with Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape King Herod's massacre, and is considered the earthly, adoptive father of Jesus, exemplifying faithful obedience to God's commands.
Lydia
Acts 16
Lydia is recognized in the Bible as the first documented European convert to Christianity. She was a successful businesswoman from Thyatira who sold purple cloth, a luxurious and expensive dye at the time. Lydia lived in Philippi, Greece, where she heard the Apostle Paul’s preaching, accepted the gospel, was baptized along with her household, and then opened her home to Paul and other believers, effectively hosting the first Christian church in Europe.
Mary
Luke 1:27-2:34; Matthew 1:16, 18, 20; 2:12
Cornelius was a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea. He received a divine vision instructing him to send for Simon Peter in Joppa. When he arrived at Cornelius's house, the Holy Spirit came upon all present, including Cornelius and his household.
Priscilla
Acts 18
Priscilla, also known as Prisca, was a prominent early Christian and missionary who, along with her husband Aquila, was a close friend and co-worker of the Apostle Paul. They were tentmakers by trade and played a significant role in early church ministry, including instructing the eloquent preacher Apollos more accurately in the Christian faith. Priscilla is notably mentioned before her husband in the Bible, indicating her prominence, and Paul commended both of them for risking their lives for his sake and hosting churches in their homes.
Samaritan Woman
John 4:7-31
The Samaritan woman, also known as the woman at the well, met Jesus at Jacob's well in the town of Sychar in Samaria while traveling from Judea to Galilee. Despite the deep enmity between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus spoke to her, revealing his identity as the Messiah and offering her "living water," symbolizing eternal life. She was a social outcast with a complex marital history, having had five husbands and currently living with a man who was not her husband. Her encounter with Jesus led to her conversion, and her testimony brought many others in her town to believe in Jesus, marking a powerful story of grace, acceptance, and transformed life.