The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Q: We want to make this a better Christmas, so we’ve decided to read some Bible passages together about Christmas. Where can we find them?

A: I’m thankful you want to do this; could anything be more important than turning our hearts and minds toward Jesus, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas?

Let me simply repeat some suggestions I’ve made before. Centuries before Jesus’ birth, God promised that He would send His Savior into the world. This week, therefore, I suggest you concentrate on prophecies from the Old Testament. You might begin with Isaiah 7:13-14, predicting the Messiah (meaning “the anointed one”) would be born of a virgin. Tomorrow read Malachi 3:1-4, which said the Messiah would be God’s messenger. Next read Micah 5:2-3, predicting the exact place of His birth. Then read Isaiah 9:2, 6-7, announcing that God’s Son would be born as a baby, followed by Isaiah 40:1-2, 9, declaring He would bring comfort and peace. Finally, finish the week with Psalm 23, pointing to Jesus our true Shepherd.

Next week begin with the angel’s announcement to Mary in Luke 1:26-35, saying God had chosen her to be the earthly mother of God’s only Son. Then read Matthew 1:18-23 about Joseph’s reaction to Jesus’ coming birth. The actual birth of Jesus is recorded in Luke 2:1-7; follow it with the angels’ announcement to the shepherds in Luke 2:8-20. Then read about the visit of the wise men in Matthew 2:1-12. Finally, conclude with John 3:16-17, urging us to put our faith and trust in Jesus.

Each passage I’ve suggested is short (although you can add to them if your children are older). After you read, encourage them to discuss what the passage tells us about Jesus. Then pray together, asking Jesus to be the center of your lives this Christmas—and always.