Jesus could have come to us as an emperor with riches and fame. He could have come as conquering warrior. Yet He chose the path of a peasant, helpless and humble. It seems we often we find ourselves seeking for prestige and drowning in comparison. Ask the Father to show you how you can be Christ-like in humility this Christmas.

“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12

The church is not so much a building as it is
a group of people gathering for worship. Perhaps the Magi bowing down before a baby could be described as the first gathering of Christians? It was probably just like churches today: messy, but celebrating Jesus. Christmas is coming! How will gathering with
God’s people help you celebrate?

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20

This is a great activity for Christmas morning. It will require some preparation in advance.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Glow-in-the-dark stars; Bible; Nativity set that includes Mary, Joseph, a donkey, other animals, an angel, a shepherd, wise men, and baby Jesus; a cake with a candle

PREP

1. When the kids are in bed, make a trail of stars from their rooms to the Christmas tree.
2. Place different pieces of the nativity set along the path, ending with baby Jesus.

CHRISTMAS MORNING

1. When the kids wake up, help them follow the stars like the wise men did.
2. At the first stop, find Mary, Joseph and a donkey & read Luke 2:1-5. Collect the figurines as you go to the next stop.
3. Continue following the trail of stars to the animals and read Luke 2:6-7.
4. Find the angels and shepherds at the next stop and read Luke 2:8-20.
5. Follow the trail to where the wise men wait and read Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11.
6. Approach the tree and have the kids focus on baby Jesus. As you turn on the tree lights, remind the kids that Jesus is the light of the world and that His birth is the reason we celebrate.
7. Finish the search with worship by singing hymns.

The shepherds were frightened by the appearance of an angel. Before proclaiming good tidings of great joy, the angel said, “Don’t be afraid.” In John’s first letter, we are told that God’s perfect love casts out fear. What fears do you need to set aside? Write a prayer asking God to help you release them.

They were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:9-10

His birth was 2,000 years ago but all of time is marked by Him. What grace and love cover this world by His coming! The call to follow Jesus is a call to the nations. Ask God to give you care and concern for people across the globe.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.
John 3:17