The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

You were born to a mother and father

who loved you and cared for you.

Your birth was celebrated by the

Shepherds and Wise Men.

May we share our gratitude for our parents

and those who celebrate our birth.

Thank you Jesus for teaching us

about the importance of family!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

• What does this scripture tell us about family and how God wants us to treat one another?
• According to scripture, what makes a family strong? Name the riches that a family stores up.

Colossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17

• On a scale from 1-10, how would you rate yourself as being compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient with your family?
• What is the biggest challenge (for you) that this scripture encourages?

Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

•  Share a time when you felt God protected you from a bad decision or something negative in your life.
• Joseph and Mary had to go to great lengths to protect Jesus.  Name some of the sacrifices you have had to make as a parent for your child…consider the sacrifices your parents made on your behalf too.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How are families structured differently today than at the time when Jesus was born? Are there also similarities?
• Morals and values are passed onto children from their parents, what are some of the morals and values you pass onto your children?
• What morals and values did your parents pass onto you?
• How does your family count “riches”? Are your beliefs in line with your words and actions?
• Do you allow Jesus to guide your decisions? Share an example of when you did this recently.
• Describe your relationship with your siblings, parents, grandparents. How are they different?  How are they the same?
• What sets your relationship with your family apart from your other relationships?
• Why do you think people say you tend to hurt those you are closer to more than others? How do these scriptures help you form an answer?
• What does family mean to you? Write a poem or draw a picture to express the emotions/feelings.
• Families tend to get together for weddings and funerals…what are other ways families can gather to celebrate? Share some ways you can make these occasions extra special.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When I wake up each morning…

ALL:  let me walk in your ways!

Leader:  As I provide for myself and my family…

 ALL:  let me walk in your ways!

Leader:  When I discern decisions…

 ALL:  let me walk in your ways!

Leader:  As I live out each day…

ALL:  let me walk in your ways!

Leader:  Lord, guide me

ALL:  as I walk in your ways!

 Challenge for the Week:  I love an acronym!  Have you seen this one?  F.A.M.I.L.Y.?  It’s not as popular as the W.W.J.D but to me, it is just as important when I make choices in my life.  This week, spend time thinking about this acronym and how you already live it out in your life and maybe set a plan to be more intentional about it.  (F)orget (A)bout (M)e (I) (L)ove (Y)ou!

AND/OR

One of the things that people struggle with, as a child and as an adult is a sense of belonging.  God gives us family to love and care for us, to teach us right and wrong and the ways of the world.  Sometimes as parents, we can lose focus and get wrapped up in our own things.  When this happens, our children can become victims.  The scriptures remind us about the importance of family…make a point to let your children/parents know that they are loved and seen.  Go out of your way to show your child/parent that you love them and that you know them.  Each of us are born with a desire and need to belong and God gives us one another to satisfy that need…we just don’t always do the best job of expressing our love and gratitude for one another.