Creating intentional, Christ-centered moments during the Christmas season helps families slow down, reconnect, and refocus on what the holiday is truly about. Here are some meaningful ideas to make your family night both fun and spiritually enriching: ✨ 1. Read the Nativity Story Together Open Luke 2 and read the Christmas story as a family. Let each person share what part stands out to them. This sets the tone for a Christ-centered celebration. ✨ 2. Christmas Worship & Prayer Night Play worship songs or Christmas hymns, then gather for a time of prayer—thanking God for His faithfulness and the gift of Jesus. ✨ 3. Nativity Craft or DIY Ornaments Create simple crafts like: Nativity scene ornaments Scripture-themed decorations Handcrafted stars or angels This helps kids (and adults!) connect creatively with the message of Christmas. ✨ 4. Acts of Kindness Night Choose a way to bless someone together: Write encouraging cards Deliver treats to neighbors Prepare small gift bags for those in need Teaching children generosity during Christmas is powerful. ✨ 5. Christmas Movie + Discussion Watch a faith-based Christmas movie, then talk about how it reflects themes of hope, sacrifice, and God’s love. ✨ 6. Bake With Purpose Bake cookies or treats and pray over the families you plan to give them to. Turn a fun activity into a ministry opportunity. ✨ 7. Family Gratitude Sharing Sit around the tree and share: One blessing from the year One way you’ve seen God at work One thing you’re praying for together This builds unity and strengthens faith. Which of these traditions would you love to try this year? Do you have your own family Christmas traditions that center on Jesus?

Luke 1 gives us a powerful picture of what real faith looks like through Mary’s response to God. ✨ Mary Shows Us Faith in Three Ways 1. She Was Afraid, but Still Available Gabriel tells her, “Do not be afraid.” God’s calling doesn’t always feel comfortable, but His favor meets us in the unknown. 2. She Asked Honest Questions Mary’s “How will this be?” shows that faith doesn’t mean having everything figured out. It means trusting God even when the process is unclear. 3. She Surrendered Fully Her response, “I am the Lord’s servant,” is one of the greatest acts of faith in Scripture. She said yes even without knowing every detail. ✨ Praise Before the Promise Mary worshiped God before the miracle was visible (Luke 1:46–55). That’s what faith looks like—celebrating what God is doing even while waiting. 💬 Reflection for the Community Where is God asking you to trust Him the way Mary did—with surrender, courage, and a willing heart?

In a season filled with shopping lists and wrapping paper, it’s easy to forget the heart of Christmas—Jesus. If you’re looking for gifts that point others back to Him, here are some meaningful, Christ-centered ideas to inspire your giving: ✨ Gift Ideas That Share the Hope of Christ: 📖 A Beautiful Devotional or Study Bible A gift that encourages someone’s spiritual growth all year long. 🕯️ Scripture-Inspired Home Decor Wall art, candles, and prints that remind them of God’s promises. 📜 Handwritten Scripture Cards A simple but powerful way to encourage and uplift loved ones. 🎶 Worship Music or Christian Playlists Joy-filled songs that keep hearts focused on Jesus. 📚 Faith-Based Books Stories and teachings that strengthen faith and inspire deeper trust in God. 🙏 Prayer Journal A thoughtful way to help someone draw nearer to God daily. 💛 Acts of Service Sometimes the most meaningful gift is time, help, or kindness—just as Jesus modeled. This Christmas, let’s give with intention. Let our gifts be reminders of the greatest Gift of all—Jesus Christ. ✨

As we move through Advent, we pause today to reflect on the deep and lasting peace that Jesus brings. Not the kind the world gives—temporary and fragile—but a peace that calms our hearts, steadies our minds, and anchors our souls. What Advent Peace Means: 🕊️ Peace in His Presence Jesus is Emmanuel—God with us. His nearness brings comfort in our chaos and hope in our waiting. 🕊️ Peace in Our Circumstances Even when life feels uncertain, His peace reminds us that we are held by a faithful and unchanging God. 🕊️ Peace with One Another Christ calls us to be peacemakers, reflecting His love through grace, kindness, and forgiveness. 🕊️ Peace for Our Hearts He quiets our fears and replaces anxiety with assurance: “My peace I give you.” As we journey through Advent, may we slow down, breathe deeply, and receive the peace only Jesus can give. He is our Prince of Peace—today and always.

It’s Worship Playlist Sunday! Let’s start the week with songs that lift our spirits and turn our hearts toward God. Share your favorite worship songs or current playlist below—let’s build a collection that encourages and inspires our community this week.