Matthew 2:9-10

Every good story has a plot twist—an unexpected moment that changes everything. One of the biggest plot twists in the Bible is the Christmas story. Over the next five days, we’ll explore how this one event changed the world and how it can change your life today.

Christmas is supposed to be a season of joy –– but what exactly is joy and how do you choose it when the world is filled with hurt and hardship? Discover what “joy to the world” really means by immersing yourself in the Christmas story with this special, 7-day Christmas Plan.

The Christmas story is one surprise after another. But sometimes the details become so familiar that they lose their impact. These short prayer devotionals help you to dwell deeply on the most unexpected and significant event in history: that God himself became one of us. Each prayer is written by David Mathis, executive editor for desiringGod.org and pastor at Cities Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

It seems we’re all in need of a good hug, real connection, and something delightful to celebrate right now. Our prayer is that this Advent devotional will offer you and your family a way to connect, learn about the real Christmas story, and celebrate Jesus’s birth with new traditions, dinnertime stories, bedtime conversations, and family activities. We hope this Christmas “hug” brings beautiful memories to your home this Advent season!