Light of the World December Devotional Series
Welcome to Reading 6 of this twelve-part December devotional series. We’re exploring the theme, Light of the World in each devotional and scripture reading this month. Today’s devotional reading is a Christmas Day celebration titled, “Light Has Come.”
Even if you haven’t been following along through this series, you’ll enjoy today’s reading on its own. After Christmas, we’ll continue discovering the light of Jesus through his life on earth, and consider how we can allow his light to shine through us.
Each reading take only about 5 minutes, so you can go back and start with Reading 1 to get an overview of the story of light through the entire Bible without a huge time commitment.
How to Use This Devotional with Your Family
Slow down. Most of us read too quickly for children to understand and comprehend the material. Read the title, subtitle, and scriptures slowly. Pause at commas and allow time for everyone to think about the meaning behind the words.
Discuss. Stop and talk about the meaning of words your children may not know. Ask them if there is anything they don’t understand.
Visualize. The concepts of light and darkness are easy for children to understand. Encourage them to visualize the imagery conveyed in the scriptures and discussion questions.
Light Has Come: Jesus Is Born!
Guess the Song Lyric
…glory to the newborn king…
(Find the answer at the end of the article)
Reading 6
Complete this devotional reading on Christmas Day. This is a standalone reading that can be done without having read the previous five devotionals.
(All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™)
Start with Reading 1: Light Everlasting
John 1:9
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.
John 1:4 (ERV)
In him was life, and that life was light for the people of the world.
The Christmas Story
Luke 2:9-14
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Jesus Is Born
The light has come! Jesus, the son of God, came to earth as a baby. His miraculous birth is good news. The circumstances of Jesus’ birth, born in a place where animals were kept, show us the depth of his love and the humility of his character.
Jesus Understands Us
Jesus gave up his position of power and glory, shining light alongside his father, to experience life on earth in a way that allows him to understand us completely.
This was God’s plan from the beginning.
Jesus Is the Reason We Celebrate
At Christmas, we focus on celebrating the birth of Jesus. many of the things you see at Christmas time can remind you of him and bring your attention back to the reason we celebrate Christmas.
In the book of Matthew, we read that the ancient magi saw a star in the sky that led them to worship Jesus, and we just read that angels announced Jesus’ birth.
Whenever you see a star or an angel decoration, let it remind you of Jesus’ love for you.
Light Has Come Discussion Questions
Are there any other symbols of Christmas that remind you of Jesus in some way?
Visualize yourself as one of the shepherds. How would you respond to seeing and hearing the angel of the Lord?
Suggested Listening
Emmanuel/Chris Tomlin (YouTube – christomlinmusic)
What hope we hold this starlit night
Chris Tomlin
A King is born in Bethlehem
Our journey long, we seek the light
That leads to the hallowed manger ground
Guess the Song Lyric Answer
Hark, the Herald Angels Sing
Celebrate the good news of great joy this Christmas season!
12 Family Devotional Readings for December
The following images will lead you through the devotional readings.
Bookmark this page for one convenient place to access all twelve readings.
If you prefer to purchase the Kindle edition of this devotional, click the image below to buy it on Amazon. The Kindle book includes the full devotional text, along with clickable links to the suggested music listening.
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