Saturday, December 25
Children are an inheritance from Jehovah.—Ps. 127:3, ftn.
Jehovah created the first couple with the desire to have children. But who should decide if and when a married couple will have children? In some cultures, newly married couples are expected to start having children as soon as possible. They may even feel pressure from their family and others to follow that custom. Jethro, a brother in Asia, says, “In the congregation, some who have children pressure the childless couples to start a family.” Jeffrey, another brother in Asia, observes, “Some tell childless couples that they will have no one to take care of them when they grow old.” However, each couple should decide for themselves whether to have children. That is for them to decide; it is their responsibility. (Gal. 6:5, ftn.) Understandably, friends and family want a newly married couple to be happy. But all need to remember that the decision whether to have children or not belongs to the couple.—1 Thess. 4:11. w19.12 22 ¶1-3
December 20-26
JUDGES 10-12
Song 127 and Prayer
Opening Comments (1 min.)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“Jephthah—A Spiritual Man”: (10 min.)
Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)
Bible Reading: (4 min.) Jg 10:1-18 (th study 5)
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
Initial Call: (3 min.) Use the tract How Do You View the Bible? to start the sample conversation. (th study 1)
Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure. (th study 4)
Bible Study: (5 min.) lffi lesson 02 point 5 (th study 3)
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
From Youth, a Life Dedicated to Jehovah: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then ask the following questions: What did the video teach you about the value of training? making a dedication early in life? making yourself available to be used by Jehovah’s organization?
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 17 ¶15-21
Concluding Comments (3 min.)
Song 55 and Prayer