Dear Reader, Each year our family celebrates the season of Lent, the 40-day period prior to Easter.

We attend special church services and each give up something that is meaningful to us the idea being that when we fast from that food or activity, we will remember to thank God for His provision and to ask Him to mold us into His image. Our daughter started joining us in this fast a few years ago by giving up her special dolly for Lent. (This was completely her own idea.) Now she remembers this season and begins talking about it right after Christmas each year. But this year the annual I-cant-wait-for-Lent discussion went a bit differently. When she started talking about what she might give up for Jesus, just as He spent time fasting and praying in the wilderness before beginning His ministry, her little brother piped up. Why do we give up stuff for Lent? And why dont we do special devotions for Lent like we do for Advent? We considered these both to be good questions. Although we try to do some sort of family devotion each evening, during Advent we study scripture with a particular focus, this year using a Jesse tree. My son loved this series of devotions, and so here is a set that is meant to be familyfriendly and similar in style. Each ornament features a simple symbol inside an egg shape. We chose to print ours in black and white, color them together, and then glue them onto triangular banners which well hang on string from the mantel and doorways throughout the Lenten season. You could also simply print, add string to hang, and use to decorate a branch (which would also be a good symbol of Jesus Easter sacrifice for us). However you choose to use these, I hope that this devotion series blesses your family. Sincerely, Amy A Nest in the Rocks

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Day 1
Scripture Luke 2:15 18 Objective Everybody can tell others about Jesus. Lesson In Jesus day shepherds were the lowliest, most humble people, but the angels told them about Jesus birth. They were excited and told everyone they saw. If God could use them, He can use us, too! Prayer Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to us. Help me to tell others about Him. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament shepherds crook

Day 2
Scripture Luke 2:25 - 35 Objective God keeps His promises. Lesson God promised Simeon that he would not die before meeting the Messiah. God kept this promise when Simeon was an old man, he met baby Jesus in the Temple! Prayer Dear God, thank you for keeping Your promise to Simeon. I know You will keep your promises to me, too. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament - heart

Day 3
Scripture Luke 2:41 - 49 Objective Jesus was a kid just like you. Lesson Jesus was Gods son, but He was also a kid with human parents. He worried them and got lost and asked questions, too! Prayer Dear God, Im glad that Jesus knows what its like to be a kid. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament soccer ball

Day 4
Scripture Luke 2:51 - 52 Objective Jesus had parents like you. Lesson Jesus was Gods son, but He was also a kid with human parents. It was important that Jesus obey them, just as you should your parents! Jesus had to grow and learn how to be an adult just like you do. Prayer Dear God, Thank You for my parents. Help me to learn to be a wise adult like Jesus. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament family picture

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Day 6 Day 5
Scripture Luke 3:21 - 22 Objective Jesus brought God joy. Lesson God loved Jesus and was happy just because Jesus was His son. God loves us so much that we make Him happy, too! Prayer Dear God, Thank you for loving me! Im glad I bring you joy. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament dove Scripture Luke 4:1 2 Objective We celebrate Lent to prepare for Easter. Lesson Jesus went away by Himself to get ready to teach about God. He didnt eat for a long time. We can not eat certain foods or do certain activities to remind ourselves that God is always there for us, even when we dont have the things that we want. Prayer Dear God, Its hard not to have ___ when I want it, but I want to learn to be like Jesus. Help me to be strong when I am tempted. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament crossed-out food

Day 7 Day 8
Scripture Luke 4:2b 4 Scripture Luke 4:5 8 Objective One reason that we study the Bible is to recognize whats true. Lesson Satan tempted Jesus with something that sounded very good to Him, but Jesus could make a better choice because He knew Gods word. Reading the Bible helps us make good choices. Prayer Dear God, Thank You for the Bible. Help me to hide Your words in my heart so that I can make good choices, even when Im tempted. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament bread Objective Worship only God. Lesson Sometimes the things we see here on earth will look nicer or seem better than Gods way, but God always knows best. Trust Him and worship only Him. Prayer Dear God, Sometimes its hard to keep my eyes on You when the things around me look so important to other people. Help me to trust You to know best. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament crown

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Day 9
Scripture Luke 2:9 12 Objective Use Gods Word to help you make good choices. Lesson Satan tried to trick Jesus, but Jesus couldnt be tricked. Praying and reading the Bible are ways to know Gods truth. These things will help you know God and make good choices like Jesus did. Prayer Dear God, Thank You for showing me how to make choices. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament angel

Day 10
Scripture Luke 4:13 Objective Satan is always watching. Lesson There will always be something out there that looks bigger or better than what you have, and its tempting to want it. Remember, though, that God sends exactly what you need and when youre tempted to want something else, talk to him about it! Prayer Dear God, thank you for keeping Your promise to Simeon. I know You will keep your promises to me, too. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament - eyes

Day 11
Scripture Luke 4:16 - 30 Objective Doing the right thing is not always popular. Lesson Jesus was the Messiah, the King the Jews had been waiting for for hundreds of years but the people in His own town rejected Him! Doing the right thing does not always make us popular with the in-crowd, but it always makes us popular with God. Prayer Dear God, Help me to be strong and do the right thing even when its not popular. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament angry face

Day 12
Scripture Luke 4:42 - 45 Objective We can search for Jesus. Lesson The people were so eager to hear Jesus teach that they searched everywhere for Him! We can search for Him, too in the Bible, in church, and in the creation that He has made. Prayer Dear God, Thank you for sending Jesus to teach us. Help me to run hard after Him all of my life. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament figure running

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Day 14 Day 13
Scripture Luke 5:1 - 3 Objective Jesus is not only in church. Lesson God made the whole world and so we can learn about Him from all of Creation. We can talk about Him there, too on a boat, in the car, on the playground, or at a picnic. We can talk about Jesus everywhere! Prayer Dear God, Thank you for creating this beautiful world. Im glad that we can learn about you both inside and outside of church. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament boat Scripture Luke 5:4 5 Objective We can trust God even when we dont understand His directions. Lesson Simon was tired. He had worked hard all night and hadnt caught anything! He didnt want to try something that seemed as silly as putting his net on the other side of the boat but Jesus wanted His trust and obedience. Thats what He wants from us, too. Prayer Dear God, Sometimes I dont understand Your directions, but I know that You want what is best for me. Help me to trust You even then. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament string of fish

Day 16 Day 15
Scripture Luke 5:12 - 16 Objective God wants to talk to you. Lesson Jesus was an important man with many things to do, but He often made time for prayer with God. Even when were busy, God still wants to hear from us. Have you talked to Him today? Prayer Dear God, Im glad that You want to hear from me. Today, these things are important to me __________. Please help me to talk to You often like Jesus did. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament praying hands Scripture Luke 5:18 26 Objective We must be brave to follow where Jesus leads us. Lesson The men in our story today were so determined to get to Jesus that they didnt let anything stop them even the roof! They just dug right through it. Sometimes being close to Jesus looks different to others but theres no better place to be. Prayer Dear God, The men in our story werent afraid to stand out in order to be close to Jesus. Help me to be just as brave and determined as they were. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament house

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Day 17
Scripture Luke 5:27 - 28 Objective Answer Gods call. Lesson Levi left everything to follow Jesus his job, his things, even his family! Jesus wants to be first in our lives. When He calls you, say yes right away! Prayer Dear God, Making a big change can be scary, but I know that trusting You is the right thing to do. Help me to be as brave as Levi. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament girl with phone

Day 18
Scripture Luke 5:29 - 32 Objective Everybody needs Jesus. Lesson Some people thought that Jesus should only hang out with the cool and popular people, but Jesus said that He came to be friends with everybody. We can show others His love by being friends with others, too. Can you think of someone who needs a friend today? Prayer Dear God, Im glad that you want to be friends with me. Help me to be a good friend to others. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament red cross

Day 19
Scripture Luke 6:1 - 5 Objective Jesus is more important than rules. Lesson Some people think that following the rules is the way to be good, but Jesus showed us that loving others even if we have to break a rule or two is most important. That doesnt mean that we can ignore all the rules, but helping others is important, too. Ask Jesus to help you know what to do! Prayer Dear God, I want to help other people like Jesus did. Please help me to know when its okay to put people before the rules. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament kernels of wheat

Day 20
Scripture Luke 6:6 - 11 Objective Litmus test for action Lesson Yesterday we talked about how Jesus broke rules to help people, and we see that again today. Jesus said that the way to know if something was good or not was to think about the outcome: would breaking the rule save somebody or destroy something? That can help us know what to do. Prayer Dear God, Thank You for helping me to know when and how to help others. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament hands

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Day 21
Scripture Luke 6:12 Objective Jesus prayed before big decisions. Lesson When Jesus had important decisions to make, He went away where it was quiet to pray first. He knew that talking things over with God first would help Him make the right choice. Prayer Dear God, Its hard to remember to talk to you when theres something important to be decided. Help me to remember to ask for your wisdom first. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament clock

Day 22
Scripture Luke 6:12 16 Objective Friends are important. Lesson We need time with our friends. Jesus had a busy, important life, but He made time for His friends, too. He had twelve special friends and three really close friends. Choose your friends wisely and spend time with your friends! Prayer Dear God, Friends are fun to be with, but its important to have really good ones. Help me to choose good friends and to be a good friend in return. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament friends

Day 23
Scripture Luke 6:46 - 49 Objective We need a firm foundation. Lesson God wants us to know Him, but He also wants us to obey Him. To have a good relationship with Him, we must do both. If we arent used to obeying Him, we wont be strong enough to trust Him when life gets hard. Prayer Dear God, Thank You guiding me. Help me to know what You want me to do AND to obey You. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament ear

Day 24
Scripture Matthew 26:6 - 13 Objective Love can be extravagant. Lesson The woman in our story sacrificed much to give Jesus such an expensive present. Others didnt understand it, but Jesus knew she gave out of love. Sometimes our gifts might not be the most practical, but gifts given with a heart of love are always good gifts. Prayer Dear God, I want to show love like the woman did to Jesus. Help me find a way to show love in a big way to someone today. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament perfume bottle

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Day 25
Scripture Luke 8:1 3 Objective Boys and girls can both serve Jesus. Lesson Some people think that only adults or only men can do big things, but Jesus can use anybody whos willing. Women traveled with Him and helped His ministry, too and that means that we can help! Prayer Dear God, Sometimes it doesnt seem as if I can do anything important, but You can use everybody. Here I am, God please use me! In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament girl with a flower

Day 26
Scripture Luke 8:22 - 25 Objective God is in charge of everything. Lesson It can be easy to see the good things in life when were happy, but its harder when were not. In our story today we see how God is in charge even of big storms and Hes in charge when your life gets stormy, too. Prayer Dear God, Storms can be scary. Please help me to remember to trust You even when storms come. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament a lightning bolt

Day 27
Scripture Luke 8:26 - 33 Objective Jesus can protect us from Satan. Lesson Satan is scary, but Jesus is much stronger than he is. Jesus always wins. When youre scared or you dont know whats right, ask Jesus He knows! Prayer Dear God, Satan is scary, but Im glad I can be on your side. Please protect me from him! In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament pig

Day 28
Scripture Luke 8:38 - 39 Objective Tell others what Jesus has done for you! Lesson Jesus needs people to go out and travel for Him, but sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply to tell your story. Tell others what Jesus has done for you its the best Jesus story you can tell! Prayer Dear God, Sometimes you ask big things of me, and sometimes I can help You best right here at home. Help me to tell others about what a wonderful friend You are to me. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament megaphone

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Day 29
Scripture Luke 9:1 - 5 Objective Missionaries need our help. Scripture Luke 9:10 17 Lesson Telling others about Jesus is a big job, and while we can do that at home, Jesus asks some people to do that far away from home in other countries. We can help them by sharing our money and gifts with them that way they can spend lots of time doing the most important work of all: telling others how much Jesus loves them. Prayer Dear God, Its easy to forget about people far away, but I want to help those far away who are working for you. Help me to share with them. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament suitcase Objective Jesus wants us to do our part. Lesson Jesus can do anything, but He wants to work with you. Jesus can use even the small things that you do to make big things happen. Prayer Dear God, Its hard to think that I can do anything important, but I know that You can. Please use even my little bits for Your glory. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament bagged lunch

Day 30

Day 31
Scripture Luke 9:21 - 27 Objective Take up your cross. Lesson Jesus knew that He was going to take the punishment for our sin, and even though it hurt a lot, He loved us enough to do that. He asks us to show that same love to those around us, and sometimes it isnt easy to do but if Jesus can do so much for us, cant we do the same? Prayer Dear God, Thank You for loving me enough to take my punishment. Im sorry for hurting You. Please help me to be unselfish and brave and to love others like You do. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament ornate cross

Day 32
Scripture Luke 9:46 - 48 Objective Jesus loves a humble heart. Lesson Everybody wants to be important, and sometimes we start to think were better than other people. The most important thing about us is that Jesus loves us, though, and when we remember that, were all big in His eyes! Prayer Dear God, Thank You for loving me and making me important. Help me to remember that because You love others, theyre important, too. Please help me to show them that. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament Big and little people

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Day 33
Scripture Luke 9:51 Objective Be determined to do what is right. Lesson Jesus knew that His time in Jerusalem wasnt going to be fun, but He didnt whine, complain, or go somewhere else. He was determined to do what God asked of Him, even though it was hard. We can be brave and determined like Jesus when life gets hard. Prayer Dear God, Sometimes I get scared when I have to do something new or uncomfortable. Help me to be determined like Jesus to do the right thing. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament Jewish temple

Day 34
Scripture Luke 9:5758, Hebrews 13-14 Objective Our home is in Heaven with Jesus. Lesson Jesus didnt have a permanent home on earth and neither do we! Jesus has made homes for us in Heaven with Him life on earth is only for a short while. Prayer Dear God, Sometimes life here is uncomfortable and hard. Im glad Youre preparing a home for me in Heaven with You. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament - pillows

Day 35
Scripture Luke 9:61 - 62 Objective Dont look back. Lesson Its easy to think that we can wait and help Jesus tomorrow, but He is calling us to do something today. Dont miss your chance to help Him today! Prayer Dear God, Sometimes I let other things get in the way of serving You. Please help me to remember to answer and obey right away. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament person waving

Day 36
Scripture Luke 17:11 - 19 Objective Remember your manners. Lesson Jesus helped 10 men in our story, but only one cared enough to say, thank you. Being polite makes the people around us feel good and it pleases God to know that we recognize the blessings He gives us. Telling God thank You for the blessings that He gives makes us realize just how very much He loves us, too! Prayer Dear God, Thank You for loving me. You have blessed me in many ways; thank You especially for these: ___________. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament thank you banner

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Day 37
Scripture Luke 18:18 - 30 Objective Give generously. Lesson If youre reading this, youre probably someone with more than enough food and clothing, but not everyone has those things. Jesus asks us to help those people by sharing with them. What do you have that others might need today? Prayer Dear God, Thank You for all of your blessings today. You have given me much more than I need. Please help me to share today. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament moneybag

Day 38
Scripture Luke 22:14 20 Objective We celebrate communion to remember Jesus and His love for us. Lesson Jesus gave His entire life for us but in the business of school and playtime, its easy to forget. We can have special foods and celebrations to help us remember how very much Jesus loves us. Prayer Dear God, Thank You for dying on the cross for me. Among other times, Ill remember You each time we celebrate communion with bread and juice. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament bread and goblet

Day 39
Scripture Luke 22:39 - 46 Objective Pray about hard things. Lesson Jesus knew that He would die for us and that it would be hard and hurt a lot. He spent time praying so that He could be strong and brave. God will help us to be brave when were faced with hard things, too.

Day 40
Scripture Matthew 26:14 - 16 Objective Weigh the cost. Lesson Jesus lost a friend because He was doing the right thing and many other people were angry with Him. We might lose friends or have hard things happen because we love Jesus, but if we truly want to follow Him, then we need to follow Him even when its hard.

Prayer Dear God, Im glad that Youre Prayer Dear God, It hurts to lose a friend, with me when hard times come. Please but You know how that feels. Help me to help me to be brave and strong like Jesus. be strong and follow You even when its In Jesus name, Amen. hard. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament person kneeling in prayer Ornament crossed-out friends

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Day 41
Scripture Luke 21:34 38 Objective Keep watch! Lesson Jesus died for us, rose again, and then went to Heaven but Hes coming back! Jesus wants us to remember that Hes coming and be watching for Him. Dont be caught by surprise! Prayer Dear Jesus, I cant wait for You to come back! Im watching for You! In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament surprised face

Day 42
Scripture Matthew 26:47 - 56 Objective Jesus loves you. Lesson Jesus friend and many others betrayed Him in the Garden. It must have been scary lots of soldiers, angry men, swords flashing, Jesus friends trying to protect Him. Jesus knew that He could have asked for angel help, but He didnt because He loves you and wanted to save you. Prayer Dear Jesus, Thank You for dying for me. Im glad you saved me. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament - sword

Day 43
Scripture Luke 22:54 - 62 Objective Stand up for Jesus Lesson Peter was sure that he would never pretend not to know Jesus, but when it got scary to be Jesus friend, Peter lied about knowing Him three times, even! Sometimes telling Gods truth can seem scary but when we remember that Hes always with us, we can do anything!

Day 44
Scripture Luke 22:66 - 71 Objective Always tell the truth. Lesson Some people dont recognize the truth. Sometimes they have a hard time thinking about ideas other than their own. Its frustrating when people dont believe us. Jesus asks only that we tell the truth just like He did in todays story. Prayer Dear God, Thank You for Jesus good example. Im glad that my only job is to tell the truth. In Jesus name, Amen.

Prayer Dear God, Peter was a good friend to Jesus most of the time, but he Ornament mouth got scared here. Help me to be brave and tell the truth about Jesus all the time even when Im scared. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament rooster

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Day 45
Scripture Luke 23:13 - 25 Objective Do the right thing. Lesson Pilate was a scared man he was starting to get in trouble at work. He didnt want to anger the Jews and lose his job, so instead of sticking up for Jesus, he listened to the crowd and had Him crucified. Pilate decided that his job was more important than doing the right thing. What would you do? Prayer Dear God, Pilate listened to the wrong people and didnt let Jesus go. Please help me to listen to Your voice. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament soapy hands

Day 46
Scripture Luke 23:33 34, 44 - 47 Objective Jesus died for us. Lesson Jesus is the King of this world, and all of creation knew it the very earth reacted when Jesus died! Because Jesus died for us, we dont have to follow certain rules or do special things to get to Heaven and be with Him. Jesus paid for us with His blood and will make a place for you there if you ask Him to. Prayer Dear God, It must have been scary to see the whole earth react when Jesus died! Thank You, Jesus, for dying for me. Im glad you rose again. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament three crosses

Day 47
Scripture Luke 24:1 - 12 Objective Jesus rose! Lesson When Jesus told His friends about His coming death, they didnt understand and who would expect a dead man to come back to life? Yet thats just what Jesus did and we can be happy that Hes alive and coming back for us! Prayer Dear Jesus, Yay! Youre alive again! Help me to remember this joy even when Easter is over because the Good News is that youre alive every day. In Jesus name, Amen. Ornament cemetery

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