God’s Love: Devotions for the Lenten Journey 2024

1 John 4:7–8. “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Family Resources

Message to Parents/Grandparents

As Christian parents, we want our kids to know and love God’s Word. After all,it’s the way our kids meet our Lord–through the message he gave us to read.

Reading God’s Word and discussing it is really important. There are many ways we can help our kids learn and love Scriptures. Bible crafts are a great way to help kids–who are very concrete thinkers–better understand the stories and verses they read in the Bible. Crafts can make what may seem abstract become concrete.

Through crafts and conversation, with lots of kid questions, parents can guide their children in learning about God’s Love.

These daily activities can deepen our faith and our appreciation for Jesus our Savior. Below are links for resources and instructions for Lenten Family activities: 

“Don’t Forget to Remember” by Ellie Holcomb 

Paid in Full Coin Cross: This is a craft that helps children understand Christ’s love for them, and how he has paid for their sins through his death. The coin cross is symbolic of our sins being “paid” for through the cross, a beautiful message for children to learn and embrace. Click the image below for instructions.

A pretzel to remind us of arms crossed in prayer is a Lenten treat for us to share (A VBS favorite!)

• 1 package yeast (.25 oz)

• 1 1/2 cups warm water

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 4 cups flour

• 1 egg

• Large pretzel salt for the topping

Directions: Mix your yeast, water, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in the flour, and knead until the dough is smooth. Shape into the form of arms crossed in prayer and place it on a baking sheet. Brush the dough with a beaten egg to give it a shiny finish. Sprinkle the top with large pretzel salt. Bake in an oven preheated to 425 degrees for 15 minutes.

How to Make an EASY (and cheap!) Crown of Thorns for Lent: A playdough and toothpick activity that encourages children’s good deeds.

“The next day John [the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward him and said, - Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" - John 1:29