1. Family Celebrations Drawing near to God & to one another through family celebrations– Matthew 26:17-30.

2. Celebration of Christmas by Andy “On Christmas we get together & we open presents. On Christmas we have a snowball fight. On Christmas we eat lots of food, too.”

3. Birthday by Ann “I like my birthday because its fun. I get lots of presents. It is special.”

4. Easter Celebration by Rose “I like Easter because I get to see my family. I get to find Easter eggs. I get to eat good food.”

5. New Years Eve by Ann “I like New Years Eve because you get to stay up late. We have a party. It turns into another year.”

6. Fourth of July by Michael “I like July 4 th & July 11 th because on July 4 th I like the fireworks & on July 11 th it is my birthday.”

7. Family Celebrations Are Occasions to Share God’s Generational Faithfulness God is faithful to fulfill His word– Ex.6:6-7a; God ordains periodic initiations/celebrations to remind us of our roots & our journey–v17 Our own actions remind us of our need for God’s faithfulness & tender mercies– v.21; Jesus faithfully demonstrated God’s love to Judas (v.25)! Are you faithful in sharing His love with others?

8. Family Celebrations Are Occasions to Draw Strength From One Another: In the family we recognize our weaknesses & vulnerabilities & ask for help– v.22; A faithful walk encourages others to walk in faith; Reality causes us to draw strength from our Source– vv.26-27;

9. Family Celebrations Are Occasions to Anticipate Future Blessings: By faith we have become partakers of the New Covenant– v.28; By faith we know there’s a better day coming– v.29; By faith we can celebrate now what we know will be certain in the future– v.30; By faith you can become part of our family: by letter, statement of faith or baptism.