Christmas: Light Splits the Night

What comes to mind when you think of Christmas? Gifts and decorations? Family parties and high-calorie treats? Santa Claus?

It can seem odd that the origin of such a glittering holiday is in the birth of a child long ago, whose arrival had none of the comforts and pleasures we connect with Christmas today. That child was born in a cattle stall over two thousand years ago, and his first bed was the animals' feed trough (a manger). That's how Jesus Christ, the Savior-Messiah and King of kings, came to us—and grew into a person like no other in history. Each Christmas season with all its fanfare gives us an opening to remember the strange and wonderful time when light split the night and God became one of us.

Please note: This study is designed for 4 to 5 sessions to be used during the weeks leading up to Christmas (the season of Advent). (Optional Advent activities are included.) If your group doesn't have time for all five sessions, you can omit lesson 5 (or do it after Christmas). Either way, be sure to include a celebration (details inside)!