Series Description
Have you ever stopped to listen to a group of carolers and then joined them to go spread some more Christmas cheer with others? Music is such a big part of Christmas, but it’s not the main reason we celebrate. It’s easy to get distracted with all the lights, presents, and traditions that sometimes we forget it’s not about the things we do, but Who we do it for and why we do it.
That’s why this December, we’re singing loudly as we jam out to our Christmas Playlist to celebrate Jesus, God’s greatest gift! The best gift God ever gave was Jesus. Because of Jesus, it’s possible for us to have a relationship with God that will last forever. As we get in the mix this Christmas season, let’s take time to remember the reason we celebrate in the first place: Jesus, the greatest gift the world has ever known.
Memory Verse
Mary is going to have a son. You must give him the name Jesus. That’s because he will save his people form their sins.
Matthew 1:21 NIRV
Life App
Celebrating Jesus, God’s greatest gift,
Week 1 (December 1)
In the Begining Was the Word
Bible Story: In the Beginning Was the Word | John 1:1-5, 14
Bottom Line: God always had a plan to send Jesus.
Key Question: Why is Jesus important to you?
We kick off week 1 at the very beginning. In John 1:1-5, 14, we learn that before there was anything, even life itself, there was the Word. Jesus was this Word — a light that became a human to shine in the darkness and show us Who God is. We get to see the plan God had for us from the very beginning and celebrate because of the gift of Jesus.
Much of what we celebrate at Christmas is an incredible reminder that God can be trusted no matter what. Since the very beginning, God made a promise to save the world and then followed through with Jesus. Because of Jesus, we can celebrate the opportunity to have a relationship with God that lasts forever.
Week 2 (December 8)
An Angel Appears to Mary and Joseph
Bible Story: An Angel Appears to Mary and Joseph | Luke 1:26-38, Matthew 1:18-25
Bottom Line: Celebrate because God is with you.
Key Question: What helps you remember that God is with you?
In week two, we turn to Luke 1:26-38 and Matthew 1:18-25. On both occasions, an angel visited Mary and Joseph to inform them that they would be the parents of the coming Savior of the world. They would call Him Immanuel, which means “God with us”. They could have said no and refused, but even though they were afraid, they trusted that God was with them through it all.
When God sent Jesus, it was the answer to many, many prayers and years of waiting. The people must have wondered what God was doing or if God was still working. We can feel the same way in our own lives. Yet, time and time again, we see that we can trust God no matter what, and celebrate because God sent Jesus for us.
Week 3 (December 15)
Jesus is Born
Bible Story: Jesus Is Born | Luke 2:1-7
Bottom Line: Celebrate because God sent a Savior.
Key Question: What does Christmas mean to you?
In week three, we head to Luke 2:1-7 for the birth of Jesus! This Word that God had promised from the beginning had finally arrived as a humble baby. It may not have been
as everyone thought, such as a warrior or someone with high status, but it was exactly what the world needed. God’s rescue plan to save the world was in motion, and as we remember how Jesus was born, we can always find a reason to celebrate!
We all know that Christmas is about Jesus, but sometimes it’s easy to make it all about the lights, decorations, and presents. Those things aren’t bad, but it’s important that we stay focused on the truth of what and WHO we celebrate at Christmas. God loved us enough to send Jesus to rescue us. Knowing that can help us celebrate Jesus, the true reason for the season.
Week 4 (December 22)
Shepherds and Angels
Bible Story: Shepherds and Angels | Luke 2:8-20
Bottom Line: Celebrate Jesus with others.
Key Question: How are you celebrating Christmas this year?
For week 4 we continue the story in Luke 2:8-20. Jesus was born, and it was now time to announce it to the world. Instead of heading to the wealthiest people, some angels visited the shepherds and announced Jesus’ birth to them first! The shepherds ran to see Jesus, and once they did, it was news they couldn’t keep to themselves. Jesus is worth celebrating with everyone!
This story reminds us that Jesus didn’t just come for the powerful or most important people. Jesus came to show everyone that they can be part of what God is doing in the world. We pray that this Christmas kids will remember that Jesus came for them and for everyone around them, and that’s a good reason to celebrate!