The folks at Bible.com (who make the YouVersion Bible App) have shared a cool series of Christmas videos where you can hear the stories being read from the Bible as you watch actors portray the scenes. This can be a helpful addition or alternative to the Bible reading we shared in our Christmas post.
Christmas is here!
On this special day, we celebrate our Savior's coming and eagerly look forward to when He comes again. Here are some resources you can use to enhance your celebration (a few videos, some Bible reading and discussion, a Christmas story quiz, and some music to enjoy).
A fun retelling of the Christmas story.
A relationship with Jesus gives us a different perspective on Christmas.
After watching the above video, it might be a good time to have some discussion on the question: What do you believe about Christmas and about Jesus?
Read the historical accounts of Jesus' birth:
More complete version: Luke 1:26-56, Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-38, Matthew 2:1-23, and Luke 2:39-40. (Read online here.)
More condensed version: Luke 1:26-38, Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-21, and Matthew 2:1-12. (Read online here.)
Some possible questions to discuss after reading:
How did the people we read about react to the angels who visited them? (What did they feel and do?) How do you think you might have reacted?
If you were one of these people, what would you find difficult to believe? What fears might you have? What would you be excited about?
What's something unexpected or unplanned that's happened in your life and (sooner or later) you were glad it did?
Would you say you're close to God right now in your life? Why/why not? What would it take to get you there?
Just for fun, test your recollection of the Christmas story:
For a good challenge, try the Christmas IQ Quiz.
For a little bit simpler version of the quiz, download this one from Lifeway.
A song to respond to the good news about Jesus.
Wrapping up our resource listing, here are a few Christmas music playlists to enjoy with family and friends:
If you'd like something higher-energy, try: Go Fish or TobyMac
If you'd like something a little more low-key: JJ Heller or Lauren Daigle
Two options from Chris Tomlin: Adore (newer), or Glory in the Highest (earlier)
And finally, two options from MercyMe: It's Christmas! (newer), or The Christmas Sessions (earlier)
We hope you enjoy celebrating our Savior's birth! Merry Christmas, and may our celebration of Jesus continue always!!
Kids imagine the conversation in heaven leading up to Christmas.
The Christmas story, as told by children.
Enjoy a little high-tech Christmas music.
The season of Advent is all about waiting.
How silent monks sing the Hallelujah Chorus.
This Advent season, remember what Christmas is all about.