Christmas Devotions

A couple years back the pastor at our previous church shared a Christmas tradition they did with their boys every year. It is a simple family devotion that starts on December 1 and goes up until Christmas. We tried it that first year and our kids loved it. It has become a tradition we all look forward to. I thought I would share it, because it is simple and we all love it so much.

The first thing we do is gather everyone together in our living room. We turn out all the lights, except the Christmas tree, and light a pillar candle. We put the candle on our ottoman. Next we sing a couple of Christmas carols with the kids. It usually ends up being one kid one, one traditional carol and more often than not, Jingle Bells. I think that is the kids favorite. Next we read a couple verses from the Christmas story found in different parts of the Bible (I'll post the list at the bottom). Then someone closes us in prayer. We take turns so everyone gets a turn. Everyone then gathers around the candle and holds hands. We count one-two-three and the kids all blow the candle out together. Finally, the kids run to their stockings to find their candy, which mom or dad has sneaked in earlier. It is usually just one little piece like a Hershey kiss, mint, or even an M&M. Of course, we don't want them all hopped up on sugar right before bed. This is a part of celebrating Christmas we all look forward to each year.

Here is the Scripture list.
Dec. 1 - Isaiah 7:14
Dec.2 - Isaiah 9:6-7
Dec.3 - Micah 5:2
Dec.4 - Luke 1:26-28
Dec.5 - Luke 1:29-30
Dec.6 - Luke 1: 31-33
Dec.7 - Luke 1:34-35, 37
Dec.8 - Luke 1:38
Dec.9 - Matthew 1:18-21
Dec.10 - Matthew 1:22-23
Dec.11 - Matthew 1:24-25
Dec.12 - Luke 2:1-5
Dec.13 - Luke 2:6-7
Dec.14 - Luke 2:8-9
Dec.15 - Luke 2:10-12
Dec.16 - Luke 2:13-15
Dec.17 - Luke 2:16-18
Dec.18 - Luke 2:19-20
Dec.19 - Matthew 2:1-2
Dec.20 - Matthew 2:3-6
Dec.21 - Matthew 2:7-9
Dec.22 - Matthew 2:10-12
Dec.23 - Luke 19:10
Dec.24 - John 10:10
Dec.25 - John 3:16