🎁 Jesus Is the Best Gift!
A Christmas Family Devotion: The Best Gift Ever
Based on Matthew 2:1–12 & John 1:1-3, 10-14
📖 Bible Passage:
Adjust how much Scripture you need to read or focus on according to your family’s dynamic (ages, attention spans, maturity, etc.). The selection below may be enough for younger kids, while older ones may enjoy the full passage.
Matthew 2:11
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
John 1:10-14
He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. 14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
🎯 Main Idea:
The Wise Men gave gifts to Jesus, recognizing Him as the King of Kings—the reason for the Christmas season. These men understood that the baby in the manger was special; they knew He was the Messiah the Jewish Scriptures had been pointing towards. The Hebrew Scriptures, our Old Testament, spoke about the coming Christ being God and man. The Wisemen, also known as Magi, made men kings in their land, and these kingmakers realized that Jesus was the God-man, the King of kings, and worshipped Him. Jesus, God becoming man, is what Christmas is all about! Without Jesus’ birth, He wouldn’t have been able to die for our sins, and we would have no hope of being forgiven and becoming God’s friends. King Jesus gave us the greatest gift of all: eternal life through His life!
🎁 Gift Giving Activity
💝 Pack an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox
Just like the Wise Men brought gifts to Jesus, we can give gifts that show the love of Jesus to children around the world!
🧰 What You’ll Need:
- Empty shoebox (or shoebox-sized plastic container)
- Shoebox gift items (see ideas below)
- Optional: wrapping paper (wrap lid & box separately)
- Your Bible
- Hot cocoa, Christmas music, or cookies to make it cozy!
- Labels & drop-off info: samaritanspurse.org/occ
🛠️ Instructions:
- Gather as a family and read Matthew 2:1-12 and Romans 6:23 together.
- Talk about how the Wise Men gave gifts to worship Jesus.
- Discuss how Jesus gives us the best gift ever—eternal life!
- Pack your shoebox together, choosing gifts a child would love.
- Pray together over the box and the child who will receive it.
- Deliver your box to a drop-off center or ship it!
🎁 Shoebox Gift Ideas
Choose a gender and age group (2–4, 5–9, or 10–14), then include:
✅ Toys – small ball, doll, jump rope, stuffed animal
✅ School Supplies – crayons, pencils, notebooks
✅ Hygiene Items – toothbrush, soap (in case), washcloth
✅ Personal Touch – note, drawing, family photo
❌ Avoid – liquids, candy, toothpaste, war toys, or breakables
📦 Get official instructions and drop-off info at:
👉 samaritanspurse.org/occ
💬 Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think the Wise Men gave Jesus such special gifts?
- What does Romans 6:23 say God gives us?
- Why is eternal life with Jesus the best gift we could ever receive?
- How can we give gifts that show God’s love to others?
- Who do you think might receive the shoebox you packed?
🙏 Prayer:
“Dear Jesus, thank You for being the best gift of all. We worship You like the Wise Men did, and we give these gifts to others because of Your love. Please bless the child who receives our shoebox and help them know You. Amen.”
🌟 Optional Add-On:
Draw or write your answers to these two prompts:
🎁 My favorite gift I’ve ever received:
💝 The best part of Jesus’ gift to me:
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