A Dramatic Reading of the Christmas Story
Gather with members of your household and read together the story of Jesus’ birth as recorded in Luke’s Gospel (2:1-20).  Consider reading the text dramatically:  assign one person to be the narrator, another to read the angel’s message, others to read the song of the angel choir, and others to read the response of the shepherds.  Conclude by singing “The First Noel” or some of your favorite Christmas carols.

If you have been creating the “Chain of Stars” throughout the season of Advent, add the star for Christmas Eve, and display the garland as a Christmas decoration in your home.  If you have been using an Advent Wreath during family devotional time, light all four candles plus a fifth candle (white), the Christ Candle, and conclude by singing “Silent Night, Holy Night” or one of your favorite Christmas carols.  (If you do not have an Advent Wreath, consider lighting a white candle as you gather for family devotions.)

“A Child Is Born” Christmas Banner
Supplies needed:  Bible; 9” x 13” piece of solid color fabric (felt or burlap); felt scraps in a variety of colors; paste or glue; scissors; stapler; wooden dowel (12” long, ¼” wide); yarn or string; sheet of drawing paper; pencil or pen.

Sketch a simple design pertaining to the birth of Jesus on a sheet of drawing paper and then prepare patterns for each component of the design.  Cut out the design from scraps of felt and glue the design onto the solid piece of fabric.  Fold down the top 2” of the fabric and secure with staples.  Leave a loop large enough to slide the dowel through.  Attach yarn or string to each end of the dowel to make a wall hanging.  Display the banner where you gather for family devotions throughout the Christmas season. 

Conclude your devotions by reading together Isaiah 9:2-7 and singing some of your favorite Christmas carols.

“Tidings of Comfort and Joy” Cards
Supplies needed:  Bible; construction paper; old Christmas cards; scissors; glue or paste; stickers and/or glitter (optional); pens; crayons.

Fold a sheet of 8-1/2” x 11” construction paper in half.  Cut out a picture from an old Christmas card and affix it to the front.  Decorate the cover with stickers and/or glitter if desired.  (Young children may wish to draw a picture on the cover instead.)  On the inside write:  “Tidings of Comfort and Joy,” “Our God Reigns,”  “Our God is Here,” “With love and peace to you at Christmas.”  Also copy John 1:14 somewhere on the card.  Encourage members of your household to make as many cards as possible and then deliver them to a local hospital or nursing home.  Sing “Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!” and some of your favorite Christmas carols while making the cards. Conclude this activity by reading together Psalm 98.  Invite everyone to respond together at the end, “OUR GOD REIGNS!”

“Joy Cards”
Supplies needed:  Bible; 3” x 5” index cards; pens or pencils; drawing paper and crayons for younger children; large basket or bowl.

Gather members of your household in a circle and read together Psalm 98.  Read it “crescendo” style with one person starting off by reading verse 1, another person joining in at verse 2, another at verse 3, and so on.  The effect will be one of increasing volume as the psalm is read until all voices are reading together.  At the conclusion of the reading, discuss the various ways joy is expressed in this psalm.

Distribute nine index cards and invite members of your household to copy each of the nine verses of the psalm onto one of the cards.  Encourage younger children to draw pictures to illustrate various verses in the psalm.  Place all the cards and pictures in a basket or bowl.  During family devotions throughout the week, select one or two cards and/or one or two drawings and encourage everyone to share their thoughts about how the Scripture passage speaks to them and how the birth of the Savior brings joy to their lives.

“Blessing Cards”
Supplies needed:  Bible; 3” x 5” index cards (or pieces of paper); drawing paper and crayons for young children; pens or pencils..

Read together Elizabeth’s beatitudes (Luke 1:41-45).  What brought Elizabeth joy?  What did she say about Mary?  Invite everyone to prepare a “blessing card” for someone, especially someone who may be in need of a word of encouragement.  The “blessing” may be an affirmation of a way the intended recipient has blessed the sender, or an encouraging Scripture passage.  Enclose the “blessing card” with a greeting card or note.

“Blessing Basket”
Supplies needed:  Bible; candle; 3” x 5” index cards (or pieces of paper); drawing paper and crayons for young children; pens or pencils; basket (or bowl).

Light a candle and read together Simeon’s song of praise (Luke 2:29-32) and Anna’s testimony (Luke 2:36-38).  What brought Simeon joy?  What did Anna say about Jesus?  Invite everyone to reflect on a blessing they have received “in the midst of the ordinary” and to write it down on an index card or piece of paper.  (Young children may be encouraged to draw a picture.)  Gather everyone’s “blessing” in a basket.  Incorporate these blessings into a prayer of thanksgiving.  Conclude by singing one of your favorite Christmas carols.