Big Idea:

God takes away our sin and clothes us in His forgiveness.

Read Together

Zechariah 3:4– "See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you."

Isaiah 61:10– "He has clothed me with garments of salvation."

The Story

One day, the prophet Zechariah had a vision. He saw the high priest, Joshua, standing before God. But there was a problem—Joshua's clothes were filthy! His dirty garments showed that he was a sinner.

Standing next to him was Satan, the accuser, ready to point out every mistake. And Satan was right—Joshua was guilty.

But God said, "Take off his filthy clothes. Put clean clothes on him instead!" Suddenly Joshua was dressed in new, white garments. He was forgiven. Satan had nothing more to say.

Advent Connection

This vision points us to Jesus. We are sinners too—our "clothes" are dirty with sin. But Jesus takes away our sin and gives us His righteousness. At Christmas, we celebrate the One who came to clothe us in forgiveness and make us new.

Talk About It

• Why were Joshua's clothes dirty? • What did God do for him? • How does Jesus make us clean?

Activity

Dirty to Clean

• Take two pieces of paper. Scribble all over one with dark crayons or markers (dirty). • On the other, write "Forgiven in Jesus" with bright colors. • Switch the papers as a reminder: Jesus takes away our sin and gives us His clean record.

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for taking away our sin. Thank You for giving us new, clean clothes in Jesus. Help us to live for You. Amen.

Family Challenge

Everyone chooses something "special" to wear to dinner (a hat, scarf, fun shirt). Before eating, talk about how we get to wear "robes of righteousness" that Jesus gives us. Read Isaiah 61:10 together: "He has clothed me with the garments of salvation."