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
PAUSE
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
If God orchestrated a worldwide census to bring Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, why do you think He didn’t provide a room for them at the inn? What might this tell us about His plans?
Why do you think Jesus was born in a stable, a place meant for animals, rather than a more fitting or comfortable setting?
In 2 Corinthians 8:9, Paul says, “For your sake he (Jesus) became poor.” How does this verse help us understand the significance of Jesus’ humble birth, and what does it mean for those who follow Him?
In John 15:20, Jesus says, “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you.” How does this statement shape our understanding of the challenges we may face as followers 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.
ACTIVITY
Advent tree & ornaments: If you don’t already have an ornament for today, craft or find one that corresponds with today’s content - Christ is Born In a Manger. Then hang your twenty-second ornament on the tree.
Family Memories: 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. Take a photo or video of your family activity or of hanging your 22nd ornament on your Advent tree. Post your pictures or videos to the Facebook group or tag @summitparkchurch!
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
PAUSE
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
If God orchestrated a worldwide census to bring Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, why do you think He didn’t provide a room for them at the inn? What might this tell us about His plans?
Why do you think Jesus was born in a stable, a place meant for animals, rather than a more fitting or comfortable setting?
In 2 Corinthians 8:9, Paul says, “For your sake he (Jesus) became poor.” How does this verse help us understand the significance of Jesus’ humble birth, and what does it mean for those who follow Him?
In John 15:20, Jesus says, “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you.” How does this statement shape our understanding of the challenges we may face as followers 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.
ACTIVITY
Advent tree & ornaments: If you don’t already have an ornament for today, craft or find one that corresponds with today’s content - Christ is Born In a Manger. Then hang your twenty-second ornament on the tree.
Family Memories: 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. Take a photo or video of your family activity or of hanging your 22nd ornament on your Advent tree. Post your pictures or videos to the Facebook group or tag @summitparkchurch!