Readings and Activities for Advent and Christmas
Scriptures and Projects for the Beginning of the Church Year
Oct 20, 2008
Whether a church group, a Sunday school, or a family, Bible readings and activities can be used to celebrate and reflect on the meaning of Advent and Christmas.
Scripture Readings for Advent (NKJV)
Isaiah 2:1-5 - This is Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the exaltation of Zion.
Isaiah 11:1 - This reading talks of King David’s father, Jesse, as being the stem from which Jesus will spring. This passage is the basis for the traditional Jesse tree activities used to celebrate Advent.
Jeremiah 33:14-16 - This reading tells of God raising up a messianic king from David’s line, who would rule with judgement and righteousness.
Micah 5:2-5 - These verses tell of a prophecy concerning the birth of Jesus as Prince of Peace. It speaks of Jesus’ birth and His Second Coming, and also talks of Him as coming from "everlasting" and being pre-existent.
Matthew 24:37-44 - Here, Jesus refers to His Second Coming. People must be alert and prepare for the return of Christ. It will be at an unexpected hour.
Romans 13:11-14 - This reading speaks of preparing for Christ’s return. Believers must take on Christlike characteristics.
Scripture Readings for Christmas (NKJV)
Luke 2:1-20 - This passage is the most commonly read at Christmastime. It tells of the census that caused Mary and Joseph to leave Nazareth and travel to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. It gives details of the shepherds, and the angel who was accompanied by the heavenly host. Here, the emphasis is on Jesus’ miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:18-24 - This is another account of the story of Jesus’ birth, with the emphasis on Jesus’ kingship.
John 1:1-18 - In this reading, John does not describe details of Jesus’ birth. He puts the emphasis on the Incarnation, that Jesus is fully God. John tells of John the Baptist witnessing to the Light. He describes Jesus as the true Light that reveals truth to all people.
Group Activities for Advent and Christmas
The following activities can be used to focus on the meaning of Advent and Christmas:
- The group can read and discuss the given scripture passages (above).
- A paper Jesse tree can be made and attached to a wall. Circles of paper can be decorated with Advent and Christmas symbols and attached to the tree. An artificial tree could be used instead of a paper one.
- Paper chains of purple, pink, and white can be made and hung for decoration.
- Individual paper Christmas trees can be made for each member of the group. These can be attached to the wall, then decorated with symbols of the Christmas story.
- Early in Advent, the group can decide on an activity or project to carry out during Christmas to bless those who are less fortunate.
- The group or family can take in some activity or event that a different group uses to celebrate the Advent and/or Christmas season.
- The group can make and decorate banners or murals that depict the Christmas story. These can be hung at church or at home.
- A package filled with personal notes and messages can be sent to someone who is away from home for the holidays.
- Electronic Christmas cards can be e-mailed to those away from home.
- The family or group can take part in caroling, especially at an institution where it will brighten the holidays for others. Senior citizen homes, shelters, and hospitals are good choices.
- To remember God’s creation during Advent and Christmas, food garlands or feeders can be placed outside for birds and animals. This can be continued over the winter months.
These scriptures and activities can be used to add reflection and meaning to Advent and Christmas for a group or family.
For other related devotions and activities see Colors and Activities for the Church Seasons, Devotion and Activities on Changing Seasons, and Devotions and Ideas for Giving at Christmastime.
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