Christmas is a special time of year for so many families. It is a time to reflect on how we can welcome Jesus into our hearts and homes and make him a priority in the New Year.
Choose a family member to be the leader. The leader says:
Let us gather together as a family of God and remember the night Jesus was born. Let us begin with the Sign of the Cross. +
Prayer:
Leader: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to be the Light of the world. Open our hearts to receive Him with joy and peace. Bless our families and help us share Your love with others.
Family: Amen.
Read: Choose a person to read the passage slowly, pausing after each section for a brief reflection. The Gospel of Luke 2: 1-7.
After reading and listening to the passage use the following questions to reflect:
- Why do you think Jesus was born in a simple place like a stable?
- What does humility teach us about God's love?
Read: Choose another family member to read the Gospel of Luke 2:8-20. Again, have the person read slowly and clearly. After reading, use the following questions to reflect:
- Why do you think God sent angels to shepherds first?
- What does this tell us about who is welcome in God’s kingdom?
Watch the video: Choose a video that best fits your family make up.
Grades: 1-2: The Birth of Jesus Christ:
Grades 3-5: Story of the Birth of Jesus:
Grades 6-8: The Story of Jesus’ Birth:
Grades 9 & 10: The Christ Child: A Nativity Story
After watching your chosen video (or videos) discuss using the following questions:
- What surprised you or touched your heart from the video?
- How do you think Mary and Joseph felt traveling to Bethlehem?
- Why do you think Jesus was born in such simple surroundings?
Family Group Discussion: Gather as family. Discuss as a family the following questions:
- How can your family be like Bethlehem—open to receiving Jesus?
- Who do you relate to most in the story of Jesus’ birth: Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the angels? Why?
Reflection: Just as Mary and Joseph welcomed Jesus with love and trust, our families can be places where Jesus is loved, honored, and shared.
Closing Prayer & Blessing:
Leader: Let us thank God for His greatest gift: His Son, Jesus. Let's begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen
Prayer: The prayer leader reads the prayer while other family members close their eyes and listen:
Lord Jesus, thank You for entering our world and our lives.
Help our family to be filled with joy like the angels, humble like the shepherds, and faithful like Mary and Joseph.
Help us to carry Your light to others.
Family: Amen!
Leader: May God bless our families with hope, peace, and joy this Christmas season. Family: Amen!
Extra Credit: Take a picture of your family near your Nativity scene and submit it to Amy Bolle.