Sharing Scripture in a meaningful way during special family moments can create cherished memories and deepen your children’s faith. The Bible is indeed an inerrant source of truth, and its words are alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). Whether you’re planning a Christmas surprise or looking for creative ways to present God’s Word, here’s your guide to making Scripture come alive for your family during the holiday season.

Creative Ways to Present Scripture at Christmas Lunch

For Your 10-Year-Old Son and 13-Year-Old Daughter

For younger children, something interactive, visually appealing, or with a sense of discovery can be particularly engaging.

Christmas Cracker Scrolls

Create or purchase special Christmas crackers and place a small, beautifully rolled-up scroll inside each one. On the scroll, handwrite or print a personalized Bible verse for each child.

Verses to Consider:

• Luke 2:10-11: “And the Angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great Joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'” This verse highlights the profound joy and the identity of Jesus as Savior.
• John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” This timeless verse beautifully encapsulates God’s incredible love for humanity, the ultimate reason for Jesus’ birth.

Presentation Tip: Have them pull the crackers at the start of lunch, or during dessert, to discover their special message from God’s Word.

Personalized Ornament Reveal

Find clear, fillable Christmas ornaments. Inside each ornament, place glitter, faux snow, or small festive items along with a tightly rolled verse scroll. Tie a pretty ribbon to it and place it at their plate setting, or hang it on a small decorative branch as a centerpiece.

Verses to Consider:

• Isaiah 9:6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This verse from the prophet Isaiah beautifully foretells the coming of Jesus and His divine nature.
• Matthew 1:23: “‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us).” This verse from Matthew emphasizes God’s presence among us through Jesus.

Presentation Tip: They can open their ornament and unroll the scroll to read their surprise verse. This also becomes a keepsake they can hang on the tree each year.

For Your Oldest Child

For older children, consider verses that speak to growth, future, or God’s faithful guidance as they navigate their unique path.

“Message in a Bottle” with Reflection Card

Use a small, decorative glass bottle (available at craft stores). Inside, place a rolled-up verse written on parchment-style paper, and a small, blank card.

Verses to Consider:

• Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a Hope.” This powerful promise from God reminds us of His sovereign and good intentions for our lives.
• Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” This prayer from Paul encourages us to rely on the God who gives hope, especially pertinent as one grows and faces new challenges.

Presentation Tip: They can unroll the verse, and you could encourage them to use the blank card to write down a personal reflection, prayer, or what the verse means to them.

Elegant Bookmark or Keepsake Card

Design a beautiful bookmark or a small, elegant card using nice cardstock and calligraphy. The chosen verse would be prominently featured.

Verses to Consider:

• Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
• Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Presentation Tip: Place this with their lunch napkin or even inside a favorite book they’re reading. It serves as a tangible reminder of God’s Word.

General Tips for All Ages

• Add a Personal Touch: Include a short, personal note explaining why you chose that particular verse for them, or add a small prayer.
• Read Together: After the surprise, invite everyone to read their verses aloud and briefly share what it means to them. This can spark a beautiful conversation about God’s Word.
• Conclude with Prayer: End this special moment with a family prayer, thanking God for the gift of Jesus and the truth of His Word.

Helping Your Children Engage with Scripture Daily

The goal is to help your children understand that the Bible is not just for special occasions, but a living and active source of truth (Hebrews 4:12) for their daily lives.

For All Your Children

Prominent Display

Encourage each child to display their verse in a place they will see it daily—taped to their bathroom mirror, pinned to a bulletin board, stuck on their fridge, or even as their phone wallpaper for older children.

Why it helps: Constant visual reminders help with memorization and allow the Holy Spirit to bring the verse to mind throughout the day. “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

Family Discussion Time

Designate a specific time, perhaps during dinner or a family devotion, to revisit the verses. Each child could take a turn sharing what their verse means to them that week or how it relates to something they experienced.

Why it helps: This creates an open environment for spiritual conversation and shows them that you value their insights into Scripture. “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).

Creative Expression

Encourage your children to express the verse creatively through drawing, painting, journaling, music, or poetry.

Why it helps: Engaging different parts of their brain helps them internalize the message and make it their own.

Tailored Approaches by Age

For Your 10-Year-Old Son: Action-Oriented Challenges

Relate the verse to actions. If his verse is about love (John 3:16), challenge him: “How can you show God’s love to someone today or this week?”

Why it helps: It makes the abstract concept of Scripture concrete and applicable to his world.

For Your 13-Year-Old Daughter: Deeper Dive with Questions

Encourage her to ask questions: “What does this verse really mean for my life right now?” “How does this verse show God’s character?” “What was happening when this verse was written?”

Why it helps: At 13, she’s developing critical thinking. Encourage her to dig deeper into the meaning and apply it personally. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in Righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

For Your Oldest Child: Personal Reflection & Application

Encourage independent study and reflection using a dedicated journal. Prompt them to consider how the verse speaks to their current challenges, decisions, or aspirations.

Why it helps: This fosters a personal relationship with God through His Word and encourages them to seek God’s guidance independently. It helps them build their own theological understanding, rooted in biblical truth.

Establishing Annual Scripture Traditions

Making the presentation of God’s Word a recurring annual family tradition instills the value of Scripture and provides a steady anchor in their lives, reminding them year after year that “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

The “Verse for the Year” Ceremony (New Year’s Day)

At the start of each new year, gather as a family and pray, asking God for a specific verse or theme to guide each family member for the upcoming year.

How to do it:

• Write several verses on small slips of paper, fold them, and place them in a decorative bowl or box. Each person draws their “Verse for the Year.”
• Alternatively, present each child with a verse you feel God has laid on your heart for them through guided prayer and reflection.

Presentation: Write these verses on elegant cards, laminated bookmarks, or frame them to be displayed in their rooms.

Why it works: This tradition encourages prayerful anticipation and provides a spiritual compass for the year ahead, reminding them of God’s constant presence and guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Birthday Blessing Verses

On each child’s birthday, in addition to gifts, present them with a personalized Bible verse chosen specifically for them that speaks to their character, current stage of life, or a prayer you have for them.

Presentation: Inscribe it in a special birthday card, engrave it on a small item, or present it as a framed print to commemorate their special day.

Why it works: It celebrates their individuality and reminds them that God knows them intimately and has good plans for their lives (Jeremiah 29:11).

Advent Scripture Chain (Leading up to Christmas)

Extend the Christmas lunch concept by incorporating verses throughout the Advent season.

How to do it: Create an Advent calendar or a paper chain with 24 links. On each link, write a Bible verse pertaining to the Christmas story, the anticipation of Jesus’ birth, or the attributes of Christ. Each day in December, a child can open a calendar door or tear off a chain link, read the verse aloud, and discuss its meaning.

Why it works: It systematically immerses the family in the biblical narrative of Christ’s coming, deepening their understanding of its historical and theological significance (Luke 2:1-20).

“Family Foundation Verse” Ceremony

Once a year, perhaps around your wedding anniversary or another significant family date, choose a “Family Foundation Verse” that represents your family’s values, goals, or a specific area you are praying about.

How to do it: Involve everyone in the selection process. Read different verses, discuss them, and collectively choose one.

Presentation: Write this verse on a family plaque, a framed piece of art, or display it digitally in your home.

Why it works: It creates a shared spiritual anchor for the entire family, fostering unity and reminding everyone of the biblical principles that guide your home. “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

Key Elements for Success

• Involve the Children: Allow older children to help choose verses or presentation methods. Let younger children help decorate or retrieve the verses. This fosters ownership and enthusiasm.
• Keep it Special, Not Burdensome: Make it a cherished moment, not a chore. Keep the presentations joyful and meaningful.
• Consistency: The power of tradition lies in its consistent repetition. Choose a frequency that works for your family.
• Reflection and Discussion: Always pair the presentation of the verse with an opportunity to reflect on its meaning and how it applies to their lives.

Conclusion

These small, intentional acts of sharing Scripture can truly illuminate the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh (John 1:14). By establishing these traditions, you are planting seeds of faith and continually pointing your children back to the inerrant truth of God’s Word.

Remember that consistency and genuine interest from you are powerful motivators. By modeling your own engagement with Scripture, you show them its value. The seed of God’s Word, once planted, will bear fruit in its season (Matthew 13:23).

In our previous article, we was exploring practical Bible memorization techniques and age-appropriate study resources to help your children not only read but truly understand and internalize God’s Word.