The Hunt for Christmas Meaning
A Bible story adaptation told at Independent Bible Fellowship Church
This is the full story from IBFC's Hunt for Christmas Meaning event. All the storyline and character options are available for you to read through again. Please use this as a tool to teach others the true meaning of Christmas!
#1 The Christmas Story
Do you know the real reason we celebrate Christmas?
This scavenger hunt will take you through the true Christmas story, but you get to pick which characters you want to follow!
Our story starts in a town called Nazareth. Mary and Joseph are engaged to be married. How exciting! But what Mary doesn't know yet is that she is going to have a baby and this isn't going to be just any baby. He is going to be special!
You need to pick now who you want to follow in the story.
Do you want to...
#2 Mary
Mary is just going about her every day tasks when an angel named Gabriel appears in front of her. He says a fancy hello and then tells her that God has picked her specially for a very important job.
Mary is immediately worried but Gabriel tells her "Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God" (Luke 2:30). He tells Mary that out of all the woman in the world, she has been chosen to be the mother of God's son and his name will be Jesus.
Mary is confused. How is she going to have a baby when she is a virgin?
But Gabriel tells her that the Holy Ghost will come upon her and she will be pregnant.
What amazing news! Then Gabriel tells Mary that one of her older family members is also pregnant! Let's see what happens next.
Do you want to...
hear from Mary's cousin Elisabeth #3
or hear what Mary thinks of all this #4
Luke 2:28-37
"28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou has found favour with God
31 And, behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son and shalt call his name JESUS
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
#3 Visiting Elisabeth
Mary takes a vacation to where Elisabeth lives and as soon as Elisabeth hears Mary coming the baby inside her belly jumped! Then Elisabeth says "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb." (Luke 2:42) Elisabeth knew that the baby that Mary was going to have is Jesus and even Elisabeth's baby knew it was Jesus because he jumped in her belly for joy. Elisabeth commends Mary for her belief in God's promises. Mary probably needed the encouragement with everything going on.
Now it's time for Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem #9
Luke 2:39-45
"39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord."
#4 Mary's Prayer
Mary visits her cousin Elisabeth and some extraordinary things happen. but even more extraordinary is Mary's faith. She believes what God has said is true and she is honored to be chosen to be Jesus' mother. She praises God for His goodness. Listen!
"He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away." (Luke 2:51-53) Mary knows that God has promised a Savior and that Savior is almost here!
Now it's time for Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem #9
Luke 2:46-56
46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
#5 Joseph
Joseph is excited and getting ready to marry the woman he loves, Mary, when he finds out that she is pregnant! This doesn't seem like a good thing to Joseph because they aren't married yet and he knows that he is not the Father. He doesn't want to embarrass Mary by letting everyone know that she is pregnant, but he doesn't think he can marry her anymore. There are so many people who have opinions and would tell him what to do but he doesn't know what the right thing to do is. He's worried and hasn't been able to make a decision when something happens while he is sleeping.
Matthew 1:18-35
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
#6 Joseph's Dream
One night, Joseph is sleeping and he has a dream. The angel of the Lord comes to him with some really good news. He tells Joseph not to be afraid and continue with the marriage because "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) He tells him that Mary has been faithful to Joseph and now blessed by God! So Joseph married Mary and they waited for Jesus to be born.
Uh oh! There's big news coming from Rome. Do you...
go to Rome to hear the order #7
or stay in Nazareth to listen #8
Matthew 1:20-25
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
#7 Caesar's Order in Rome
Caesar Augustus is the Emperor of Rome and he is the ruler of the land at the time.
He ruled a lot of area including Italy where he lived and Israel where all the Hebrews lived. Because of all this land and people he ruled over they wanted to have an accurate count of all the people in the area so they could collect taxes for the government. Because both Joseph and Mary's way back great-grandfather was David, they had to travel to the town of Bethlehem which was David's birthplace.
They have to pack up all their things, or as much as they can and move from their new home to an even newer area.
Now it's time for Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem #9
Luke 2:1-5
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
#8 Tax Announcement in Nazareth
After Mary and Joseph got married and are settling into their new home, news came from Rome. The ruler, Caesar Augustus, decides to count all the people so they can take taxes from everyone. But in order to do all this, they require everyone to go back to the place where their family is from. Because both Joseph and Mary's way back great-grandfather was David, they had to travel to the town of Bethlehem which was David's birthplace.
Mary and Joseph must have been a little worried about traveling with Mary going to have the baby very soon, but they know that God is in control.
Now it's time for Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem #9
Luke 2:1-5
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
#9 Traveling to Bethlehem
After the government announces that everyone must go to their father's birth place for the census, Mary and Joseph pack up everything that they can and set out on the journey.
While they are traveling, let's read about some prophecy. Prophecy is when someone tells what is going to happen in the future. Did you know that God told us in the Bible about Jesus way before he was even born? There are many different prophecies but we've picked three that relate best to the story today. Which one do you want to hear about?
Isaiah's Prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 #10
#10 Isaiah's Prophecy in Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah's prophecy tells us about Mary way before she was even born. God told Isaiah about her and that she would be a virgin and would be able to have the son of God. They also call Jesus, Immanuel, which means "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). God didn't stay up in heaven and just watch us, He came down to this earth as a man. Why did he do that? You'll find out very soon.
Oh look! We're arriving in Bethlehem #13
Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
Matthew 1:23 "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
#11 Isaiah's Prophecy in Isaiah 9:6
This prophecy tells us about Jesus before he even existed. Way before he was born or even in Mary's belly. It also gives us some other amazing names for Jesus. He is called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." All these names tell us that Jesus is not just some man, He is God come down to earth in the form of man. Why did he do that? You'll find out very soon.
Oh look! We're arriving in Bethlehem #13
Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”
#12 Micah's Prophecy in Micah 5:2
Micah's prophecy is neat because it tells you exactly where Jesus is going to be born. Now you know why there was a census and Caesar Augustus was sending everyone to their family's birthplace. Even though Caesar had a reason for doing that, God made it happen in order for this verse to come true. Micah writes that Jesus will be born in Bethlehem. Why is Jesus' birth so important? You'll find out very soon!
Oh look! We're arriving in Bethlehem #13
Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
#13 Arriving in Bethlehem
Mary and Joseph have arrived in Bethlehem and it looks like Mary is going to have the baby very soon! Obviously they can't have baby Jesus out in the street somewhere so they begin looking everywhere for some place to stay. Something comfortable with their own room and a bed, a door so they can close it for some privacy. Can you help them find somewhere to stay? There are a few different inns to try. Try some of these locations!
Where do you go first?
#14 The Inn Makom Inn
"Oh, I'm so sorry" says the Innkeeper "There's no room here. All of our rooms are taken. You'll have to find somewhere else."
You'll have to try a different inn. Do you...
#15 The Mahuri Inn
You knock on the door of the inn and the innkeeper opens it. As soon as he sees Mary and Joseph he sighs. "I have no room" he says sadly, "there are so many people coming into Bethlehem. We just weren't prepared for this."
He sounds like he could keep talking for a while. Do you...
#16 The Lech Makhan Inn
"No! No! NO!" Someone shouts without even opening the door. "There's no space. Move along!"
Oh no! There's no room here. Do you...
#17 The Innkeeper
The innkeeper keeps talking about how unprepared they are for all these people. He starts to talk about Caesar Augustus and the taxes but Mary really needs to find somewhere to stay so you start to say goodbye when the innkeeper says "Oh wait! I have something that might work if you're just looking for a dry place to stay. There is a stable I can show you. Mary and Joseph look at each other and agree to follow him to the stable.
#18 Walking Away
It doesn't seem like this innkeeper is able to help so you start to walk away with Mary and Joseph.
"Wait!" he says. "I have something... It's not a room but it's better than nothing if you want to try it? There's a stable. It's dry and enclosed so the weather cannot reach you."
Mary and Joseph look at each other and agree to follow him to the stable.
#19 The Stable
Remember how I asked you to help Mary and Joseph find a room? Something with a door, probably a bed, preferably something comfortable? Even though this isn't what we would have planned or picked out for Jesus' birth, this is exactly what God has had planned all along. God knew that none of the inns would have any room. He knew that Jesus would be born here and not in a castle. Do you hear that? It's baby noises! Jesus has been born! He doesn't have fancy blankets, these are just simple swaddling clothes. He doesn't have a special crib, it's just a manger. That's what the animals eat their food out of. The God of the universe, the King of the world, is here as a little baby. People need to know! Guess what? Somewhere there are people finding out about Jesus' birth.
Let's go visit them. Do you...
Luke 2:6-7
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
#20 The Shepherds
Hey look over there! Shepherds are in the field watching their sheep. They have to make sure none wander off or a predator doesn't try to attack. While the shepherds tend the sheep an angel appears before them. These shepherds were not excited, they were terrified! The angel says "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." Then there were a multitude of angels around singing and praising God before they vanished. What an amazing sight! The shepherds were so excited that they stopped what they were doing and hurried into Bethlehem to find baby Jesus.
Do you want to...
follow the shepherds back to the stable #21
or visit the distant lands #24
Luke 2:8-15
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
#21 Follow the Shepherds
We don't know how the shepherds find Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. They may have searched every stable in Bethlehem. They may have run into people talking about some woman who just had a baby in a stable. However, it happened the shepherds did find them and realized the truth of what the angels had spoken. Once they realized what this meant and how important it was they couldn't keep it to themselves!
Do you want to...
follow the shepherds through Bethlehem #22
or wonder what Mary is thinking? #23
Luke 2:16
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
#22 The Shepherd's News
The shepherds were so excited by this news that they went through the town and told anyone and everyone they could about what had happened. They told everyone about the angels visiting, the stable with baby Jesus, the Savior of the world! They praised and glorified God for the whole message that evening. How could anyone keep this type of wonderful news to themself?
So why is all of this so important? #29
Luke 2:18 & 20
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
#23 What is Mary thinking?
The shepherds run off to tell the good news to everyone and while the majority of people are surprised, Mary is not. Remember, she had a visit from an angel nine months ago telling her everything about Jesus' miraculous virgin birth. She has had plenty of time to think about everything the angel told had and what it means. Mary's experience with the shepherds confirms what she already knows about baby Jesus. He is the Son of God and he has come to save the world.
So why is all of this so important? #29
Luke 2:19
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
#24 The Wisemen
When Jesus was born a brand new star appeared in the sky directly over his manger. Stars do not typically just appear and definitely not one this bright. So when educated men from far away countries notice this new star it would have been exciting. They would have talked about it, read through whatever prophecies they had on and hand and realized that there was a baby born that was so important a star literally formed.
Would you like to...
find out what gifts the wisemen are preparing #25
Matthew 2:1-2
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
#25 The Wisemen Prepare Gifts
They didn't appear at the stable as soon as Jesus was born. It took them a while to travel to Bethlehem but as they prepared to travel they packed special gifts for the "King of the Jews" (Matthew 2:2). These gifts are priceless and thoughtful. They are meant for King but some of them carry the weight of a coming sacrifice. Each gift has a special meaning.
Which gift would you like to find out more about?
Matthew 2:11
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
#26 Gold
Your first thought might be what can a baby do with gold? I mean it's an expensive gift but it's not something that baby Jesus could play with.
The gift of gold will be really helpful for Mary and Joseph in paying for things but more important is the significance of what the gold stands for. It is a symbol of Jesus' divinity. He is God come down to earth.
#27 Frankincense
Your first thought might be what can a baby do with Frankincense? I mean it's an expensive gift but it's not something that baby Jesus could play with.
Better yet what is frankincense? It's a resin or gum that comes from a tree and when you burn it, it gives off a strong smell. Frankincense is a symbol of holiness and righteousness. This is an important acknowledgement of Jesus being holy and righteous.
#28 Myrrh
Your first thought might be what can a baby do with Myrrh? I mean it's an expensive gift but it's not something that baby Jesus could play with.
Better yet, what is Myrrh?
It is a resin or gum taken from the tree and made into a spice. They use it when burying dead bodies. It seems strange that someone would bring a gift used during a burial ceremony as a birthday gift. Baby Jesus is going to grow to be a man and suffer pain and death.
#29 What does it mean?
You've been searching for Christmas meaning and by now you should realize that it's not about the lights, the presents, the events or the food. It's about Jesus' birth. But maybe you still don't understand: why is Jesus' birth so important?
Well it really goes back an even longer time ago in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Because of this, sin entered into the world and everyone since the first man (Adam) is born into sin. We can't get away from it and we can't change it. Sin is what completely separates us from God not just physically but our souls eternally as well (Romans 3:23). We cannot live eternally with God in heaven when we die because the only ones allowed in heaven have to be perfect. We're not perfect because we sin and the punishment for sin spiritual death (Romans 6:23). But God has done this amazing miracle where he sacrificed his only son, Jesus to save us from our sin (John 3:16). The little baby whose birth we celebrate at Christmas is going to die, has already died, for your sin, my sin, the sins of the entire world (Romans 5:8). It is a free gift and all you have to do is accept it. The Bible says "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9) Don't delay! Do it today! This is the best Christmas gift you will ever receive. Once you place your faith in Jesus to save you from your sins, they are removed from you and nothing can keep you away from Him (Romans 8:1)
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life."
Romans 5:8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 10:9 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
The Story Doesn't End!
Feel free to go back through the story again and again to explore other characters and their perspectives. Go back to the beginning here #1 The Christmas Story