Big Idea:

God's blessing comes by grace, not because of our goodness. Jesus is the promised Son who brings blessing to all.

Read Together

Genesis 25:23– "The older shall serve the younger."

Romans 9:16– "So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy."

The Story

Isaac and Rebekah had twin boys—Esau and Jacob. Esau was born first, but God chose Jacob to receive the family blessing.

Jacob wasn't perfect. In fact, he tricked his brother and even his father to get the blessing. Esau was angry, and their family was filled with conflict.

But God's promise didn't depend on Jacob being good. It depended on God's mercy and grace.

Advent Connection

Jacob's story reminds us that God's blessings come by grace. None of us deserve them. Just like Jacob, we are sinners who fall short. But God promised that through Jacob's family would come the Messiah.

At Christmas, we celebrate Jesus—the true Son of promise, the One who brings blessing to the whole world.

Talk About It

• How were Jacob and Esau different from each other? • Why is it good news that God blesses us because of His grace, not our goodness? • How does Jesus show us God's grace?

Activity

Blessing Hands

• Trace each person's hand on paper. • Inside the hand, write one way God has blessed you. • At the top write: "God blesses us by grace."

Prayer

Dear God, thank You that Your blessings come by grace. Thank You for sending Jesus, the promised Son, to bless the whole world. Help us to trust in Him. Amen.

Family Challenge

Go around the table tonight and finish this sentence: "One way God has blessed me is…" Then say together: "Every blessing comes through Jesus."