The Twelve Gifts of Christmas
The season of Christmas is more than a single day — it is a twelve-day feast of joy and wonder that stretches from December 25 through January 5, leading us to Epiphany. Each day invites us to linger a little longer at the manger, to notice what Christ brings into our lives and into the world.
This year, we are reflecting on Twelve Gifts Christ Brings to the World. Each day includes a Scripture (ESV), a theme, and a short reflection you can use in your personal devotions, with your family, or together as a church.
Day 1 – December 25
The Gift of Incarnation
Scripture: John 1:14 (ESV)
In Jesus, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. God does not save us from a distance, but steps directly into our world, our sorrows, and our joys. Christmas celebrates the God who comes close enough to be held, heard, and known.
Prayer Prompt: Thank God that in Christ, He is not far away, but present and near to you today.
Day 2 – December 26
The Gift of Peace the World Cannot Give
Scripture: John 14:27 (ESV)
The angels announced “peace on earth,” and Jesus later promised a peace that is not like the world’s. His peace is not the absence of trouble, but His steady presence in the middle of it. In Christ, our hearts can rest even when our circumstances do not.
Prayer Prompt: Ask Jesus to quiet your anxious thoughts and fill your heart with His peace.
Day 3 – December 27
The Gift of Light in the Darkness
Scripture: John 8:12 (ESV)
Jesus calls Himself the light of the world. No darkness in our lives or in our world is too deep for His light to reach. In the long nights of winter and in the hidden corners of our hearts, His light brings clarity, comfort, and hope.
Prayer Prompt: Invite Christ to shine His light into any dark or confusing place in your life.
Day 4 – December 28
The Gift of Mercy
Scripture: Luke 1:78–79 (ESV)
Because of the tender mercy of our God, the sunrise from on high has visited us. In Jesus, mercy is not an idea but a Person — forgiving, healing, and guiding us into the way of peace. Christ does not turn away from our weakness; He meets us in it with compassion.
Prayer Prompt: Confess where you need God’s mercy today, and thank Him that His mercy is new every morning.
Day 5 – December 29
The Gift of Hope that Anchors the Soul
Scripture: Hebrews 6:19 (ESV)
In Christ, we have a hope that is like a sure and steadfast anchor for the soul. This hope is not wishful thinking but a firm confidence in God’s promises and character. When change and uncertainty swirl around us, Christ holds us fast.
Prayer Prompt: Name one worry and one hope before God, trusting Him to hold both.
Day 6 – December 30
The Gift of Joy Made Complete
Scripture: John 15:11 (ESV)
Jesus desires that His joy may be in us and that our joy may be full. This joy runs deeper than momentary happiness; it springs from abiding in Christ and knowing we are loved by Him. Even in seasons of hardship, His joy can quietly sustain us.
Prayer Prompt: Ask God to restore the joy of your salvation and to renew your delight in Him.
Day 7 – December 31
The Gift of New Creation
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
As one year draws to a close, we remember that in Christ we are a new creation; the old has passed away and the new has come. God does more than adjust our habits — He transforms our hearts, our desires, and our direction.
Prayer Prompt: Offer the old year to God, and invite Him to shape you more into Christ’s likeness in the year to come.
Day 8 – January 1
The Gift of Wisdom
Scripture: James 1:5 (ESV)
At the start of a new year, many decisions lie ahead. God graciously promises wisdom to those who ask in faith. In Christ, the wisdom of God is made known, guiding our steps, shaping our priorities, and directing our paths.
Prayer Prompt: Ask God for wisdom for the year ahead — in your home, your work, your relationships, and your church.
Day 9 – January 2
The Gift of the Holy Spirit’s Presence
Scripture: John 14:16–17 (ESV)
Jesus promises another Helper, the Holy Spirit, to be with us forever. Through the Spirit, Christ’s presence is not confined to a single place or day; He is with us always. The Spirit comforts, convicts, leads, and empowers us to follow Jesus.
Prayer Prompt: Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh and to lead you in obedience today.
Day 10 – January 3
The Gift of Belonging in the Family of God
Scripture: Ephesians 2:19 (ESV)
In Christ, we are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Christmas reminds us that Jesus came into a family, and now welcomes us into God’s family. We belong — to Christ and to one another.
Prayer Prompt: Give thanks for the people God has placed in your life through the church, and pray for deeper unity in Christ.
Day 11 – January 4
The Gift of Purpose and Calling
Scripture: Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand. The Lord uses our ordinary days, small acts of love, and quiet faithfulness to advance His kingdom. In Christ, nothing given to Him is wasted.
Prayer Prompt: Ask God to show you one good work He is calling you to walk in today.
Day 12 – January 5
The Gift of Revelation – Light to the Nations
Scripture: Isaiah 60:1–3 (ESV)
On the eve of Epiphany, we remember that Christ is the light to the nations. The child born in Bethlehem is the Savior for all people, in every place. As His light rises upon us, we are called to reflect that light into a world that still longs for hope.
Prayer Prompt: Pray for those who do not yet know Christ, near and far, and ask God to make you a faithful witness to His light.
May these twelve days help us slow down, look again to Jesus, and receive the many gifts He brings. Christmas is not over — Christ is with us, and His gifts continue to unfold.
The Twelve Days of Christmas & Epiphany
Christmas is more than a single day. In the life of the Church, the season of Christmas lasts for Twelve Days, beginning on December 25 and leading us to the Feast of Epiphany on January 6. These days invite us to slow down, reflect on the gift of Christ’s coming, and prepare our hearts for the mission He brings into the world.
The Twelve Days of Christmas
The Twelve Days of Christmas begin on December 25 (Christmas Day) and continue through January 5, the traditional Eve of Epiphany. During this period, Christians throughout history have set aside time to celebrate the wonder of the Incarnation — the Word made flesh, dwelling among us (John 1:14, ESV).
Rather than rushing past Christmas, the Church lingers for twelve days, remembering that the birth of Jesus is too rich to be celebrated in a single moment. Each day offers an opportunity to rejoice, reflect, and receive the gifts Christ brings into our lives.
What Is Epiphany?
Epiphany is celebrated on January 6. The word “epiphany” means appearing or revealing. On this day, we remember the revelation of Jesus Christ to the world.
The central Scripture for Epiphany is the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12), who followed the star to worship the newborn King. Their journey represents the truth that Jesus is the Savior not only of Israel, but of all nations. In some traditions, Epiphany also celebrates the Baptism of Jesus or His first miracle at the wedding in Cana — moments when His glory was openly revealed.
If Christmas proclaims that Christ is born, Epiphany proclaims that Christ is revealed — the light of God shining for all people.
How the Twelve Days Lead to Epiphany
The Twelve Days of Christmas form a bridge from the joy of Jesus’ birth to the mission of His life. They move us from celebration to revelation:
- Christmas: God with us.
- The Twelve Days: Reflecting on the meaning of Christ’s coming.
- Epiphany: Christ revealed to the nations.
The star that guided the Magi reminds us that Jesus is the Light of the World — a light that cannot be hidden and is meant to shine through the lives of His people. The Twelve Days prepare our hearts to carry this light into the year ahead.
A Season of Joy, Light, and Hope
As we journey from Christmas Day to Epiphany, may we celebrate the gifts Christ brings, reflect on His presence with us, and open our lives to His call to share His light with the world. Christ is born, Christ is revealed, and Christ is with us always.