Day 1- THE ANGEL’S MESSAGE

Read Matthew 1:18-22
Write down what Joseph learns from the angel. What is Jesus’ purpose on earth?
Read Luke 1:26-38
Write down what Mary learns from the angel. What is the angel’s name?
What does the angel tell Mary about Jesus in verses 32 and 33? How did Mary respond?
Could you imagine the surprise and amazement Joseph and Mary must have felt? Can you imagine how overwhelmed they were at the news they would be the parents of the Savior?
How would you feel if that was you? Is it clear why Jesus arrived on earth? The world says Jesus was just a good man, or a wise prophet or teacher. Is that all that He is? What does Jesus’ name tell you about Him?

Day 2- THE VIRGIN BIRTH

Read Luke 1:26-35
Why was Mary confused about being pregnant? Who was the real father of the baby?
Read Luke 3:23. Who did people think Jesus’ father was?
Read Romans 5:12. What happened through one man?
The virgin birth is one of the most important parts of Jesus’ birth story. Humans are born sinners. If Jesus was born a sinner, He could not have been the sacrifice on the cross for your sin. So God planned that man would have nothing to do with Jesus being created in His mom’s belly. The Holy Spirit created Jesus in Mary’s belly and Mary gave birth to Him. She was His biological mom. Joseph was not His biological dad. He loved Jesus like a son and took care of Him like a dad, but Jesus’ real dad was God.

Day 3- JESUS WAS BORN

Read Luke 2:1-20. Write down all the details that happened when Jesus was born.
Your Savior showed up as an infant. Many people thought the Messiah would be a mighty king who arrived in splendor. But Jesus showed up as an infant and was born, not in an awesome palace fit for a king, but in a place where animals eat. His first visitors were not people of high position but stinky, lowly shepherds. Speaking of shepherds… How did the shepherds know about Jesus? What do you think they felt when they saw the multitude of angels? How did they respond after seeing Jesus?
Read John 10:14. What does Jesus call Himself?
Do you think it was a coincidence that Jesus’ first visitors were shepherds?
Why do you think God did that?

Day 4- THE MAGI VISITRead Matthew 2:1-12
Who came to see Jesus? Where did they come from? What did they give Jesus?
The Magi were actually astronomers, people who study the stars. Their arrival was about two years after Jesus was born because we see in verse 11 that they go to a house, not a manger. When they don’t return to Herod, he attacks all kids two years and under. You can learn a few lessons from the Magi in how to respond to Jesus.
Lesson #1 The first thing the Magi do when they meet Jesus is worship Him. Do you worship Jesus?
Lesson #2 When the Magi met Jesus, they gave Him the best they had. Do you give Jesus the best of yourself?
Lesson #3 After meeting Jesus, the Magi went home a different way than they came. How is your life different since believing in Jesus?

Day 5- SATAN’S ATTACKS

Read Matthew 2:16-18
What happened after the Magi left? Do you think Satan had anything to do with this?
Read 1 Peter 5:8
What does Satan do? Does Herod’s attack fit into what Satan does?
Herod was the Roman appointed king of the Jews. He was a little worried about another king showing up. Out of jealousy and a desire to keep power, he tried to kill the prophesied King of the Jews. This is classic Satan. He does not want to be “crushed on the head” like God told him he would be back in the Garden. This is just another way that he tried to keep salvation from coming to you. How did Jesus escape? Can Satan stop God?