Ever wonder what Christmas celebrations are like in another country? We did! That is why this December we are going to be studying Christmas celebrations in different cultures for our Christmas countdown. We are calling it the 12 Days of Christmas Around the World. Today is day 10, and it’s all about Christmas in Israel!
The 12 Days of Christmas Around the World
Day 10: What is Christmas like in Israel?
Verse of the Week
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:8-14
First Things First
- Read Matthew 2
Christmas in Israel
While the story of Christmas actually took place in Israel, many Israelites are still Jewish. This means many more people in Israel celebrate Hanukkah than Christmas.
Books About Christmas in Israel:
- The Story of Hanukkah by David A Adler and Jill Weber
- Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Hanukkah by Deborah Heiligman
- The Night Before Hanukkah by Natasha Wing and Amy Wummer
- Oskar and the Eight Blessings by Tanya Simon and Richard Simon
Copywork to Share:
- Copy the following Bible verse onto some Christmas stationary, and share it with a friend or family member as an early Christmas present.
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:2 (NIV)
Christmas Math
Craft
Want to participate in the entire 12 Days of Christmas Around the World? You can check out all the posts rights here on the 12 Days of Christmas Around the World home page. Be sure to pin it while you are at it so you can refer back to it year after year!
