A Special Edition for Families
1 Thessalonians 5:5 “You are all children of the light and children of the day.”
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Devotional
Light often begins its work long before belief takes shape.
Two Boys. Two Power Rangers. One Very Over-It Morning.
When my son was little, he was always the tallest one in the room.
Older kids thought nothing of it — but at seven, being different is its own kind of burden.
That Christmas morning, he and the little boy down the street opened identical Power Ranger toys. For about six glorious minutes, everything was perfect.
Then words were used.
Not thoughtful words.
Not kind words.
The kind that sting — especially when you already feel different.
My son didn’t yet have the language to say, “That hurt me.”
So he said it the only way his seven-year-old body knew how.
He took that brand-new Power Ranger…
marched to the street…
and threw it straight into the gutter.
Not the “we can retrieve it with a stick” gutter.
The “it’s gone forever” gutter.
Moments later, his friend’s mother appeared at my door with two upset boys and one Christmas tragedy. She was angry. Her son was sobbing. My son stood there — tall, red-faced, and oddly convinced he had restored justice.
And honestly?
Both of us mothers were done for the day before noon.
What Children Are Really Learning
At that age, children are not choosing faith —
What Children Are Really Learning
At that age, children are not choosing faith —
they are learning how to exist in the world.
They are learning:
- how words land
- how difference feels
- how power works
- how pain comes out sideways
My son wasn’t being cruel.
He was overwhelmed.
His friend wasn’t being evil. Like so many children, he was learning — imperfectly — the weight words can carry.
Scripture gives us language for this long before children do:
“You are all children of the light and children of the day.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:5
Light, here, isn’t belief yet.
It’s guidance.
It’s formation.
It’s learning how to walk — slowly, imperfectly — toward kindness.
🚶♀️ Walking Prompt — Children of the Light
(For children reading with a parent)
As you walk together, look for the light around you.
Notice the sun, the lamps, or the way light helps you see where to step.
With each step, you can say softly:
“I am a child of the light.”
Walk slowly.
Let the light show you the way, one step at a time.
🙏 Prayer — A Simple Prayer for Little Hearts
Dear God,
Thank You for loving us and calling us children of the light.
Help us use kind words, make good choices,
and follow You wherever we go.
When things feel confusing or hard,
shine Your light to show us the right path.
Amen.
✨ Reflection
God’s light helps us choose kindness, one step at a time.
Simple Eggnog Latte
Soft, cozy, and not overcomplicated —
You’ll need:
- ¾ cup eggnog
- ¼ cup milk (or almond/oat milk)
- 1 shot espresso or ½ cup strong coffee
- Pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon
- Optional: splash of vanilla
How:
- Warm the eggnog and milk gently (don’t boil).
- Brew coffee or espresso.
- Combine, stir, and top with nutmeg or cinnamon
✨ Nourishment Note
There’s something beautifully simple about a warm cup of eggnog in December.
It’s a drink meant for this season alone — one that slows the pace, softens the breath, and invites a moment of rest amid the holiday rush.
As Mary received the angel’s message, she did not hurry or strive.
She paused. She pondered. She received.
Holding a warm mug can echo that same posture — a gentle reminder to stop, and to breath.
🌿 Stay Connected
As we move from the holiday season into the new year, we’d love to keep walking together.
Subscribe to receive our January digital magazine, filled with thoughtful reflections, family-centered wisdom, and moments of calm for the season ahead.
With warmth, wonder, and gratitude,
— Stephanie
Under the Palm Tree™ — Jesus Found Me
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