UnexpectedSample

How would you describe the unexpected gift of Jesus in your own words?

What would it look like for you to share this gift with others this Christmas?

Today's passage of Scripture is short and easy to memorize. But we don't memorize Bible verses so we can win some kind of Bible-know-it-all contest. We memorize important passages of Scripture because we want God's words to be easy-to-access when we really need them. We'll come back to this same memory verse every week!

STEP 1: Write as much of the passage as you can remember off the top of your head. Don't worry if you get some of it wrong!

STEP 2: Read the passage again. Spend a few minutes trying especially hard to remember the words or phrases you missed. When you think you've got it, try again! And write slowly—it will help.

STEP 3: Choose a memorization hack to try today. Then keep practicing throughout the day.

• Write the passage on a rubber band and wear it on your wrist.
• Make it your phone's lock screen so you see it over and over again.
• Sing it to the tune of your favorite song.
• Read it and repeat it out loud.
• Grab a bunch of LEGO bricks and write each word or phrase on each one. Stack the LEGOs to build the complete passage.
• Write it on a sticky note and attach it to your mirror so you see it every day.
• Or add your own idea here:

STEP 4: At the end of the day, come back and try writing it down one more time.