Sunday, December 25
“Hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
— Paul, Romans 8:24
THIS WEEK’S LESSON
Hope
Today’s Excerpt: The Story of Christmas
The story of Christmas is a source of hope for millions of Christians around the world. In this story, Jesus is born and placed in a manger (a feeding box used for animals) because there wasn’t room elsewhere. He then goes on to live a simple life as a carpenter before preaching about the good news of the kingdom of God, healing the sick and afflicted, speaking out against oppression, and being crucified by the Romans — after which he conquers death through his resurrection.
In this way, Christians see godliness and hope even in simple and humble beginnings, a baby laid in a manger.
Read the Christian story of the birth of Jesus in the second chapter of the Gospel According to Luke or see our Christmas mini-lesson.
Discuss:
- What is hopeful about the story of Christmas?
- How is each new baby on Earth also a symbol of hope?