The Christmas season is rich with opportunities to learn about God's love for us and praise him for the gift of his Son. There are many aspects of the Christmas story that can encourage us in our daily spiritual walk. These studies will guide you through the hope and joy we have because of the birth of Jesus.
1. Advent Meditations
Rediscover the joy of Advent with these meditations.
Multi Session Bible Study
The Advent season calls us to slow down and celebrate the Savior's birth. Unfortunately, it's all too easy to get caught up in the noise and busyness that accompanies this time of year. This study is full of opportunities to meditate on the meaning of Christmas and experience the joy and hope the birth of Jesus brings.
2. The People of the Nativity
Explore the lives of the people in this familiar story.
5 Session Bible Study
We're familiar with the people in the Nativity story, but do we realize what we can we learn from them? This five-session study will look at those in the genealogy of Jesus, as well as the more familiar characters of Joseph, Mary, the shepherds, and the angels. Through these people we'll learn about the human condition and God's character. We'll also learn how doubts can turn to faith, the importance of humility and obedience, and how to gain an eternal perspective.
3. A Look at Advent Through the Old Testament
Explore where the Christmas story really began.
4 Session Bible Study
The Christmas story began in the Old Testament. God's nature didn't change, nor did ours, and he had our redemption in mind all the time. The prophets Jeremiah, Malachi, Zephaniah, and Micah all proclaim the Christ that was to come. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, this study shows how the depth of the Christmas story and God's love for us make the holiday more meaningful.
4. Peace on Earth
This kind of peace may surpass even our understanding.
Single Session Bible Study
We all long for peace, especially at Christmas. But while Jesus blessed peacemakers and left his peace with them, he did not promise they would have peaceful relations with the world. In this study, we will explore the shadow of the sword that followed Jesus and continues to follow us.
5. The Songs of Advent
Four unique songs to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
4 Session Bible Study
While there are many popular Christmas songs we sing each year, there are four songs recorded in the Bible to celebrate the birth of Jesus that most of us aren't familiar with. The angels sang a song to the shepherds. Mary sang a song to God after receiving the shocking news that she was going to be the mother of the Savior. Simeon also had a song, as did Zechariah, the elderly priest who sang after being visited by an angel.
This wasn't like a Broadway musical—these people didn't suddenly burst into song. But the ancient church captured their words and created songs of faith, peace, trust, and hope known as canticles.
6. The Incarnation
What it means that the Word was made flesh.
Single Session Bible Study
The Bible tells us that with Jesus' birth the "Word was made flesh". For many Christians, life is filled with questions of what choices to make and how to live a fulfilling life that pleases God. Sometimes, the questions can feel debilitating. Thankfully, there are scriptural answers to our questions. This study will lead you through the practical implications of Christ's birth and life on our daily lives.
7. Advent of the Savior
God's promises are fulfilled through the birth of Christ.
6 Session Bible Study
The Christmas story is rich with meaning that can easily be overlooked as we celebrate this familiar holiday. Starting with Isaiah's prophecy and journeying all the way to the Magi's meeting with Jesus, this study will help you look at Christmas with a fresh sense of wonder and thankfulness.
8. Discussion Guide: The Nativity Story
A discussion guide for groups or families to help you go deeper in this cinematic depiction of Jesus’ birth.
Single Session Bible Study
The Nativity Story showcases the powerful story of Jesus’ birth in a sweeping yet intimate film. Beautifully rendered by director Catherine Hardwicke from a screenplay written by Mike Rich, the film offers contrasting pictures of those who trust in God and those who don’t, presents various images of the journey of faith, and reveals God’s faithfulness in keeping his promises to his people, even in highly unexpected ways.
This discussion guide will help you connect with the nativity story by reflecting on the miraculous events of God’s incarnation and the powerful models of faith for us today.
9. Advent: Clash of Two Kingdoms
Explore the ways Jesus turned things upside down when he came to Earth.
4 Session Bible Study
Advent is more than a nice tale about a baby being born in difficult circumstances. It is the strategy of God and the tactics of the Son. It's about life, death, blood, confrontation, darkness, light, and war. It's the clash of two kingdoms. This four-session study looks at the ways that Jesus turned things upside down when he came to Earth.
10. Advent: A Savior for All People
Prepare your heart for the greatest Christmas gift of all.
4 Session Bible Study
Prepare your heart for Christmas by focusing on Christ and what we learn from the people in his story. We can learn from Zechariah and Elizabeth how to prepare our hearts to receive all that God has for us. Mary teaches us about the true meaning of Christmas. We learn how to prioritize our Christmas from the shepherds. And Simeon and Anna teach us how to respond to the best gift of all time.
Kristen Cloyd is the former Marketing Coordinator for ChristianBibleStudies.com.
