For the week of January 24th: Affection Family Beatitude: Happy is the family who shows affection, for they will feel loved. Focus: Giving affection that expresses love Weekly Bible Verse: “ [Mary] gave birth to her first baby. It was a boy. She wrapped him in large strips of cloth. Then she placed him in a manger. That’s because there were no guest room where they could stay.” – Luke 2:7 Devotion: Now I Feel Loved Rebecca climbed onto her parent’s bed and wiggled her way between her daddy and mommy under the fluffy quilt. She hugged her daddy and then hugged her mommy. Then she said, “Now I feel loved!” Hugs and cuddles, and even pats on the back, are signs of affection that help us feel loved. We all want to be loved and know we are lovable. It’s good to be affectionate and show love with positive words and hugs. When Mary gave birth to her son Jesus, she took tender care to wrap Him in warm cloths and gently place Him in a soft bed of sweet-smelling hay. She wanted Him to be warm and cozy. Other signs of affection include hugs, snuggling or cuddling together, parts on the back, and holding hands. Affection can also be shown by acts of kindness and helping one another. Look for ways you each are showing love to each other this week. Be sure to point it out and tell them when you feel loved when they do it. Bible Story Connection: “So [the son] got up and went to his father. While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him. He was filled with tender love for his son. He ran to him. He threw his arms around him and kissed him.” – Luke 15:20 The son in this story ran away from home, spent his money foolishly, and wasted his time. He didn’t stay home and help his dad like his brother did. When the son came home, instead of yelling at him, his dad ran to him and welcomed him. He was happy to see him again. He forgave his son. Chat about forgiving one another. Discuss how we can still love someone even when they choose to do the wrong thing. Wrap Up: Chat about what new ideas your family came up with to show affection. Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for our family and the love we have for one another. Help us live together in peace and show our love daily. Amen. Additional Chat Prompt Options: o “Then He took the children in His arms. He placed His hands on them to bless them.” – Mark 10:16 Jesus showed love to the children by hugging them and blessing them (praying for them). Talk about how it feels to know that Jesus loves you. o “Love one another deeply. Honor others more than yourself.” – Romans 12:10 “God lives forever! You can run to him for safety. His powerful arms are always there to carry you.” God is powerful. He can protect you. How can you ask for his help when things are hard? How does that help you feel loved by him? Additional Activities: ➢ Scrapbook/Prayer Journal: display art that shows affection in your family (add kisses and notes that express love; draw a suitcase and write what it’s like to miss someone; draw people holding hands and write about doing things together as a family) ➢ Hug one another each day this week. Set aside time to get close together and read a book or tell stories. ➢ Take a walk together. Hold hands or link arms. ➢ When a family member walks in the door, greet them with smiles, hugs, and sweet words. Rejoice at being together.