Below are passages of scripture for you to read as a family each day between now and Christmas. After you read the scripture and the brief explanation, there are age-appropriate discussion questions to help you talk about the scripture as a family. YC is younger children, OC is older children, and Y is youth. Some days will have just one question for Everyone.

Read Luke 1:26-35

Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus when she was a teenager. She was also the first person to be told that Jesus was going to be born. Imagine how she felt. Her heart was probably filled with many emotions. Describe how you think she felt that night.

YC – Pretend that you are the angel Gabriel telling Mary that she will be Jesus’ mother.
OC – Do you think Mary was more scared or happy to be having Jesus? Why?
Y – When has God interrupted your life and asked you to do something that scares you?

Read Luke 2:1-7

Jesus was not born in a hospital or a house. His parents were visiting Bethlehem and all the hotels were full. So He was born in a stable where animals were fed. His parents laid Him in a manger instead of a crib because that was all they had.

YC – Imagine you are in the stable. What animals do you see? What sounds do you hear?
OC – Why do you think God didn’t choose for Jesus to be born somewhere more comfortable?
Y – Why do you think God let Jesus be born in a nasty stable instead of a really nice house? (Matthew 20:28)

Read Luke 2:8-14

The angels came to the shepherds to let them know that Jesus had been born. It was good news and the shepherds were excited to hear it. Because you go to church you know about Jesus. Which of your friends don’t go to church?

Everyone – Who can you tell about Jesus? Think about people in your school or neighborhood.

Read Luke 2:15-20

The shepherds went to see the baby Jesus and tell his parents about the angels. Everyone was amazed at all they had seen and heard. It had been a very special night. When you think about Jesus, how do you feel?

YC – Pretend that you are one of the shepherds. Walk through your house or in your yard as if you are on your way to find Jesus. Tell others along the way about your visit from the angels.
OC – Are you excited about Christmas? Why? Do you think about Jesus or just the presents you will get?
Y – Mary treasured all of this in her heart. What about Christmas do you treasure most?

Read John 1:1 & John 1:14

In these verses, “Word” is a title for Jesus. Each time you read “Word” you could substitute “Jesus”. What we learn here is that the “Word,” meaning “Jesus,” existed at the beginning of time because He was God. In addition to being God, Jesus became human when He was born in Bethlehem. So Jesus is both God and human.

YC – Think of your favorite superhero. Now imagine a superhero who is even more incredible and extraordinary. That would be Jesus!
OC – It’s hard to imagine Jesus being a human and God. Because he was both he could save us from our sins one day. He was a real superhero! According to these verses, Jesus has always been alive even before he was a baby. What do you think about that?
Y – Jesus was God and became human, experiencing all the things we experience. How does it make you feel to know that Jesus experienced the things you experience?

Read Luke 2:41-52

Jesus was smart. Even adults wanted to listen to Him talk about God. Verse 2 tells us Jesus continued to grow and learn as He grew into a teenager and finally a man.

YC – Imagine having a play date with young Jesus. What would you want to play? What would you want to ask him?
OC – Wow! Jesus grew up as a kid just like you. What do you think Jesus played when he was a kid? What do you think he liked to learn about? Why do you think everyone thought he was so smart?
Y – Parents, tell your kids how you want to see them grow in wisdom and stature. Let them know that you want them to be on God’s mission in life.

Read John 19:17-18

Jesus grew up. He became an adult who told people about God. He was arrested and put to death on a cross. He loved us so much that He wanted to be punished for our sins so we could be forgiven. That’s why He was crucified. That’s also why He was born.

YC – On what special day do we remember how Jesus was punished for our sins and rose again three days later? Easter!
OC – Jesus grew up to be important to the world and to save the world. He wanted to save even you! Do you think we should thank God for sending baby Jesus to live and die for us? Pray together.
Y – When you think about Jesus as a baby at Christmas, don’t forget that he was born to give His life for you and me. How does this make you feel?

Read John 3:16

God loves everyone in the world. That includes you and all the people you know. Jesus wants everyone to have eternal life. That’s why He was born and why He was crucified. Every person who believes in Jesus and loves Him will have eternal life.

YC – Make a card to give to someone you don’t know (mailman, store clerk) that tells them how much God loves them.
OC – Jesus’ life was a gift for everyone. Who can you think of that has never heard that story? Can you tell them about who Jesus is in your own words? Let’s practice together. Tell me why Jesus is so important…
Y – After reading this verse, what is the real reason for the Christmas season?

Read I John 5:11-12

Each person who has Jesus in their heart has eternal life. Those who don’t have Jesus in their heart do not have eternal life? Is Jesus in your heart?

YC – Today is Christmas! What are some ways you can show your love for God today?
Everyone Else – Parents, tell your family your story of how you became a follower of Jesus and were saved. Then ask your children if they have ever asked Jesus into their heart. Talk about it. What is the next step that each person needs to take?