How to Choose the Perfect Christmas Bible Study for Your Group
We’ve all been there—caught up in the whirlwind of fall ministry planning, only to reach the end of November and wonder, “What are we going to do for Christmas?!”
The Christmas season is a beautiful opportunity for groups to slow down amidst the hustle and bustle and refocus on Christ’s birth, but as a Bible study leader, it’s also easy to feel a wave of overwhelm. You want to honor this special time, but you’re juggling schedules, group needs, and, of course, picking the “right” study. Sometimes it feels easier to skip a Christmas Bible study altogether.
Let us encourage you with this —this season is all about connection, not adding more to your plate. This is our chance to gather around God’s Word, not just talk about it. While many groups pause for the holidays, we want to challenge you to press in this Christmas. And let’s make it easy by planning now, before the hustle and bustle catch up.
This guide is here to walk alongside you as you choose a Christmas Bible study and create a meaningful experience for your group. Let’s dive in!
Why Start Planning for Christmas Now?
Advent and Christmas are unique windows of opportunity for your Bible study group. If you wait until you’re too busy, it’s easy to let this season slip by. Planning ahead helps you embrace the months to come, rather than scrambling one week at a time.
So why do a Christmas Bible study?
Foster Community
When we gather for a Christmas Bible study, we create space for authentic connection. The holidays can bring both joy and loneliness, and intentionally keeping your group active helps bridge that gap. It’s a beautiful way to remind one another that we aren’t alone, and even in the midst of a season full of mixed emotions, we can be there for each other.
Encourage Outreach
Christmas is one of the most welcoming seasons in the church calendar. Many people are open to attending a study or visiting a group, especially when it doesn’t feel like a long-term commitment. A four-week Christmas Bible study is inviting and manageable, opening the door for newcomers or those curious about faith to join and feel at home.
Prepare for the Season
A Christmas Bible study offers something deeper in the midst of a the secular buzz that surrounds in this season. It invites us to pause amid the busyness, reflect on God’s promises, and welcome the true gift of the season together. By centering on Christ, your group can enter Christmas with hearts refreshed and spirits attuned to the hope that only He brings.
A Christmas Bible study creates space to slow down, savor God’s promises, and enter the season with renewed hearts.
That’s why it’s worth pressing in, rather than skipping over this sacred season. It’s in community, rooted in God’s Word, that we experience the fullness of Christ’s gift.
How to Pick the Right Study for Your Group
Choosing with intention meets your group right where they are—whether they’re weary and needing rest, eager for depth, or ready to welcome new faces. A little planning can turn a good study into a great one.
Ask yourself:
1. Who is in my group?
Is it women who’ve journeyed together for years, or a mix of new friends? Are you leading young moms, seasoned believers, or those exploring faith? Knowing your group is step one. Many Christmas Bible studies work for any group, but matching the theme or topic to your group’s needs makes all the difference.
2. How long do we have?
The pace of December is no joke! Be realistic. Four-week Christmas Bible studies fit neatly into Advent, but flexibility goes a long way. You may want to consider starting early, meeting every other week, or using a simplified format. Lead with grace and empathy; this isn’t about perfect attendance, but presence.
3. What’s the focus of our study?
Does your group crave rest? Do you want to focus on outreach and evangelism, making it easy for guests to join? Do you want to better understand how Christmas fits into the greater narrative of the Bible? Naming your main goal helps narrow your choices.
Here are four Christmas Bible studies—each designed for different group needs:
The Marvel and Miracle of Advent by Christine Caine and Lisa Harper
Rekindle the wonder of Christmas as you see how all of Scripture points to Christ’s birth. Led by two powerhouse teachers, this study is perfect for women’s groups seeking joy and meaning. It’s a fan favorite for groups who want to find joy and meaning in every week of Advent.
The Case for Christmas by Lee Strobel
Dive into the evidence behind Jesus’ birth—an approachable choice for groups welcoming newcomers or those exploring faith for the first time. This study is ideal for sparking meaningful conversations with those new to faith.
Because of Bethlehem by Max Lucado
Rediscover the warmth, hope, and heart of the Christmas story—great for families or mixed groups who want something everyone can enjoy. Max’s signature teaching makes it accessible for all ages and backgrounds.
Waiting Here for You by Louie Giglio
An invitation to find rest and hope, perfect for those feeling weary in the holiday rush and looking for gentle encouragement. This study offers a peaceful pause in the midst of a busy season.
Looking for more details on these studies? Click here to explore each one and find your perfect fit!
Making the Most of Your Christmas Study
A little thoughtful planning will make your Christmas Bible study feel truly special. Some ideas:
- Invite Early: Reach out in early November. This gives everyone time to order materials, set schedules, and extend invitations.
- Create a Welcoming Space: Simple touches like brewing some peppermint tea, lighting a pine-scented candle, or playing gentle Christmas music as guests arrive sets a warm, inviting tone.
- Incorporate a Service Project: Consider a small outreach opportunity, like collecting food for a local pantry, writing cards to neighbors, or providing Christmas gifts to a family in need to help your group put what you’re learning into action.
- Invite Others: Encourage your group to bring friends, family, or neighbors who might be longing for connection. The short commitment of a 4-week Bible study makes this the perfect opportunity to bring in new members.
Start Planning Your Christmas Bible Study Today
Don’t wait—start planning your Christmas Bible study today and make this season one to remember. Browse our curated collection of Christmas Bible studies and find the perfect resource to bless, encourage, and inspire your group! Let’s make this season meaningful together.
