Scripture Reading — Luke 2:6-7 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born. . . .— Luke 2:6Christmas has a way of sneaking up on us, especially if our schedules are full. For many of us in North America and other places, there are parties to attend, decoration
Scripture Reading — Luke 2:1-5 Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.— Luke 2:1The Christmas story is shaped, in part, by a government decision: a census. People in Palestine likely griped about Caesar’s decree—and, according t
Scripture Reading — Luke 1:67-80 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. . . .— Luke 1:67Opening gifts is a big part of our family’s Christmas celebration. Each year, our kids are excited to see what they’ll receive. But one important part of all t
Scripture Reading — Luke 1:57-66 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.— Luke 1:58The story of Jesus’ birth is intertwined with another miraculous birth—that of John, who was born to Elizabeth and Zechariah in their
Scripture Reading — Matthew 1:22-25 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).— Matthew 1:23Joseph is sometimes an overlooked character in the Christmas story. He never speaks in the gospel accounts of Jesus
Scripture Reading — Matthew 1:18-21 Joseph . . . had in mind to divorce her quietly.— Matthew 1:19Having looked at Luke 1 already this month, we know about the angel’s announcement to Mary and the miraculous conception of her son, who would be named Jesus.But Joseph did not kn
Scripture Reading — Matthew 1:1-24 . . . and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.— Matthew 1:16Christmas often brings families together for celebrations. In many ways this can be a wonderful time of celebr
Scripture Reading — Luke 1:46-56 “The Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.”— Luke 1:49One danger we can slip into at Christmastime is discontent. Maybe we long for “the perfect gift” from someone. Or we hope for the perfect family gathering with “just the
Scripture Reading — Luke 1:39-45 “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”— Luke 1:45In many ways Mary’s surprise pregnancy was not welcome news. Though she had accepted God’s will, it must have been puzzling. God’s way of working in he
Scripture Reading — Luke 1:26-38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”— Luke 1:38Surprise is a part of many stories people tell at Christmastime. Lots of folk stories, novels, and movies with Christmas themes include fun twists and surpr
Scripture Reading — Luke 1:8-25 Zechariah asked . . . “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”— Luke 1:18Zechariah and Elizabeth had grown old waiting for a child. But then one day, when Zechariah had an opportunity to burn incense in a
Scripture Reading — Luke 1:5-7 They were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.— Luke 1:7The Christmas story begins with broken dreams. Elizabeth and Zechariah had prayed fervently to have a child (see Luke 1:13), but God had not ans