DAY 22
CHRIST IS BORN IN A MANGER
So Joseph went also, He went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea. That is where Bethlehem, the town of David, was. Joseph went there because he belonged to the family line of David. He went there with Mary to be listed. Mary was engaged to him. She was expecting a baby.
-Luke 2:4-5
REFLECT
Can you count how many people are in your family? During the time of Caesar Augustus, a census was ordered to count all the people in the Roman Empire. To be counted, Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem. This journey fulfilled a prophecy God had given long ago—that the ruler and Savior of His people would come from Bethlehem.
The trip to Bethlehem was about 80 miles, and Mary rode on a donkey as they traveled. The journey was long and tiring, and by the time they arrived, it was late. The stars filled the sky, and Mary and Joseph searched for a place to rest. They found an inn, but it was already full. With no other options, they stayed in a stable where animals slept. Though it wasn’t ideal, Mary and Joseph were grateful for a place to rest.
That quiet night, something miraculous happened—Mary gave birth to her baby. God’s wonderful gift had come into the world. The baby who would change everything had finally arrived. Mary wrapped Him in cloths to keep Him warm, and they placed Him in a manger filled with soft hay.
They named Him Jesus, just as the angel had instructed. He is “Emmanuel,” meaning “God with us.” He didn’t come as a mighty king in a palace or a warrior with a sword but as a humble, helpless baby. Yet, this child would soon change the world.
God had an extraordinary plan for Jesus. He sent Him because we needed someone to rescue us. Jesus would make a way for us to be close to God again. Though He came as a baby, He would grow up to live a perfect life, die on a cross for our sins, and be buried in a tomb. But the story wouldn’t end there. Three days later, He would rise again, defeating sin and death forever.
DISCUSSION
What are things you like about your family?
What is something about Christmas that helps you remember to story of Jesus?
PRAY
Dear God, Thank You for your Son. Thank You that He saves me from my sin, and makes a way for me to be close to You again. I love You, Amen.
FAMILY ACTIVITY
Take time to identify the members of the nativity scene. Have your child tell you how each member played a special role on the day Jesus was born.
So Joseph went also, He went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea. That is where Bethlehem, the town of David, was. Joseph went there because he belonged to the family line of David. He went there with Mary to be listed. Mary was engaged to him. She was expecting a baby.
-Luke 2:4-5
REFLECT
Can you count how many people are in your family? During the time of Caesar Augustus, a census was ordered to count all the people in the Roman Empire. To be counted, Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem. This journey fulfilled a prophecy God had given long ago—that the ruler and Savior of His people would come from Bethlehem.
The trip to Bethlehem was about 80 miles, and Mary rode on a donkey as they traveled. The journey was long and tiring, and by the time they arrived, it was late. The stars filled the sky, and Mary and Joseph searched for a place to rest. They found an inn, but it was already full. With no other options, they stayed in a stable where animals slept. Though it wasn’t ideal, Mary and Joseph were grateful for a place to rest.
That quiet night, something miraculous happened—Mary gave birth to her baby. God’s wonderful gift had come into the world. The baby who would change everything had finally arrived. Mary wrapped Him in cloths to keep Him warm, and they placed Him in a manger filled with soft hay.
They named Him Jesus, just as the angel had instructed. He is “Emmanuel,” meaning “God with us.” He didn’t come as a mighty king in a palace or a warrior with a sword but as a humble, helpless baby. Yet, this child would soon change the world.
God had an extraordinary plan for Jesus. He sent Him because we needed someone to rescue us. Jesus would make a way for us to be close to God again. Though He came as a baby, He would grow up to live a perfect life, die on a cross for our sins, and be buried in a tomb. But the story wouldn’t end there. Three days later, He would rise again, defeating sin and death forever.
DISCUSSION
What are things you like about your family?
What is something about Christmas that helps you remember to story of Jesus?
PRAY
Dear God, Thank You for your Son. Thank You that He saves me from my sin, and makes a way for me to be close to You again. I love You, Amen.
FAMILY ACTIVITY
Take time to identify the members of the nativity scene. Have your child tell you how each member played a special role on the day Jesus was born.