Scripture Reading — Luke 2:17-20 They spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child. . . .— Luke 2:17Because our young family has lived far away from other relatives, my wife and I have often tried to find different Christmas activities that our kids can
Scripture Reading — Luke 2:15-16 The shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”— Luke 2:15My children enjoy making Christmas presents for each other. Especially when they were younger, a big pa
Scripture Reading — Matthew 2:1-2 “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”— Matthew 2:2Sometimes the big news story of the day is not the one we think it is—or there is more to it than we realize.As Jesus
Scripture Reading — Luke 2:8-14 The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”— Luke 2:10“Do not be afraid.”When we think of Christmas, these are probably not the first words that come to mind. We usually focus o
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