Christmas Family Devotions About Christ's Birth

Christmas family devotions can be four short readings about the birth of Christ, each followed by a question for the children and a hymn to sing. The Bible tells us who Jesus is and why He came, and you can open those passages with your family in December or at any other time.

Christians hold different views about keeping special days, and Paul says, “One man esteems one day as more important. Another esteems every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind” (Romans 14:5). This guide does not ask anyone to keep a day. It gives you readings about the coming of Christ that you can use in December or at any other time of the year, because the gospel is for every day.

Why we read about Christ's coming

The Son of God became a man in order to save sinners. Paul writes, “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law, that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of children” (Galatians 4:4 to 5). When we read about the birth of Jesus, we are reading the beginning of the gospel.

Four short Christmas family devotions

Reading one, a child is born

Isaiah promised the coming of Christ centuries before. “For to us a child is born. To us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Ask the children, “What names are given to this child? What do they tell us about Him?”

Reading two, you shall call his name Jesus

An angel told Joseph, “She shall give birth to a son. You shall call his name Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Ask, “What does the name Jesus mean for His work?” The name tells us He came to save.

Reading three, good news of great joy

The angel said to the shepherds, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10 to 11). Luke adds that Mary “wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7). Ask, “Why was this news for the shepherds, and why is it for us?”

Reading four, why He came

“The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). Ask, “Why did Jesus come into the world?” Tell the children plainly that He came to save sinners, that He died on the cross and rose again, and that God calls everyone to turn from sin and trust in Jesus.

Hymns to sing in December

The hymn library has “Joy to the World,” by Isaac Watts, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” by Charles Wesley in 1739, and “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery.” Choose one for the week and sing a verse after each reading. Ask the children what the hymn says about Jesus.

Keeping the Saviour central in a busy season

December is full of gatherings and gifts, and these are not wrong. They can crowd out the Lord, so protect ten minutes each day to read about Him. You can also read the session for Luke chapter 2 and the session for Matthew chapter 1 with your family, with the chapter, questions and a closing prayer ready.

Christ, the gift we need

Paul says that Christ Jesus came to save sinners. We do not assume that a child who sings the carols has believed. We ask the Lord to give each of our children a new heart, and we call them to trust in the Son He sent.

Choose one of these passages and read it with your children tonight. If the site helps your family, you can give here, and your gift will help other families read the Bible together. May the Lord, who came to save sinners, draw your household to Himself.