Big Idea:

On the Day of Atonement, two goats carried Israel's sins away. Jesus is our perfect substitute, who takes away our sins forever.

Read Together

Leviticus 16:30– "For on this day shall atonement be made for you to cleanse you. You shall be clean before the Lord from all your sins."

John 1:29– "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

The Story

Once a year, God's people celebrated the Day of Atonement. The high priest offered two goats.

The first goat was sacrificed so the people's sins could be forgiven. The second goat was sent away into the wilderness, carrying the people's sins far away.

It was a picture: sin needs a substitute. God is holy, and sin separates us from Him.

But goats couldn't take away sins forever. They pointed to the one who could.

Advent Connection

Jesus is the true sacrifice. He is our substitute who died on the cross so our sins could be forgiven. He is our scapegoat who carried our sins far away.

At Christmas we remember: the baby in the manger came to be the Lamb of God.

Talk About It

• Why did the people need the Day of Atonement? • What happened to the two goats? • How is Jesus like the true sacrifice?

Activity

Forgiven and Forgotten

• Write sins or wrong things (like "lying," "fighting," "selfishness") on scraps of paper. • Place them in a box or bag. • Then throw the bag away or hide it far from sight. • Say together: "God forgives and forgets our sin in Jesus."

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to take our place and carry away our sins forever. Help us to rejoice in His forgiveness this Christmas. Amen.

Family Challenge

At bedtime, go around and say one thing you're thankful Jesus has forgiven. Then whisper together: "Jesus takes away our sins."