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?