I’m thankful you want to do this as a family; as Christmas approaches, could anything be more important than turning our hearts and minds to the One whose birth we celebrate?

Centuries before Jesus’ birth, God promised through His prophets that He would send His Savior into the world. This week, therefore, concentrate on some of those prophecies from the Old Testament. You might begin with Isaiah 7:13-14, which predicted the Messiah (which means “the anointed one”) would be born of a virgin. Tomorrow read Malachi 3:1-4, which said the coming Messiah would be God’s messenger. Then read Micah 5:2-3, predicting the exact place of His birth. Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 announced God’s Son would come as a child, and Isaiah 40:1-2, 9 said He would bring comfort and peace. Finish the week with Psalm 23, because Jesus is our true Shepherd. (On Sunday discuss your pastor’s sermon, which probably will focus on Christmas.)

Next week begin with the angel’s announcement to Mary in Luke 1:26-35, telling her God had chosen her to be the earthly mother of God’s 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. On Christmas Day, 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 is brief, so encourage your children to express what it tells us about Jesus. Then pray together, asking Jesus to be the center of your lives this Christmas season. God bless you.

Make Jesus the center of your life.