This 3-part Nativity Bible study will study the first Christmas to help your students appreciate Jesus’ arrival on earth.
Here is How the Nativity Bible Study Breaks Down:
Part 1: The Anticipation
Christmas, unlike other holidays, is not just a day on the calendar. It’s a season. That means that anticipation is part of the experience. This was especially true for the Jewish people in the first century. They had spent a couple of thousand years anxiously anticipating the coming Messiah. When Mary gave birth to Jesus, he fulfilled the prophecy the world had been waiting for! But it wasn’t what anyone was expecting. The story of Mary, a virgin from the middle of nowhere, gives us a glimpse at God’s heart for his people. Let’s examine three powerful quotes from this Christmas passage to evaluate what they mean for both Mary and you.
Scripture: Luke 1:28-38
Part 2: The Arrival
The first Christmas was chaotic. It was not a silent night at all. Cesar August sent out orders that every person in the Roman Empire had to return to their hometown to take a census. Millions of people saddled up their donkeys to travel to distant lands. Poor Mary had to travel 100 miles at 9 months pregnant, knowing she could give birth at any minute. Can you imagine the discomfort?
When your life seems chaotic, know this. You are in good company. God loves turning chaos into order and discomfort into peace. Look at creation. He spoke and brought perfect unity to the universe. Look at Mary. He spoke and brought harmony to her home. If God can do that for creation and Mary, you better believe he can do it for you too. Cling to Christ in the chaos. He will bring you order, unity, and peace. When God speaks, everything falls into place.
Scripture: Luke 2:1-7
Part 3: The Authentic Meaning of Christmas
Aren’t you thankful Jesus came to earth? He left streets of gold for dusty roads. He left heaven to live in poverty. I don’t know about you, but heaven sounds so much better than ancient Palestine. Jesus made the move for you. While preparing for His journey, you were on His mind. That’s the amazing thing about Christmas. God came to earth to be with us. Jesus didn’t just move into his ancient home; He also wants to move into your heart. That’s the miracle of Christmas. God stepped down from heaven to walk into your life. There is no greater gift.
Scripture: Luke 2:8-1
This Bible study was adapted from our free sermon series on the Nativity! Click here to view the free nativity sermon series. You might also like these free small group Bible studies for youth.
Most of our series have been recorded and are available in our free video library! You can access those Bible study videos by clicking here.
This free Nativity Bible study includes:
— 3 small group discussion guides on the nativity
— Graphics to reinforce the messages on social media
Talk to our Curriculum Pastor about this small group Bible study!
You can connect with our Curriculum Pastor who wrote this Bible study by clicking the button below! We’d love to connect, talk about this curriculum, and help you use it in your ministry.
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