Tag: Christmas

Christmas Bible Trivia Questions plus Free Printables

Posted on by Donna Snow

The whole reason for the Christmas season is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Beyond the Christmas trees, Christmas movies, and Christmas parties, remembering the Christmas Story is vital.

These Christmas bible trivia questions are perfect holiday party games options for your Bible study group, Sunday school class, Women’s Christmas dinner, Advent gathering, or family game night!

Contents

Playing trivia games is a fun way to learn more about the Bible in a non-threatening environment as you blast the Christmas carols. They also introduce a little competition and fun activity interaction at your holiday parties. 

Small groups are better than large groups, but any age can play. The best part is that this free printable Bible trivia quiz provides a great way to learn both the Old Testament and New Testament.

Some of the Christmas bible quiz questions are easy. Most adults and kids of all ages would know most of the answers, but there are a few difficult questions that I had to look up!

Prophecy About Jesus’ Birth

The birth of Jesus was foretold centuries before He was laid in the manger. Before time began, God set in motion the perfect way that mankind could be saved from His wrath: a Savior.

The Savior to come would not be just anybody. Our Savior is God’s one and only Son! So here are trivia questions about the prophecy of Jesus’ birth, the names of Jesus, and His lineage.

  • Which Old Testament prophet said that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem?
  • Which King of Israel was Jesus Christ’s ancestor?
  • What name for Jesus means “God with us”?
  • Which book’s title in the Old Testament is a variation of Jesus’ name?
  • What Old Testament book makes the very first reference to Jesus?

Baby Jesus and His Birth

Knowing the circumstances of Jesus’ birth and the low status of Jesus’ earthly parents reinforces how our Savior came lowly to save all. 

Jesus could have been born in a palace with servants catering to His every whim. Yet He was born in poverty so that He would be accessible to all people.

  • What’s the name of the town where Jesus was born?
  • What was the name of Jesus’ mother?
  • Who was Mary engaged to when she became pregnant?
  • What was the name of the angel who told Mary she would give birth to Jesus?
  • How far did Mary & Joseph have to travel to Bethlehem?
  • What did Jesus sleep in after he was born?
  • Who was the emperor of Rome when Jesus was born?
  • Who was trying to kill baby Jesus?

The Shepherds

The shepherds on the hills of Bethlehem that night were no ordinary shepherds. 

These were Temple Shepherds tasked with tending unblemished sheep for the Temple sacrifices in Jerusalem not far away. 

It only makes sense that the shepherds who presented unblemished lambs to the Temple would announce to the world that the Unblemished Lamb of God had just been born!

These questions are included in the below free printable trivia game:

  • Who told the shepherds about Jesus’ birth?
  • What did the shepherds do after they heard the announcement?
  • Where did the shepherds find the baby Jesus?
  • After seeing Jesus, what did the shepherds do?
  • When the shepherds told Mary why they were there, what did Mary do?

The Wise Men

The wise men were magi from the East. They were known as the “kingmakers.” No one in the Medo-Persian empire was crowned king without their approval and consent.

They were kingmakers and accomplished astrologers. The stars revealed to them that there was a new king of the Jews. So they set out west.

These questions are included in this free printable game ready for your next holiday party:

  • Who were the “wise men”?
  • How many wise men were there?
  • What did the wise men follow to find Jesus?
  • What gifts did the wise men bring to Jesus?
  • How old was Jesus when the wise men showed up with their gifts?
  • In what town did the wise men find Jesus?

General Christmas Bible Trivia

Other than the categories above, there are important and fun facts to know about the Christmas Story. 

These are related to the birth and early years of Jesus that are relevant to the Christmas story. Good luck!

  • How many days after his birth did Mary and Joseph give him the name Jesus?
  • Where did Mary, Joseph, and Jesus flee to after Bethlehem?
  • What main book in the New Testament contains the story of Jesus’ birth?

Game Rules

It is always best to keep the game rules simple so that it is easy for younger players, as well. 

Pass out the game sheets and festive pens or Christmas pencils. 

Have one person call out the questions one at a time, giving time for all to answer.

​Check answers against the key, and the first person with the most correct answers wins! It’s always fun to offer prizes, too.

Bottom Line

Christmas is more than Christmas ornaments, singing a Christmas song (or two), eating a candy cane (or two dozen), and jingle bells. 

As Christians, we celebrate Christmas because it is the day that God put His promise into action to send a Savior to the world.

Because of Jesus’ birth, perfect life, death, and glorious resurrection, we have the hope of eternity for all who believe that He is Lord and Savior.

I pray that this fun game is a blessing for your Christmas get-togethers as you listen to Christmas music and celebrate the real reason for this holiday season: JESUS.

Merry Christmas blessings to you and your whole family!

FREE PRINTABLE CHRISTMAS BIBLE TRIVIA GAME
FREE PRINTABLE CHRISTMAS BIBLE TRIVIA ANSWER KEY

If trivia or scavenger hunts are not your thing, here are some of my other favorite fun Christmas games.

Related Posts:

About the Author
Donna is a sought-after author, speaker, and Bible teacher. Her path from being unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was not easy. Read her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her here.

{Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!}

Fun Christmas Trivia Game with Free Printable Quiz

Posted on by Donna Snow

The Christmas holiday season holds precious traditions. Amongst the delicious Christmas food, family traditions, and favorite Christmas songs, Christmas games are simply part of the festivities. 

Whether you’re gathering your entire family for family get-togethers or looking for holiday fun for your office party, here are fun Christmas trivia questions for all occasions (plus free printables and digital download). 

Contents

A lively Christmas trivia game provides your party guests with a fun activity for any holiday gathering or family game night. Plus, your more competitive guests will love the challenge! Scavenger hunts are a great option, but sometimes space and time constraints are not ideal.

The full, busy days of Christmas can be a tad hectic, so the best holiday game is also going to be a simple game. No hard work necessary! Holiday trivia games are also easy on the wallet, so a free printable game leaves spare dollars to offer a small prize or two.

As we gather near our festive Christmas trees with family and friends, fun games are a great way to put people at ease. So free Christmas trivia games are the perfect addition to your next holiday party!

To include fun for the whole family, a mix of challenging questions and easier ones make up great trivia games. These printable games are as simple as printing them out and passing them around. 

Christmas Carols and Songs Trivia

Singing at Christmas has always embodied the spirit of Christmas. The angels even sang at Christ’s birth! Here are trivia questions that include a popular Christmas song or two.

Question: In the song “Twelve Days of Christmas,” what is given on the third day?

Answer: Three French hens

Question: ​What Christmas carol includes these lyrics: “The stars in the sky look down where He lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay”? 

Answer: ​Away in a Manger

Question: ​Since he didn’t have a white Christmas, what color of Christmas did Elvis have?

Answer:​ Blue Christmas

Question: What color was Rudolph’s nose?

Answer: ​Red

Question: In Elmo & Patsy’s funny song, who got run over by a reindeer?

Answer:​ Grandma

Question: Where was Mommy when she kissed Santa Claus?

Answer: ​Underneath the mistletoe

Christmas Movies Trivia

Christmas movies are an integral part of the Christmas season as much as jingle bells and Christmas decorations. Here are a few holiday movie questions to toss out.

Question: ​What did Ralphie want Santa to bring him in the 1983 movie “A Christmas Story“?

Answer:​ A Red Ryder BB Gun

Question:​ Why did Santa need Rudolph to guide his sleigh on Christmas Eve?

Answer:​ So the light from Rudolph’s nose could cut through the foggy night.

Question: In Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas“, in what state was the snow lodge?

Answer:​ Vermont

Question: On what street did Santa’s miracle take place?

Answer: Miracle on 34th Street

Question: ​What is the name of the mean, stingy man in “A Christmas Carol“?

Answer: Ebenezer Scrooge

Question: In the 2003 movie “Elf“, where does Santa’s sleigh crash?

Answer: ​Central Park

Question: In “Frosty the Snowman“, what made Frosty come alive?

Answer: ​Magic hat

Christmas Food Trivia

Christmas food is not simply about eating rich, lavish meals. It’s about sharing uninterrupted time with our loved ones as we appreciate the special, festive time we get to spend together.

Each of us has at least one favorite food that we like to see during the Christmas holidays. They have the power to ignite cherished memories of simpler times.

Question: Which fairy tale served as the inspiration for the first gingerbread houses?

Answer: Hansel and Gretel

Question: What country did the candy cane and gingerbread house originate from?

Answer:​ Germany

Question: What do the shape and color of candy canes represent?

Answer: They are shaped like a shepherd’s staff (or a “J” for Jesus); white represents the purity of Jesus and red represents the blood He shed for us on the cross.

Question:​ What beverage is also known as “milk punch”?

Answer:​ Egg nog

Question: What do American children traditionally leave for Santa by the fireplace?

Answer: Milk and cookies

Question: ​What do Swedish children traditionally leave for Santa?

Answer:​ Coffee

Santa and North Pole Trivia

The North Pole has long been famous for being the home to Santa Claus and year-round Christmas festivities. But what else do we know?

Question: Who lives at the North Pole other than Santa Claus? (list at least one)

Answer: ​ Mrs. Claus, Santa’s reindeer, the elves

Question:​ Who did Santa bring back to life?

Answer: A melted Frosty the Snowman

Question: ​What is Santa called in the United Kingdom (England, Great Britain)?

Answer: ​Father Christmas

Question:​ How many reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh?

Answer: ​Nine (original eight plus Rudolph)

Question: What are the names of Santa’s original eight reindeer that pull his sleigh?

Answer: ​Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen

Christmas Nativity Trivia

The story of the Nativity is the story contained in the Bible about Jesus Christ’s birth. Since His birth is why we celebrate Christmas, how well do you know the story?

Question: How did the shepherds in the fields hear about the birth of Jesus?

Answer: ​Angel’s announcement

Question: In what city was Jesus born?

Answer: ​Bethlehem

Question: ​Where did Joseph and Mary live before Jesus was born?

Answer:​ Nazareth

Question: What was the name of the angel who told the Virgin Mary that she would have a child?

Answer: ​Gabriel

Question: What gifts did the wise men bring to Jesus?

Answer: Gold, frankincense, and myrrh

Christmas Facts Trivia

Question:​ What US agency officially tracks Santa Claus as he delivers toys on Christmas Eve?

Answer: ​NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command)

Question: ​How many times does Santa Claus check his list?

Answer: ​Twice

Question: ​What does Santa’s belly shake like?

Answer: ​A bowl full of jelly

Question: What does Santa leave in naughty children’s stockings on Christmas morning?

Answer: A lump of coal

Bottom Line

Since Christmas time can be somber for some people, trivia games are a fun way to bring laughter to every face. These Christmas trivia game printables are easy to download for instant fun at your next Christmas party. 

The Christmas story is one of hope, salvation, and redemption. And it’s also FUN. Merry Christmas!

FREE PRINTABLE CHRISTMAS TRIVIA GAME SHEET
FREE PRINTABLE CHRISTMAS TRIVIA ANSWERS

If trivia is not your thing, here are some of my other favorite Christmas games.

Related Posts:

About the Author
Donna is a sought-after author, speaker, and Bible teacher. Her path from being unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was not easy. Read her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her here.

{Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!}

Best 2023 Advent Bible Reading Plan with Free Printable

Posted on by Donna Snow

During Christmastime, it is easy to get caught up in the busyness of the Christmas season. In the midst of traditions such as decorating a Christmas tree, we can forget to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas – the birth of Jesus. You need an Advent reading plan!

This Advent Bible reading plan helps us focus on God’s Word and His beautiful gifts to us during the Advent season – despite the busyness of the season.

Contents

What is Advent?

While you may see a chocolate Advent calendar or one made out of Legos serving as a countdown to Christmas in the secular world, Advent for the church is more than just a countdown to Christmas.

The word “advent” is from the Latin word for “coming” (adventus). In simplest terms, it describes the arrival of Jesus as a baby in the manger. During the month of December followers of Jesus around the world reflect on the nativity story and what the birth of Christ means for our faith. 

Jesus’ birth and the Christmas story are best reflected in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:1-21). If you attended Sunday school class as a child, you probably learned the real meaning of Christmas in the New Testament.

However, the Old Testament contains God’s promises concerning the coming Messiah in Isaiah 9:6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

The season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. So the Sundays of Advent comprise the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day. In 2023, Advent begins on Sunday, December 3rd, and ends on Christmas Eve.

What Part of the Bible Should I Read During Advent?

The true story of Christmas is contained in these portions of the Bible: 

This Advent plan that walks us through daily Scripture readings for your Advent study time. It is a great way to know the real reason for our Advent journey this holiday season.

Why Do Christians Read Scriptures During Advent?

Christmas exists to celebrate the birth of our Savior! Reading daily Scriptures is not a random tradition of Advent. Rather, those words remind us why this special season exists: to celebrate the birth of the promised Messiah that God foretold from the beginning of time.

Glittery decorations are very festive and contribute to the beautiful things of Christmas. However, we celebrate the best gift of all in the true reason for the season: Jesus Christ.

He came to offer the hope of eternity with Him for all who believe that He came, lived a perfect life, died, and rose again to secure a place with Him in heaven. 

How to Celebrate Advent

Traditionally we gather at church or at home around an advent wreath with four candles in the wreath and one candle in the center. These candles represent Jesus Christ as the light of the world. Traditionally, three outer candles are dark purple, one is lavender and the center candle is white.

Although you may enjoy a traditional Advent wreath you can also use any five candles and be as creative or simple as you like for your family or church!

How to Use These Advent Resources

There are Scripture readings each day of Advent: December 3-24, 2023. You can read these on your own or with your family. 

If you have a little more study time some days, read the Bible verses and chapters surrounding the daily readings to better understand the context of what you are reading.

On Sunday, gather your family (friends, roommates, Bible study group) together (or you can certainly do it alone) and read through that week’s Bible passage list while lighting the next candle on your Advent wreath. This provides a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of the season, rather than ticking off items on a Christmas shopping list.

Advent Bible Reading Plan

I’ve created this FREE DOWNLOAD containing the Advent reading plan, Just print it out and tuck it into your Bible to read during Advent. Print it out and by all means, share it! 

Connect to my ministry Facebook page to read the short daily Advent devotions that go with each day’s Scripture. Here are the days of readings from Scripture at a glance. 

First Week in Advent

  • December 3: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)
  • December 4: “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him.” (Isaiah 11:1-2)
  • December 5: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
  • December 6: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).” (Matthew 1:23)
  • December 7: “And the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.'” (Luke 1:26-27, 31)
  • December 8: “But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'” (Matthew 1:20)
  • December 9: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night.” (Luke 2:8)

Second Week in Advent

  • December 10: “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'” (Luke 2:10)
  • December 11: “And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a multitude of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God. (Luke 2:12-13)
  • December 12: “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:13-14)
  • December 13: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14)
  • December 14: “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see that which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” (Luke 2:15-16)
  • December 15: “So they hurried and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” (Luke 2:16)
  • December 16: “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” (Luke 2:17-18)

Third Week in Advent

  • December 17: “All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:18-19)
  • December 18: “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem…wise men from the east came to Jerusalem.” (Matthew 2:1)
  • December 19: “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2)
  • December 20: “And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.” (Matthew 2:11a)
  • December 21: “Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11b)
  • December 22: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1, 4-5)
  • December 23: “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” (1 John 5:11)
  • December 24: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

You Can Do It

An Advent Bible reading plan provides a meaningful way to reflect and center your heart on Jesus during the season of Advent. 

If you get behind on your daily Bible readings, simply skip to the appropriate day – no need to make up. The key is being intentional about seeking Jesus during this season.

Don’t worry about doing it perfectly. Intentionally setting aside time to spend with Jesus in His Word is the greatest gift of Christmas! 

Merry Christmas!

Related Posts:

About the Author
Donna is a sought-after author, speaker, and Bible teacher. Her path from being unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was not easy. Read her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her here.

{Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!}

Popular Christmas Words From A-Z (Free Game Sheets)

Posted on by Donna Snow

Christmas is the biggest, most celebrated, and holy holiday season in the world. In the United States of America, it is a cherished time of the year when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, decorate a Christmas tree, hang Christmas lights, and invite family and friends for Christmas dinner. 

A lot of merrymaking activities accompany this special time of year. Have you ever taken the time to make a list of Christmas words that make up your Christmas vocabulary?

Here is a holiday word list (plus free game sheets for your holiday gatherings) containing a lot of Christmas words that are the most beloved from each letter of the alphabet.

Contents

A for Advent

  • Advent
  • Advent Calendar
  • Angel
  • Away in a Manger
  • Announcement (the birth of Jesus)
  • Anticipation
  • All (is calm, all is bright)
  • Antlers
  • Attend (church and Christmas gatherings)
  • Acknowledge (our need for a Savior)
  • Aroma
  • Appreciate

B for Bethlehem

  • Bethlehem 
  • Birth (of Jesus)
  • Blessed
  • Bells
  • Believe
  • Blitzen (Santa’s reindeer)
  • Boots (snow and ski)
  • Baking
  • Born
  • Buying (gifts)
  • Bows
  • Boxes (to hold gifts)
  • Boxing Day
  • Best (time of joy)

C for Christmas

D for December

  • David’s star
  • Dasher (one of Santa’s reindeer)
  • Dancer (one of Santa’s reindeer)
  • Deck the Halls
  • Decorations
  • December
  • Dressing
  • Deliver (Christmas presents)
  • Dashing (through the snow)

E for Eggnog

  • Epiphany (Three Kings Day)
  • Emmanuel (“God with Us”; the name given to Jesus)
  • Elves (Santa’s helpers)
  • Eggnog
  • Eve (the day before Christmas)
  • Eat
  • Evergreen (Christmas tree)
  • Entertain (hosting Christmas gatherings)
  • Excited

F for Fruitcake

  • Frankincense
  • Father Christmas
  • Family
  • Fireplace
  • French hens (the third gift in the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas”)
  • Fellowship
  • Frosty the Snowman
  • Friends
  • Forgiveness
  • Freezing 
  • Fruitcake

G for Gratitude

  • God
  • Glad Tidings
  • Grace
  • Great Joy
  • Gift Exchange
  • Good Tidings of Great Joy
  • Glory (that shone around the shepherds the night of Jesus’ birth)
  • Gifts
  • Gabriel (the angel who told Mary she will give birth to Christ, our Savior)
  • Gratitude
  • Gingerbread
  • Gravy
  • Give
  • Generosity
  • Geese-a-laying (sixth gift in the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas”)
  • Games
  • Golden Rings (fifth gift in the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas”)

H for Holiday

  • Holy
  • Ho Ho Ho
  • Hot Chocolate
  • Hymns
  • Hot Cider
  • Holiday
  • Home
  • Heavenly Host
  • Hope
  • Ham
  • Hugs
  • Happy
  • Hark

I for Infant

  • Incarnate
  • Infant
  • Ivy
  • Icicles
  • Ice Skates
  • Illumination
  • Inn (Mary and Joseph found no room in the inn)
  • Invitations

J for Jesus

  • Jesus
  • Jerusalem
  • Joy to the World
  • Jack Frost
  • Jingle Bells
  • Joseph (Mary’s husband)
  • Jubilation
  • Joy
  • Jolly
  • Jingle Bell Rock

K for King

  • King
  • Kris Kringle
  • Kiss (under the mistletoe)
  • Kindness
  • Kids

L for Lights

  • Love
  • Lamb of God
  • Loved ones
  • Little Drummer Boy
  • Letter to Santa
  • Lights
  • Let It Snow
  • Logs
  • Lords-a-leaping (tenth gift in the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas”)

M for Manger

  • Merry Christmas
  • Mary
  • Manger
  • Magi (wise men who visited Jesus)
  • Magical
  • Majesty
  • Miracles
  • Myrrh (one of the three gifts brought to Jesus by the wise men)
  • Mistletoe
  • Music
  • Memories
  • Maids-a-milking (eighth gift in the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas”)
  • Mrs. Claus
  • Mercy

N for North Pole

  • Nativity
  • Noel
  • Night Before Christmas
  • North Pole
  • Naughty and Nice
  • Nutcracker
  • Nutmeg
  • Newly fallen snow
  • Nuts
  • Nostalgia

O for Occasion

  • O Holy Night
  • Observance (public holiday)
  • Ornaments
  • Occasion
  • Open gifts
  • Oven

P for Peace

  • Peace
  • Plum pudding
  • Prayer
  • Pumpkin pie
  • Popcorn string
  • Proclaim
  • Poinsettia
  • Praise
  • Partridge (first gift in the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas”)
  • Punch (festive drink)
  • Polar Express
  • Pear tree
  • Pipers piping (eleventh gift in the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas”)
  • Peppermint
  • Prancer (one of Santa’s reindeer)
  • Pie

Q for Quiet

  • Quiet (of new fallen snow)
  • Quince pie (traditional Christmas dessert)
  • Quality (time with family and friends)
  • Quantity (abundance of food and gifts)

R for Reindeer

S for Santa

  • Savior
  • Snow
  • Star of Bethlehem
  • Shepherd
  • Santa Claus
  • Snow angel
  • Sleigh bells
  • Silver bells
  • Secret Santa
  • St. Nick
  • Snowman
  • Sacred
  • Season’s Greetings
  • Share
  • Sledding
  • Spirit
  • Sugarplums
  • Spicy flavor
  • Stockings
  • Santa’s helpers
  • Santa’s workshop
  • Songs
  • Snow globe

T for Tree

  • Today (in the City of David, a Savior has been born to you)
  • Thanks
  • Three kings
  • Triumphant
  • Tree
  • Trumpets
  • T’was the Night Before Christmas
  • Twinkling
  • Tannenbaum (a fir Christmas tree)
  • Toy soldier
  • Toyland
  • Tiny Tim (a character in Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol”)
  • Trim the tree
  • Toys
  • Tradition

U for Unwrap

  • Unity
  • Unselfish
  • Unwrap
  • Up on the Rooftop
  • Understanding

V for Virgin Mary

  • Virgin Mary (mother of Jesus)
  • Vacation
  • Vocalists 
  • Visions of sugarplums
  • Vanilla
  • Volunteering
  • Visiting

W for Winter

  • Worship
  • White Christmas
  • Wondrous
  • Wise Men
  • Winer
  • Wassail (hot spiced cider)
  • Winter wonderland
  • Whoville (a town in the movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas“)
  • Warm fire
  • Wreath
  • Wrapping paper
  • Walnuts
  • Wenceslas (traditional carol “Good King Wenceslas”)

X for Xmas

  • Xmas (abbreviation for Christmas)
  • Xylophone (toy)

Y for Yuletide

  • Yule log
  • Yuletide
  • Youth

Z for Zest

  • Zealous (Christmas-time enthusiasm)
  • Zest (citrus shavings for festive recipes)
  • Zalig Kerstfeast (Merry Christmas in Dutch)

Free Game Sheets

Christmas has many meanings for each of us! What can you add to this list? Print out the master list for you, then print out the blank sheets for each of your guests. Print double-sided to save paper! Give a prize to the one who comes up with the most.

DOWNLOAD GAME SHEETS (2 pages)
DOWNLOAD GAME MASTER SHEET (2 pages)

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About the Author
Donna is a sought-after author, speaker, and Bible teacher. Her path from being unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was not easy. Read her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her here.

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Thursday Tidbit: Festival of Lights

Posted on by Donna Snow
My Nativity from Bethlehem carved from a single piece of olive wood.

Growing up in a traditional Jewish family, Jesus participated in the traditional Jewish festivals. One of those festivals was Hanukkah or the Festival of Lights.

Isn’t it fitting that the Light of the world celebrated the Festival of Lights?

We are drawn to light – we cannot help it. Light offers a point of reference when darkness threatens to swallow us whole. We gravitate toward light for illumination and warmth. As Christians, light represents hope and rescue us from eternal darkness.

Hanukkah is happening as we speak (November 28-December 6, 2021). Since Hanukkah means dedication, it is also called the Festival of Dedication. It commemorates the Jewish victory by the Maccabees in 165 B.C. over the Syrians to regain political and religious freedom.

Hanukkah is also referred to as the Festival of Lights because the sacred temple lamp is said to have burned eight days on one day’s supply of sacred oil, all that was left. The menorah, a special nine-branch candleholder, is lit today on each of the eight days of celebration.

The menorah is also described in Exodus 25:31-40 as the lampstand made of pure gold set up by Moses in the tabernacle in the wilderness, and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. The Lutheran Church in Tel Aviv contains a stunning menorah in its stained glass.

There is no reference in the Old Testament to Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication, or the Festival of Lights. It happened during the 400 years of God’s silence between the Old and New Testaments.

However, in the New Testament: “Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade” (John 10:22-23).

The Light of the world strolling near the temple during the Festival of Lights paints a beautiful, meaningful portrait. Seven centuries before Jesus walked along that colonnade, Isaiah foretold: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them a light has shown” (Isaiah 9:2).

Just think of how many people strolled past the Light of the world clueless about His true identity.

Just as the lights of Hanukkah, Advent, and Christmas overcome darkness, so the darkness of this world is overcome by our Messiah, Jesus Christ, who said, “I am the light of the world; whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Jesus honored the Jewish feast of Hanukkah as a tradition that showcased God’s faithfulness in preserving His people. Jesus knew that celebrations matter. Remember the wedding in Cana? And even though Hanukkah, Advent, Christmas, nor Easter are celebrations commanded by Scripture, they invite us to pause our crazy days. To remember God’s grace. To spend meaningful time with each other.

Regardless of any darkness you and I face in our world today, inner peace prevails because of the Light of the world. So, whether you light a menorah, an Advent wreath, or a Christmas tree, remember the reason for the celebration:

“For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

*A special thanks to Rev. Kevin Parviz whose material provided the facts for this post.

One Night Lit the World (Advent, Week 3)

Posted on by Donna Snow

Have you ever been in a situation where you were too terrified to speak? Shocked into frozen immobility?

Imagine for a moment the night of Jesus’ birth from the shepherd’s point of view. Suddenly their peaceful, starry night sky lit up with the glory of the Lord! And if that wasn’t enough, then an angel of the Lord dropped in with a heavenly message.

Can you even imagine? No wonder the angel’s first words were, “Do not be afraid.”

That shekinah glory of the Lord that Luke records here refers to the splendor and brilliance that radiates from God’s very presence. Scripture tell us that the shekinah glory manifested in the pillars of cloud and fire that led the Israelites out of Egypt. It shone from the burning bush for Moses. It appeared in the brightness of the cloud at Jesus’s Transfiguration.

The glory of the Lord was quite an attention-grabbing, heart-stopping manifestation, indeed. It was a sign of both God’s nearness and His remoteness.

And the Levitical shepherds of Bethlehem were completely surrounded by it. After 400 years of God’s silence where His glory never visibly shone over His people, God made His mighty presence unmistakably known.

Though the shepherds were likely terrified, the angel’s announcement did not foreshadow gloom and destruction. He trumped the Good News that the Savior promised by God had finally arrived!

And the angel’s Good News was not limited to the shepherds, but intended for all people. Not just those who are good for goodness sake. It was the Good News of the Gospel that Jesus Christ had arrived into this world to save all who believe from eternal separation from Him.

God’s plan of salvation promised in the Garden of Eden had finally been put in motion that night. That one, extraordinary, life-giving night. And God tasked those shepherds to get the word out.

It was an announcement of great joy that we are privileged today to share with others — especially during this beautiful Advent season. It is God’s message of love, reflected in the innocent eyes of a Baby.

The shepherds didn’t realize that they would be hearing the heavenly announcement that night which would change the course of eternity. That it was a night like any other in all of history before or since.

Those stunned shepherds were privileged to be part of one extraordinary night that changed the history of the world and become bearers of a story full of wonder.

So, like the shepherds, the angel reminds us, “Do not be afraid.”
Don’t be afraid to receive the Good News.
Don’t be afraid to believe that it is for you.
Don’t be afraid to celebrate with great joy that your eternal address has changed from lost to found, because of the sheer grace and vast love of God almighty.

Joy to the world, the Lord has come!
Let earth receive her king.
Let every heart prepare Him room,
Let heaven and nature sing! 

 

We would be honored for you to join us on this life-changing tour.

 

The Lamb Wrapped in Swaddling Clothes (Advent, Week 2)

Posted on by Donna Snow

And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. {Luke 2:6-7}

Knee deep grass covering the hills gently waved in the desert breeze as the sun rose over Bethlehem. My eyes strained to see Jerusalem, but it was too far away.

As our group made its way toward the Church of the Nativity (built over the place believed to be Jesus’ birthplace), we walked through a small, beautiful garden just beyond the courtyard colonnades. As we approached the church, I took a picture of this plaque hanging on the wall near the entrance.

Those words of John 1:14 brought tears to my eyes. Not simply because of the city in which I stood, but because of the meaning behind what I was reading: the Word became flesh.

A Child is Born

In the Hebrew culture of Mary’s day, a new mother usually remained secluded for forty days following the birth of a son. Then she would enter the tabernacle or temple to offer a sacrifice of purification (Leviticus 12:1-8; Luke 2:22).

Forty is a significant number throughout Scripture that usually symbolizes a period of testing or trial before bringing forth something new.

For instance, God caused rain to flood the earth for 40 days and nights before bringing forth Noah from the ark to a new beginning on dry land. Moses spent 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai before bringing forth God’s law to the people. The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years before God brought forth His people into the promised land. Jesus spent 40 days in the desert being tempted by the devil before bringing forth His earthly ministry.

What a blessing forty days of secluded peace must have been for a new mother to gaze uninterrupted on the gift of life. Feelings of wonder, awe and excitement often accompany a birth. Yet the process can be painful.

There is a letting go before embracing the new.

In God’s strength we let go of our imperfect dreams to embrace God’s perfect plan. Let go of past ambitions to welcome future blessings. Let go of life as it was to discover life as it unfolds. This letting go may take 40 days, 40 years, or a lifetime.

Yet birth evokes hope.

At Christmas we celebrate when God temporarily let go of His Son to birth His plan of redemption for all mankind. Mary’s natural birth was an emblem of new birth. That virgin birth brought forth the Light of hope into a dark world.

Love and hope birthed in a manger. 

Manger and Swaddling Clothes

That day in Bethlehem profoundly affected my spiritual journey. Gazing across the soft hillsides where such wonders occurred so long ago stirred my soul. I cannot wait to return there next year.

Yet perhaps that historic church does not mark the actual spot of Jesus’ birth.

Known as the “Tower of the Flock,” Migdal Eder was located just outside the city of Bethlehem (in Bethlehem’s suburbs, if you will). Migdal Eder was the tower from which Levitical shepherds carefully watched over the lambs on the hills around Bethlehem. The shepherds’ sole purpose was to raise unblemished (paschal) lambs that would be offered as sacrifices in the Jerusalem temple a few miles away.

Migdal Eder is first mentioned in Genesis 35:21 in the account of Rachel’s death after giving birth to Benjamin (Jacob’s youngest son). Then the prophet Micah also referred to Migdal Eder: “And you, O tower of the flock, … to you it shall come…the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.”

Scripture tells us that Jesus was born in a manger, but it does not necessarily denote a dark and dirty cave near an overbooked inn. The definition of a manger (Luke 13:15, Proverbs 14:4) often means a stall or crib where animals are kept. Like that of Migdal Eder.

It was a settled question that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem. In fact, according to Jewish tradition, the first revelation of the Messiah would come from Migdal Eder, in the vicinity of Bethlehem.

Why is that significant to the Christmas story?

As the sacrificial lambs were born, those Levitical shepherds in the Tower of the Flock would wrap them in birthing cloths to protect their unblemished state. So when the amazed shepherds (recorded in Luke 2) hurried to see the great wonder that the heavenly host proclaimed, they arrived to gaze upon a baby born in the place where Passover lambs were born, swaddled like a Passover lamb.

The spiritual significance would not have been lost on those Levitical shepherds: Jesus’ birth pointed to Jesus as the Messiah, the paschal lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

God did not make the message of redemption complicated or intimidating. He invited everyone to behold the sacrificial miracle of Christmas in the perfect face of His Son, the Lamb of God, wrapped in swaddling clothes.

As our group prepared to depart Bethlehem, dozens more groups arrived to view the church and experience the wonder. As I surveyed the blur of faces, I thought about the massive crowds that would have gathered to register in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago following Caesar Augustus’ decree.

As I recall the streets of Bethlehem filling with people, I ponder the significance and location of Migdal Eder, the Tower of the Flock.

The Lamb swaddled.

The Son sleeping.

Perhaps, just perhaps, God never intended there to be room in the inn.

 

We would be honored for you to join our tour. Information here.

Can Anything Good Come Out Of Nazareth? (Advent, Week 1)

Posted on by Donna Snow

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.” (Luke 2:4-5)

“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”

That’s what Nathanael asked Philip in John 1:46 when Philip announced that they had found the One about whom Moses and the prophets wrote.

Rather than take offense at Nathanael’s skeptical question, Philip simply invited Nathanael, “Come and see.” Moments before, Jesus had invited Philip to follow Him. Now Philip invited Nathanael to see Jesus with his own eyes.

It comes down to inviting.

In the heart of today’s bustling City of Nazareth, the Church of Annunciation sits over the site believed to be Mary’s house. Originally built in the mid-4th century by Constantine, the church invites visitors to see the place where the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that God had chosen her to be the mother of the Messiah.

In Nazareth, Mary received a holy invitation to be a key player in an epic story that re-wrote history.

Christmas and invitations go hand in hand. God invites us to receive by faith the most priceless Gift ever given. You and I invite others to see the hope of the world reflected in the holy eyes of a Baby.

And then there was Bethlehem.

The word “Bethlehem” likely brings to mind nocturnal shepherds watching over their flocks. However, its meaning extends far beyond a pin on a map.

The word Bethlehem comes from two Hebrew words: (1) beth and (2) laham. Beth, roughly translated, means house. It does not necessarily denote a specific kind of building, but rather its function. Laham is a masculine noun which means bread (Genesis 18:5; Numbers 21:5). In fact, Leviticus 21:6 refers to laham as sacrificial bread.

So what is the significance? Bethlehem means House of Bread. What is a house of bread? A bakery. How did Jesus self-identify in John 6:35? “I am the bread of life.”

Some may scoff and dismiss it as a cutesy coincidence that God introduced the Bread of Life to the world from a bakery. But wait. What is a bakery’s function? To provide food. Time and again Jesus fed the multitudes, both physically and spiritually. And the Word made flesh continues to feed us through Word and Sacrament today.

Advent is a time for us to praise God for the gift of the Bread of Life, who taught, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

Then there was Mary.

Mary’s betrothal time should have been filled with happy preparation for her new life as Joseph’s wife. Instead she grappled with the staggering news that she was pregnant. Not because their passion raged out of control, but pregnant like no other woman before or since ─ by the Holy Spirit.

A virgin conception? Incredulous at best, blasphemous at worst.

Yet Mary believed God’s angelic messenger. She trusted by faith and set the holy standard for surrender and submission: “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

Even though people could legally stone her to death? Let it be.

Even though Joseph could divorce her? Let it be.

By God’s amazing grace, Mary’s womb carried the One who conquered our tomb. Let it be!

And finally there was Joseph.

Chosen by God among all men on earth to be the guardian of our Lord. In steadfast faith, Joseph believed God’s message in a dream. Unwavering, he stood by Mary when culture dictated that he shun her.

With relentless perseverance, Joseph traversed miles on foot to become a midwife on the fly. He followed Caesar Augustus’ census decree and registered with the lineage of David — from which would birth the Divine.

Joseph adopted the Father’s Son and safeguarded the Light of the world.

Mary and Joseph were handpicked by God to nurture the Cherished of God. They didn’t ask for it. They likely faced persecution over it. They could have given in to fear and trembling, yet God strengthens those who turn to Him in faith.

Even though God’s plan turned their quiet life chaotic, Mary bowed low to lift His praise high: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

So, can anything good come out of Nazareth?

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

 

Coming in 2019:

New 8-week DVD Bible study series based on the book of Nehemiah
(Published through Concordia Publishing House)

O Night Divine! Advent Devotions

Posted on by Donna Snow

This Sunday, December 2nd, begins our Advent season. The most wonderful time of the year!

Advent, from the Latin word for coming, initiates the church year. Even though you and I tend to think that Advent and Christmas wrap up the year, Advent celebrates the year Jesus’ earthly life began.

Advent focuses on Christ’s coming — past, present, and future. The past contained Old Testament prophecies that pointed to His birth at Bethlehem. The present focuses on His presence among us today through Word and Sacrament. And the future focuses on Christ’s second coming at the end of time.

Perhaps 2018 has been a banner year for you. Perhaps you are waving the surrender flag. Some years are filled with unforgettable memories; others are inundated with memories you’d rather forget.

Either way, Advent celebrates a beginning. 

As you begin Advent on Sunday, what is your prayer?

As we walk through these four weeks of Advent together focusing on Luke 2, my prayer is for you to see Christ and the significance of His birth with fresh eyes.

Beginner’s eyes, if you will.

I pray that you experience the wonder of Advent as we celebrate the coming of our Savior. And before 2019 rings in, I pray that you, like Mary, will treasure up all these things and ponder them in your heart (Luke 2:19).

Advent: Sometimes It Takes Speechless Moments

Posted on by Donna Snow

Over the past week, I’ve been pondering the story of Zechariah in Luke 1. One of my pastors preached an excellent Advent sermon this past Sunday on Zechariah. And it got me to thinking.

Sometimes we experience moments that leave us speechless.

You know, those almost incomprehensible life stunners that silence us:

… a blessing too immeasurable to grasp

… a heartbreak too deep to comprehend

… a long-awaited dream coming to fruition

… a tragedy too senseless to understand.

When was the last time you experienced such a moment?

For me, it was that horrible day when Dad called long distance to tell me he had cancer. Then again two and a half years later as I tried to give the eulogy at his funeral.

The blood thundering in our ears drowns out all else. Pulse racing. Knees weak. Head spinning as we attempt to grasp the enormity of those moments.

We tend to remember exactly where we stood and who stood with us when we couldn’t stand anymore.

Ordinary days take on high definition clarity at such moments. Vivid details that stun our mind and silence our mouth.

It happened to Zechariah.

After decades of serving as a priest in the temple, the lot fell on Zechariah for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to burn the incense in the Holy of Holies. His moment was momentous enough, but God wasn’t finished.

Zechariah disappeared behind the temple curtain. For a long time. Perhaps the people worried. After all, he was pretty old.

But he wasn’t in there alone. A surprise visitor dropped in.

To his astonishment, Zechariah stood face to face with the angel Gabriel. They talked about Zechariah’s tired prayer regarding a forgotten dream: a child of his very own. Gabriel told Zechariah,

“Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” Luke 1:13

His brain couldn’t grasp what his ears heard, so Zechariah doubted the message and the messenger.

And lost his voice for over 9 months.

God silenced Zechariah until the truth of His promise was revealed in His perfect timing: that Zechariah wouldn’t just be any ordinary father, but father of the forerunner to the Messiah.

Zechariah didn’t choose to go silent. We normally don’t either.

Sometimes it takes speechless moments to still our rambling mouths so we can hear God’s rich, boundless promises.

During a Christmas season that clamors for our attention, how do we hear and follow God’s guidance?

We listen to His Word in the silence.

Whether our momentous moments are full of joy or sorrow, God isn’t finished with us. Regardless of anything else, God still walks with us.

Leading.

Guiding.

Always.

If you’re experiencing a season of stunned silence, instead of adding noise, pause. Pull out His Word. Read about the hope of the world born for you in a manger. Trust that God loves you. Know that He hears you.

Even in the silence.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard.” Luke 1:13