This swap series will help us to finish out the year with an attitude of worship! Jesus is the Reason for the Holiday Season, so let’s keep our hearts and minds on Him this Christmas! Read the recommended Bible passages and the Christmasy blurb below. Send your partner a letter or notecard answering the questions at the end of this post.

Bible passages to read and reflect on this week:

Numbers 24:17

Matthew 2:2

Matthew 2:10

John 8:12

One of the loveliest parts of the Holidays is going out at night and seeing all the houses lit up with Christmas lights. Whether displays are simple or elaborate, twinkling lights add plenty of cheer to the dark, cold nights this time of year. In fact, the very first Christmas began with a bright, twinkling light shining in the sky. When the wise men saw the star, they referred to it as “his star”, because many years earlier a prophet had foretold that a start would announce the birth of a king. From the very beginning God has been dispelling darkness both literally and in our hearts. We all have dark places within ourselves that we try to keep hidden. We may think it is better not to show our struggles, especially in the midst of Christmas festivities, but the truth is that shame flourishes in the darkness. God’s desire for His people is that we would walk in the light and live in freedom. This is why Jesus refers to Himself as The Light of the World. Let’s be like the wise men and seek the light of Christ. Through prayer and confession, we can give our most personal trouble to God and receive His healing and hope. We were never meant to live in darkness, and Christmas is the perfect time the leave it behind and embrace the light.

What kind of Christmas lights are your favorite?

What areas of darkness are you struggling with right now?

How has Jesus been a light in the darkness for you?