Christmas: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

In this four-week Advent study, author Richard B. Wilke focuses on people in the story of Christ’s birth. There are those we associate with the joy and celebration of Christmas—the wise men, the shepherds, and Joseph. Yet the author reminds us not to forget that the evil King Herod is also part of the Christmas story, and how it is because there is evil in our world that we so desperately needed—and need—a Savior.

Each lesson includes a key scripture, brief reflection, questions to discuss, a suggested Christmas carol, and a prayer.

Table of Contents:

First Week of Advent
Let’s Keep Herod in Christmas (Matthew 2:1, 7-8, 16-18)

Second Week of Advent
Let’s Keep the Wise Men in Christmas (Matthew 2:1-12)

Third Week of Advent
Let’s Keep Joseph in Christmas (Matthew 1:18-25; 2:13-15, 19-23)

Fourth Week of Advent
Let’s Keep the Shepherds in Christmas (Luke 2:8-20)