Saturday, December 13

Song: Carol of the Bells (Trans-Siberian Orchestra)

Verse: Psalm 150:1-6 - Praise Him

Questions: 

• Bells are often used as a form of communication, whether to gather people together, to mark the time of day, or simply to express a joyous noise in celebration. When you have good news to share, who is the first person you tell? 

• How can you share joy with someone you haven’t talked to in a while?

Activity: Think of someone you used to be close to, but haven’t seen in a long time. Give them a call, or even just send them a little note that they were on your mind. Open yourself up to the opportunity to rekindle what was once a special relationship.

Friday, December 12

Song: Santa Claus is Coming to Town (The Jackson Five)

Verse: Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit

Questions: 

• What adjectives would you use to describe Santa? 

• Why do you think Santa is so popular and loved?

• The verse talks about the “fruit of the Spirit.” How is joy one of the ways we show Jesus’ love?

Thursday, December 11

Song: Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays (NSYNC)

Verse: Nehemiah 8:10 - Joy of the Lord

Questions: 

• Think of the best party/celebration you have been to. What made it so special? Was it the food? The people there? 

• What are some things you do to make a celebration fun?

Activity: Crank up the Christmas tunes! Start your own Christmas playlist, or tune into 106.7FM for 24/7 Christmas songs!

Wednesday, December 10

Song: Mistletoe (Justin Bieber)

Verse: Isaiah 43:16-19 - He is doing a new thing

Questions: 

• Do you have fond memories of beloved Christmas traditions? 

• Were there ones you’ve always wanted to participate in, but never had the opportunity?

Activity: Start some new traditions this year! Google “Christmas traditions” for ideas!

Tuesday, December 9

Song: Little Drummer Boy (Jars of Clay)

Verse: Matthew 22:34-39 - The Greatest Commandment

Questions:

• If you could give God any gift—talent, time, kindness—what would you give Him?

• Why do you think loving God and loving others is the most important thing?

• What’s one way you can show love this week?

Activity: Make intentional time to “be still” (Psalm 46:10) and reflect on God. If you can’t even fathom what that would be like, just think about God’s majesty in nature and creation. Gaze at the stars one clear night, or take the time to look up and see his majesty in the clouds.

Monday, December 8

Song: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (The Carpenters)

Verse: John 14:27

Questions: 

• Jesus said He gives us peace. When do you feel God’s peace?

• Do you ever try to hide your problems at Christmas? What’s one healthier way you can handle tough feelings this year?

The Week of Joy (Dec. 7-Dec. 13)

JOY (Dec. 7 - 13)

Joy is one of God’s greatest gifts—something deeper than happiness and stronger than circumstance. Advent reminds us that Jesus came to bring a joy the world can’t take away. This week, we’ll explore what real joy looks like: joy when things are good, joy when life is hard, joy in giving, joy in traditions, joy in celebrating, and joy in sharing good news with others.

Through music, Scripture, and simple conversations, we hope your family discovers that joy isn’t just a Christmas feeling—it's a fruit of God’s Spirit alive in us. As you move through this week, look for the moments where God surprises you with joy, big or small. And let these songs help you remember that Jesus is the source of the joy we celebrate at Christmas and all year long.

Sunday, December 7

Song: Joy (What the World Calls Foolish) - (Martin Smith)

Verse: Philippians 4:4

Questions: 

• What makes your heart feel joyful when things are going great?

• What helps you hold onto joy even when the day is tough?

• What’s one thing that brought you joy this week?

Activity: Start a joy jar! Write down joyful moments and fill the jar all year long.