01/29/2026
Hey Messiah Families,
Since we are not meeting together tonight, I have crafted a devotion for you to do with one another as you have your family together at home tonight, safe & warm! I hope it is a blessing to your family!
As the snow blankets the world outside in beautiful white snow at the start of this new year, it’s a perfect time to gather together and dive into God’s Word. This devotion is designed to encourage your family to make Bible time a joyful time together, reminding us of God’s promise of forgiveness and renewal. We’ll focus on the theme of snow as a symbol of purity, drawing from Scripture to see how Jesus makes us “whiter than snow” through His grace.
This devotion is flexible for families with children of all ages: simple elements for toddlers (ages 2-4), interactive fun for elementary kids (ages 5-12), and thoughtful discussions for teenagers (ages 13+). Aim for 15 -30 minutes, but adjust as needed. Gather in a cozy spot with blankets, hot cocoa, and perhaps a window view of the snow.
You’ll need a Bible, paper/crayons for crafts, and optional items like cotton balls or play snow for little ones.
1. Opening: (5 minutes)
Gather, Listen, Dance, or Sing to the song “All That Matters” By Colton Dixon (Music Links Below)
Start by bundling up together and thanking God for the beauty of winter.
Spotify Link:
https://open.spotify.com/track/7nWkaeqhGAtJChP7MGYfJb?si=TY-JPUQXRgy4LWI2rHEC-g
Apple Music Link:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/all-that-matters/1440888139?i=1440888144
Apple Music Video Link:
https://music.apple.com/us/music-video/all-that-matters/1444844712
Other song options are…
“Jesus Loves Me”
or a winter-themed hymn like
“In the Bleak Midwinter” (Lutheran Service Book #380, if you have it).
2.THEN OPEN WITH PRAYER…
“Dear God, thank You for this snowy day and the new year ahead. Help us see Your love in Your Word and grow closer as a family. Amen.”
3. Bible Reading: (5-10 minutes) God’s Word on Snow and Forgiveness
Read aloud from Isaiah 1:18 (ESV): “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”
Then, connect it to Psalm 51:7: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”
Explain briefly: Just as snow covers everything in white, making the world look new, God’s forgiveness through Jesus’ death on the cross, resurrection, and love for us all covers our sins completely. In this new year, it’s a great time to commit to reading His Word daily as a family – maybe starting with a verse a day or a Bible story book.
• For Toddlers: Show pictures of snow or real snow and say, “God makes us clean like pretty white snow!”
• For Elementary Kids:
Ask: “What does the snow outside remind you of?”
• For Teenagers:
Discuss: “How does this verse relate to New Year’s resolutions? What ‘fresh start’ do you want in your faith this year?” Share how reading God’s word has helped you personally.
4. Closing: Family Prayer and Blessing (5 minutes)
Wrap up by sharing one takeaway each: “What did you learn about God today?”
Then, pray together.
Let older kids lead parts if they’re comfortable.
Here’s a sample closing prayer: “Heavenly Father, thank You for making us whiter than snow through Jesus. Help us start this year strong in Your Word. Bless our family time and keep us safe in the snow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
End with a family hug or high-fives. If the time & snow allows, step outside for a quick snowball fight or snow angel-making as a fun extension, talking about God’s creation.
1/28/2026 THIS Wednesday Family Night CANCELLED 😞 ❄️ 🛣️ 🧊
We know roads are just starting to clear up during the daytime hours, but since our Wednesday Family Nights end at 7:30pm when the night’s cooler temperatures can create slick conditions for our families driving home, we want to keep everyone safe!
Please keep an eye out for a family devotion that will be sent your way to do together at home so you all ca hae your own Wednesday Family Night at home. Safe, Warm, & Together at Home!
