Countdown to Christmas: 7 Scriptures to read this week

It’s official — Christmas is this week!

While opening gifts under the tree is definitely something I look forward to, one of my favorite parts about the holiday is reading the Christmas story as a family. Those familiar verses in Luke 2 are always a humble reminder of that first Christmas in a stable all those years ago.

But you don’t have to wait until Saturday morning to experience the hope of our Savior’s birth.

Here are seven Bible verses to read and ponder in the days leading up to Dec. 25:

Day 1

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. — John 3:16 (KJV)

This well-known verse is often used when leading someone to a profession of faith. However, some 33 years before Christ died on the cross, he was born of a virgin.

He was God’s gift given to us in the form of a baby boy.

Day 2

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! — 2 Corinthians 9:15 (NIV)

Speaking of God’s gift, Paul mentions a gift beyond explanation in this verse.

There are several theories as to what he’s actually referring to, but it’s hard not to make the connection to Christmas. God chose to give us His only Son so that we could spend eternity with Him.

We are completely undeserving of this goodness, but that’s what makes Jesus’ birth the perfect, indescribable gift!

Day 3

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. — Galatians 4:4-5 (NIV)

This verse beautifully depicts why God sent Jesus to be born on this earth.

He did it for us. He did it so we could one day accept Him into our hearts and become His children. Remember that as you and your family celebrate this week!

Day 4

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. — Luke 2:7 (KJV)

There was no room for them …

Can you imagine being the one who turned away the Savior of the world? Instead of riding in on a white horse or being born in a glittering palace, the King of Kings made His first earthly appearance in a dirty stable. He was wrapped in strips of cloth and placed in a feeding trough intended for animals.

Day 5

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. — 2 Corinthians 8:9

This verse expounds on what you just read yesterday. This is the reason why God had His only Son be born in such a lowly manner.

Christ left the splendor of heaven for us. He became poor so that we could one day enjoy the riches of His kingdom.

Day 6

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. — Luke 2:8-10 (KJV)

Can’t you just imagine this scenario playing out?

The shepherds are quietly watching over their sheep. Perhaps they’re even getting drowsy. The night is still and calm … and suddenly an angel appears in a blaze of light saying, “Do not be afraid.”

I’m sure my initial reaction would’ve been fear, too. But in reality, it was a night of celebration and joy because the world had just received the greatest Christmas gift!

Day 7

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. — Luke 2:11 (KJV)

This is the true reason for the season.

Christmas isn’t about shopping or opening gifts or even spending time with loved ones. It’s about Christ’s birth and the hope He brings. It’s about the Christmas story found only in God’s Word.

Aren’t you so thankful for that story?

As you read it with your family this week, please remember the men, women, and children around the world who don’t have access to a Bible. Persecuted believers facing torture are begging for the comfort of God’s Word. Families in impoverished communities can’t afford to buy a copy. And others have never even heard the Gospel before.

This Christmas, you can share the greatest story ever told with a person in need. Click the button below to learn how YOU can place a Bible in someone’s hands this Christmas.

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