Family Worship (Dec 28)

Have you ever been afraid of the dark? Maybe you heard a noise at night and imagined something scary. Darkness can make normal things seem frightening. That is what happened to the disciples in the boat. They were tired, wet, and scared. The storm was loud, and it was still dark outside. Then they saw someone walking on the water—and they thought it was a ghost!

But it wasn’t a ghost. It was Jesus.

Sometimes life feels like nighttime. We get scared, confused, or sad. We may feel alone. But Jesus is never far away. Just like He walked across the water to help His friends, He comes to us too. Jesus doesn’t wait for the storm to stop before helping us. He steps right into the middle of it. That is good news for families, because it means Jesus is with us in every hard moment.

Matthew 14:27 (NIV)
“But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’”

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think the disciples were afraid when they saw Jesus?
2. What does Jesus say to help calm their fear?
3. How can our family remember that Jesus is with us during hard times?

Activity: Storm to Calm Jar
Fill a clear jar with water and add glitter. Shake it up to represent a storm. As the glitter slowly settles, talk about how life can feel messy and scary. While it settles, say together: *“Jesus is with us in the storm.”* Pray quietly while watching the jar calm.

Prayer
Jesus, thank You for coming to us when we are scared. Help our family trust You when life feels stormy. Remind us that You are always near and that we never face anything alone. Amen.

Memory Work

New City Catechism
52. What hope does everlasting life hold for us?
That we will live with and enjoy God forever in the new heaven and the new earth, where we will be forever freed from all sin in a renewed, restored creation.

Memory Verse
Galatians 3:29 (CSB)
And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs according to the promise.