See the Christmas story in a whole new way! Participate in our ten easy devotions with your family. Each day you will place an object representing a part of the story in a simple decorated basket. Get ready by finding a basket and decorate it as you wish with a ribbon, a sprig of holly, tissue paper--whatever you have is fine.
Follow us on social media to see each day's devotional or come back to this page. Share your completed baskets with us and we'll share, too! Let's learn together and work together to share this most precious gift with the world.
Devotion #10
Jesus: Became Flesh
and Lived Among Us
Read: John 1:1-14 and Luke 2:6-7
Discuss: Why did Jesus come into the world?
Pray as you reflect on this truth:
He came from the Father,
full of grace and truth (John 1:14).
Add to the basket: a cross, because “. . . you will call Him Jesus, and He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
Devotion #9
Wise Men: Fell Down
and Worshiped Him
Read: Matthew 2:1-12
Discuss: What did the wise men do when they saw the star? What did they do when they saw Jesus?
Pray: Come and worship Him (Matthew 2:2).
Add to the basket: a small wrapped gift to represent the treasures that the wise men opened and offered to Jesus.
Devotion #8
Herod: Tricked by the Wise Men
Read: Matthew 2
Discuss: Why was Herod afraid of a baby?
Pray as you reflect on this truth:
He has brought down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of humble estate (Luke 1:52).
Add to the basket: a crumpled paper crown to represent the mighty who are brought low.
Devotion #7
The Angel and a Multitude
of the Heavenly Host:
Bringing Good News
Read: Luke 2:8-15
Discuss: What do you think this scene really looked like?
Pray: Give glory to God in the highest (Luke 2:14).
Add to the basket: hand cutouts. Have each family member trace his or her hand. Color each hand using a different shade of skin color to represent the people that
God created around the world. Cut the hands out. The hands represent the truth that the good news of great joy is for all people.
Devotion #6
Shepherds:
Keeping Watch
Over Their Flock
Read: Luke 2:8-20
Discuss: Why do you think God chose to announce the birth of Jesus to these shepherds?
Pray: Praise God for all you have
heard and seen (Luke 2:20).
Add to the basket: a shepherd’s crook cut from brown paper.
Devotion #5
Caesar Augustus: Issued a Decree
Read: Luke 2:1-5
Discuss: How did God use the Roman rulers in this story?
Pray as you reflect on this truth:
All rulers and authorities were created by Christ and for Christ (Colossians 1:16).
Add to the basket: a rolled piece of paper tied with a ribbon to represent Caesar’s decree.
Devotion #4
Joseph: A Righteous Man
Read: Matthew 1:18-25
Discuss: What does the Bible tell us about the man God chose for the earthly father of Jesus?
Pray as you reflect on this truth:
God is with us (Matthew 1:23).
Add to the basket: a piece of wood to represent Joseph, the righteous carpenter.
Devotion #3
Mary: Servant of the Lord
Read: Luke 1:46-56
Discuss: How does Mary’s song express what is in her heart?
Pray as you reflect on this truth:
God’s mercy is for those who fear him, from generation to generation (Luke 1:50).
Add to the basket: white cloths (or towel, pillowcase, etc.) to represent the swaddling clothes Mary used to care for her baby.
Devotion #2
Elizabeth:
Filled With the Holy Spirit
Read: Luke 1:39-45
Discuss: What did Elizabeth know about the baby in Mary’s womb?
Pray as you reflect on this truth: There is fulfillment of what is spoken from the Lord (Luke 1:45).
Add to the basket: a drawing of Mary and Elizabeth together.
Devotion #1
Gabriel: Sent from God
Read: Luke 1:26-38
Discuss: What was Gabriel’s message?
Pray as you reflect on this truth: Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).
Add to the basket: a Bible, to represent how God
told us the good news about Jesus coming to earth.