Day 1: December 25th

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” – Luke 2:11

On this very first day, when you celebrate the birth of Jesus, you can reflect on the amazing reality that God came to live among humanity to bring the ultimate gift of salvation. It’s easy to get caught up in the commercial side of Christmas, but today, on Christmas Day, you can focus on the core message of Christmas, which is that God is with you. As you meditate on this verse, ask God to show you how you can notice his presence with you more. When you connect with God’s presence, let that inspire you to trust him as your Savior in new ways, such as by giving him a situation you’re concerned about and asking him to work it out according to his will.

Day 2: December 26th

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’” – Luke 2:10

As you move into the day after Christmas, the whirlwind is over, and you can now focus on the “great joy” the angel announced. Today, when you’re dealing with the aftermath of Christmas Day, it is a great time to remember that God makes it possible for you to experience joy in any circumstances. Unlike happiness (which is temporary and depends on good circumstances), joy comes directly from your relationship with God, who is always doing good work in your life. If you know someone who’s struggling, send him or her a text or email with this verse and an encouraging note today.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Drazen Zigic 

Day 3: December 27th

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

Today, focus on Jesus’ title of “Prince of Peace.” Pay attention to times when you feel worried throughout your day, and turn your worries into prayers by asking the Prince of Peace to send you the peace you need right then and there. You can also become a peacemaker today in your relationships. Ask God to show you what you can do to resolve a conflict you have with someone in your life. Then, commit to taking the next steps toward forgiveness, clearing up misunderstandings, and reconciliation when possible. 

Day 4: December 28th

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

This verse, which is the heart of the Gospel, reminds us that Christmas is about the ultimate gift given out of love. Thank God for his wonderful love today! God doesn’t just choose to love; God is love at his core. Throughout today, do your best to choose love in everything you say and do. Open your heart to let God’s love flow through you. Look for opportunities to encourage people with your words or spread kindness through your actions. Embrace God’s love for yourself, as well, by asking God to help you see yourself as he sees you. God loves you completely and unconditionally. You don’t need to earn God’s love, and you can’t lose it. Let your identity as one of God’s beloved children help you live with confidence and courage.

Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Jessica Fadal 

Day 5: December 29th

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5

Today, consider how Jesus is the Light of the World. In the darkness of this fallen world, Jesus shines the light of hope into any challenging circumstances you face. Today, ask Jesus to show you how to point someone you know who needs hope to the light Jesus is shining. Make time to listen to him or her, pray together, and do whatever Jesus leads you to do to help with encouragement and support.   You can also take an inventory of the darkness in your own life – such as fears or unhealthy habits – that’s holding you back from making progress in your relationship with Jesus. Trust the promise in this scripture that Jesus’ light is so strong that it can’t be overcome by darkness. Ask Jesus to shine his powerful light into the darkness you’re struggling with and give you the strength you need to overcome it. 

Day 6: December 30th

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14

This verse highlights how our Creator “became flesh” and lived among us. Today, reflect on the wonderful reality that because the Word lived among humanity, every part of your everyday life is a sacred space where God is also present. Pay close attention to the ordinary moments you usually rush through, like doing household chores or driving to work, and try to perform these tasks with an eternal mindset that helps you see how everything matters when you do it with love.

Photo Credit: Unsplash/GarethHarper 

Day 7: December 31st

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

As the year draws to a close, this verse highlights God’s wonderful promise to do something new in your life. Today is a great opportunity to clean and organize a small space in your home while you think about how God helps you clear out the old to make room for the new in your life. You can also pray for renewal and revival. Ask God to help you release your stress, mistakes, and disappointments from the past year and trust him to help you move on into the new year with fresh energy and joy. Believe God’s promise that a “new creation” is possible, and ask God to help you set goals to make a fresh start in the new year. 

Day 8: January 1st

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:2

Today is the first day of a new calendar year, which is a wonderful time to adjust your focus. Ask God to help you set your mind on what matters most from his heavenly perspective. Remind yourself to look up by choosing a worship song to play today, or by choosing an inspiring picture or quote to be the background for your phone. Spend some time today figuring out what “earthly things” you often get distracted by (such as worrying about money, or trying to earn approval from someone) and pray about those things, asking God to help you see them from his perspective.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/bernardbodo 

Day 9: January 2nd

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:5

This powerful verse challenges you to move beyond just believing in Jesus to following the example Jesus sets in your relationships with other people. Since Jesus says that loving God and loving others is what’s most important, focus on putting love into action in your relationships. Open your heart and let God’s love flow through your life and into other people’s lives. Choose to forgive and be kind whenever God gives you the opportunity to do so. Look for opportunities to serve the people in your life, as well. Consider what Jesus would say or do in each of your relationships, and then do your best to make those same choices yourself. 

Day 10: January 3rd

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” – Matthew 6:10

This familiar line from the Lord’s Prayer is a powerful request for God’s plan to become a reality in your human life. Today, try saying this prayer out loud three times during the day, focusing on the words “your will.” Think about where God’s will is not currently being done in your life. What needs to change so you can welcome God’s will into that part of your life? In prayer, ask God to help you make those changes so your life will line up more with his will for you.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Alvaro Moreno Perez 

Day 11: January 4th

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” – Psalm 95:6

As the Christmas season is almost over, you can let this verse motivate you to worship God every day – not just during holidays. Let the wonder you feel for God inspire you to worship. Spend a few minutes listening to a favorite Christmas carol or a worship song you especially like, while “bowing down” to God by choosing to trust him more. Identify something specific you’re trying to control in your life – like a certain goal or a difficult situation – and symbolically “kneel” before your Maker by consciously letting go of your need to control it and trusting God with the result. 

Day 12: January 5th

“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.” – Matthew 2:11

On this final day, which is traditionally Epiphany, you can reflect on the story of the first Christmas, and how it ends with the wise men recognizing and worshiping Jesus. Look around your own home and identify something of personal value to you (not necessarily expensive, but meaningful) and decide to use it in a way that honors Jesus. You can also follow the wise men’s example by opening your own “treasures” – your time, talents, and financial resources – to serve others and honor Jesus in the year ahead. 

In conclusion, these 12 scriptures give you wonderful ways to extend your Christmas celebration beyond Christmas Day. By reflecting on these verses and applying their wisdom to your life, you can enjoy the 12 Days of Christmas with God and develop a closer relationship with him for the year to come!

Photo Credit: Unsplash/David Beale 

Day 1: December 25th

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” – Luke 2:11

On this very first day, when you celebrate the birth of Jesus, you can reflect on the amazing reality that God came to live among humanity to bring the ultimate gift of salvation. It’s easy to get caught up in the commercial side of Christmas, but today, on Christmas Day, you can focus on the core message of Christmas, which is that God is with you. As you meditate on this verse, ask God to show you how you can notice his presence with you more. When you connect with God’s presence, let that inspire you to trust him as your Savior in new ways, such as by giving him a situation you’re concerned about and asking him to work it out according to his will.

Day 2: December 26th

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’” – Luke 2:10

As you move into the day after Christmas, the whirlwind is over, and you can now focus on the “great joy” the angel announced. Today, when you’re dealing with the aftermath of Christmas Day, it is a great time to remember that God makes it possible for you to experience joy in any circumstances. Unlike happiness (which is temporary and depends on good circumstances), joy comes directly from your relationship with God, who is always doing good work in your life. If you know someone who’s struggling, send him or her a text or email with this verse and an encouraging note today.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Drazen Zigic 

Day 3: December 27th

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

Today, focus on Jesus’ title of “Prince of Peace.” Pay attention to times when you feel worried throughout your day, and turn your worries into prayers by asking the Prince of Peace to send you the peace you need right then and there. You can also become a peacemaker today in your relationships. Ask God to show you what you can do to resolve a conflict you have with someone in your life. Then, commit to taking the next steps toward forgiveness, clearing up misunderstandings, and reconciliation when possible. 

Day 4: December 28th

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

This verse, which is the heart of the Gospel, reminds us that Christmas is about the ultimate gift given out of love. Thank God for his wonderful love today! God doesn’t just choose to love; God is love at his core. Throughout today, do your best to choose love in everything you say and do. Open your heart to let God’s love flow through you. Look for opportunities to encourage people with your words or spread kindness through your actions. Embrace God’s love for yourself, as well, by asking God to help you see yourself as he sees you. God loves you completely and unconditionally. You don’t need to earn God’s love, and you can’t lose it. Let your identity as one of God’s beloved children help you live with confidence and courage.

Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Jessica Fadal 

Day 5: December 29th

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5

Today, consider how Jesus is the Light of the World. In the darkness of this fallen world, Jesus shines the light of hope into any challenging circumstances you face. Today, ask Jesus to show you how to point someone you know who needs hope to the light Jesus is shining. Make time to listen to him or her, pray together, and do whatever Jesus leads you to do to help with encouragement and support.   You can also take an inventory of the darkness in your own life – such as fears or unhealthy habits – that’s holding you back from making progress in your relationship with Jesus. Trust the promise in this scripture that Jesus’ light is so strong that it can’t be overcome by darkness. Ask Jesus to shine his powerful light into the darkness you’re struggling with and give you the strength you need to overcome it. 

Day 6: December 30th

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14

This verse highlights how our Creator “became flesh” and lived among us. Today, reflect on the wonderful reality that because the Word lived among humanity, every part of your everyday life is a sacred space where God is also present. Pay close attention to the ordinary moments you usually rush through, like doing household chores or driving to work, and try to perform these tasks with an eternal mindset that helps you see how everything matters when you do it with love.

Photo Credit: Unsplash/GarethHarper 

Day 7: December 31st

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

As the year draws to a close, this verse highlights God’s wonderful promise to do something new in your life. Today is a great opportunity to clean and organize a small space in your home while you think about how God helps you clear out the old to make room for the new in your life. You can also pray for renewal and revival. Ask God to help you release your stress, mistakes, and disappointments from the past year and trust him to help you move on into the new year with fresh energy and joy. Believe God’s promise that a “new creation” is possible, and ask God to help you set goals to make a fresh start in the new year. 

Day 8: January 1st

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:2

Today is the first day of a new calendar year, which is a wonderful time to adjust your focus. Ask God to help you set your mind on what matters most from his heavenly perspective. Remind yourself to look up by choosing a worship song to play today, or by choosing an inspiring picture or quote to be the background for your phone. Spend some time today figuring out what “earthly things” you often get distracted by (such as worrying about money, or trying to earn approval from someone) and pray about those things, asking God to help you see them from his perspective.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/bernardbodo 

Day 9: January 2nd

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:5

This powerful verse challenges you to move beyond just believing in Jesus to following the example Jesus sets in your relationships with other people. Since Jesus says that loving God and loving others is what’s most important, focus on putting love into action in your relationships. Open your heart and let God’s love flow through your life and into other people’s lives. Choose to forgive and be kind whenever God gives you the opportunity to do so. Look for opportunities to serve the people in your life, as well. Consider what Jesus would say or do in each of your relationships, and then do your best to make those same choices yourself. 

Day 10: January 3rd

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” – Matthew 6:10

This familiar line from the Lord’s Prayer is a powerful request for God’s plan to become a reality in your human life. Today, try saying this prayer out loud three times during the day, focusing on the words “your will.” Think about where God’s will is not currently being done in your life. What needs to change so you can welcome God’s will into that part of your life? In prayer, ask God to help you make those changes so your life will line up more with his will for you.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Alvaro Moreno Perez 

Day 11: January 4th

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” – Psalm 95:6

As the Christmas season is almost over, you can let this verse motivate you to worship God every day – not just during holidays. Let the wonder you feel for God inspire you to worship. Spend a few minutes listening to a favorite Christmas carol or a worship song you especially like, while “bowing down” to God by choosing to trust him more. Identify something specific you’re trying to control in your life – like a certain goal or a difficult situation – and symbolically “kneel” before your Maker by consciously letting go of your need to control it and trusting God with the result. 

Day 12: January 5th

“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.” – Matthew 2:11

On this final day, which is traditionally Epiphany, you can reflect on the story of the first Christmas, and how it ends with the wise men recognizing and worshiping Jesus. Look around your own home and identify something of personal value to you (not necessarily expensive, but meaningful) and decide to use it in a way that honors Jesus. You can also follow the wise men’s example by opening your own “treasures” – your time, talents, and financial resources – to serve others and honor Jesus in the year ahead. 

In conclusion, these 12 scriptures give you wonderful ways to extend your Christmas celebration beyond Christmas Day. By reflecting on these verses and applying their wisdom to your life, you can enjoy the 12 Days of Christmas with God and develop a closer relationship with him for the year to come!

Photo Credit: Unsplash/David Beale