Christmas 2026 · Bible Heroes
12-day Christmas countdown
The twelve days of Christmas run from Christmas Day to the eve of Epiphany. One short reading and one small thing to do each day keeps Christmas going long after the presents are opened, and walks the wise men all the way to Bethlehem.
- 1
Day 1 of Christmas
Friday, December 25 · Christmas Day
Christmas Day
Luke 2:15–16
The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph and the baby lying in the manger.
Today: Read The Nativity together and place the shepherds beside the manger.
- 2
Day 2 of Christmas
Saturday, December 26 · Saint Stephen
Saint Stephen
Acts 7:59–60
Stephen, the first Christian martyr, forgave the people who hurt him.
Today: Forgive someone, or say sorry to someone, before bedtime.
- 3
Day 3 of Christmas
Sunday, December 27 · Feast of the Holy Family
The Holy Family
Luke 2:51–52
Jesus grew up in Nazareth with Mary and Joseph, growing in wisdom and in favor with God.
Today: Look at old family photos and tell a story about when someone was little.
- 4
Day 4 of Christmas
Monday, December 28 · Holy Innocents
Keeping children safe
Matthew 2:13–15
Joseph listened to an angel and took Mary and Jesus to safety in Egypt.
Today: Pray for children who have had to leave their homes, and for families looking for a safe place.
- 5
Day 5 of Christmas
Tuesday, December 29
Presented in the Temple
Luke 2:22–24
Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the Temple to present him to God.
Today: Write or draw thank-you notes for the gifts you received.
- 6
Day 6 of Christmas
Wednesday, December 30
Simeon and Anna
Luke 2:25–38
Two faithful old people, Simeon and Anna, had waited all their lives to see Jesus.
Today: Call a grandparent or an older friend and ask them about their favorite Christmas.
- 7
Day 7 of Christmas
Thursday, December 31
Light in the darkness
John 1:1–5
Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot put it out.
Today: Each person names one blessing from this year, and you thank God for it together.
- 8
Day 8 of Christmas
Friday, January 1 · Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Mary, Mother of God
Luke 2:16–21
Mary treasured everything that happened and thought about it in her heart.
Today: Start a treasure jar for the new year and add one good memory to it each week.
- 9
Day 9 of Christmas
Saturday, January 2
A new star
Matthew 2:1–2
Wise men in the East saw a new star and set out to find the newborn king.
Today: Cut out paper stars and hang them in a window. Start moving the wise men toward the manger.
- 10
Day 10 of Christmas
Sunday, January 3 · Epiphany in Canada and the US
Epiphany Sunday
Matthew 2:3–8
King Herod was troubled and secretly wanted to stop the new king.
Today: Read The Wise Men together and chalk your door from the Christmas guide.
- 11
Day 11 of Christmas
Monday, January 4
Overjoyed
Matthew 2:9–10
When the wise men saw the star stop over the place where Jesus was, they were overjoyed.
Today: Go stargazing, or turn off the lights and look at the stars you hung in the window.
- 12
Day 12 of Christmas
Tuesday, January 5 · Twelfth night
Gifts for the king
Matthew 2:11–12
The wise men knelt, worshiped Jesus and gave him gold, frankincense and myrrh, then went home another way.
Today: Each person chooses one gift to give Jesus this year, like a kindness, a prayer habit or a job at church.
Tomorrow, January 6, is the traditional feast of the Epiphany. The Christmas season ends with the Baptism of the Lord on Sunday, January 10, 2027. Thank you for keeping Christmas with us.
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