Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Thinking on These Things at Christmas: 25 Journaling Prompts for a Christ-Centered Season

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The night of Jesus’ birth is more than a historical event — it is the living portrait of every virtue named in Philippians 4:This season offers an invitation not only to celebrate but to reflect, to slow down, and to let the virtues on display in Bethlehem take root in your own life. These journaling prompts will help you meditate on the truth, nobility, righteousness, purity, loveliness, admirable obedience, excellence, and praise revealed in the manger. As you write, let the Christmas story move from something you read to something you live.


Whatever Is True — The Promise Kept

  • Which prophecy about Jesus’ birth speaks to you most deeply this season? Why?

  • How does seeing God keep His word in Bethlehem strengthen your trust in Him today?

  • In what areas of your life do you need to anchor yourself in God’s truth this Christmas?

Whatever Is Noble — Majesty in Humility

  • How does Jesus’ humble birth redefine your view of greatness?

  • What is one way you can reflect noble humility in your own holiday traditions?

  • Who in your life models quiet honor and selfless service?

Whatever Is Right — Justice in Motion

  • What injustices in your community or the world weigh on your heart this season?

  • How does Jesus’ birth as the righteous King give you hope for lasting justice?

  • Where might God be calling you to “set something right” in your relationships before the year ends?

Whatever Is Pure — Love Without Hidden Motives

  • How does Christ’s pure, agenda-free love challenge your approach to giving and serving?

  • Where in your life could you practice love without expecting anything in return?

  • How can you guard your heart against selfish motives in your celebrations?

Whatever Is Lovely — Glory in the Ordinary

  • What simple, ordinary things in your holiday season have become beautiful because of God’s presence?

  • How can you make space to notice God’s loveliness in small moments this month?

  • Describe a time when God transformed something plain or unnoticed into something deeply meaningful for you.

Whatever Is Admirable — Obedience Without Delay

  • How do Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, or the Magi inspire you to respond quickly to God?

  • What “yes” might God be asking of you this Christmas?

  • How does prompt obedience reflect your trust in God’s plan?

If Anything Is Excellent — Heaven’s Best Given to Us

  • How does seeing the perfection of God’s plan in Bethlehem deepen your gratitude?

  • In what ways can you offer your “best” to God this Christmas?

  • How does excellence in God’s eyes differ from perfectionism in the world’s eyes?

If Anything Is Worthy of Praise — God With Us

  • What specific reason for praise has God given you this year?

  • How can you keep Christ at the center of your celebrations?

  • How does remembering “God with us” shape your hope for the coming year?

Carrying the Virtues Beyond Christmas

  • Which virtue from Philippians 4:8 do you most want to focus on in the new year, and how will you live it out?