Brady the explorer

🕯️ Advent Countdown

Count down to Christmas with 24 short stops that walk from God’s promise all the way to the manger. One stop a day in December.

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Hi, I'm Rocky! 👋 Do one stop a day in December to reach the manger by Christmas! 🎄
Rocky the explorer

The Journey

Do one stop a day, or go at your own pace. Tap Mark complete to track your trail.

1

God's Big Promise

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. Isaiah 9:6

Long before Jesus came, God promised to send a Savior. God always keeps His promises, even when we have to wait.

Try it: Light a candle with a grown-up and thank God for keeping His promises.
2

A Light in the Dark

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. Isaiah 9:2

The world was waiting in darkness, and God promised a great light. Jesus is that light for everyone.

Try it: Turn off the lights for a moment, then turn one on, and talk about how Jesus brings light.
3

Waiting with Hope

Out of you, Bethlehem, will come a ruler over Israel. Micah 5:2

God even named the tiny town where Jesus would be born, hundreds of years early. Hope means trusting God's plan while we wait.

Try it: Make a paper chain to count down the days to Christmas.
4

An Angel Visits Zechariah

Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son. Luke 1:13

God answered an old couple's prayer in a surprising way. God hears every prayer, even ones we prayed long ago.

Try it: Pray for something you have been hoping for, and trust God to answer.
5

The Angel Visits Mary

You will give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. Luke 1:31

An angel told a young girl named Mary that she would be Jesus' mother. God chose someone humble and ordinary for the most important job.

Try it: Ask a grown-up to tell you the story of the day you were born.
6

Mary Says Yes

I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled. Luke 1:38

Saying yes to God was scary, but Mary trusted Him. We can say yes to God too, even when it feels hard.

Try it: Say a short prayer: Yes, Lord, I will trust You.
7

Mary Visits Elizabeth

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped for joy. Luke 1:41

Mary hurried to share her good news with someone she loved. Joy grows when we share it.

Try it: Call or visit a relative and share something that made you happy.
8

Mary's Song of Praise

My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1:46

Mary was so thankful that she sang a song to God. Praising God turns our hearts toward joy.

Try it: Sing your favorite worship song or Christmas carol.
9

John is Born

Immediately he began to speak, praising God. Luke 1:64

God's promise to Zechariah came true, and he praised God right away. God is faithful, step by step.

Try it: Write down one good thing God has done for your family this year.
10

Joseph Trusts God

Joseph, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife. Matthew 1:20

Joseph had questions, but he obeyed God and cared for Mary and Jesus. Trusting God means being brave and kind.

Try it: Do one kind thing for someone in your family today.
11

God With Us

They will call him Immanuel, which means God with us. Matthew 1:23

Jesus' special name means God is with us. No matter where we go, we are never alone.

Try it: Draw a picture of Jesus being with you in your favorite place.
12

The Long Journey

So Joseph went up to Bethlehem, the town of David. Luke 2:4

Mary and Joseph traveled far to Bethlehem, just as God had planned. God can use even long, tiring roads for good.

Try it: Take a short walk and thank God for guiding your steps.
13

No Room at the Inn

There was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:7

No one made room for Jesus, so He was born in a humble place. Let's always make room for Jesus in our hearts.

Try it: Set up a nativity scene, or make space on a shelf for one.
14

Born in a Manger

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger. Luke 2:7

The King of the whole world slept where animals eat. Jesus came humble and close to everyone.

Try it: Wrap a small toy in a cloth and place it gently, like baby Jesus.
15

Good News of Great Joy

I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Luke 2:10

An angel brought the happiest news to ordinary shepherds. The good news of Jesus is for everyone, including you.

Try it: Tell someone the good news that Jesus came for everyone.
16

The Angels Sing

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace. Luke 2:14

A huge choir of angels filled the sky with praise. Jesus brings peace between us and God.

Try it: Make up a short song that says Glory to God.
17

The Shepherds Hurry

So they hurried off and found the baby lying in the manger. Luke 2:16

The shepherds did not wait, they ran to see Jesus. When we hear about Jesus, we can come to Him right away.

Try it: Race a family member across the room, then thank God you can run to Jesus.
18

Treasured in Her Heart

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19

Mary kept God's wonders close in her heart. We can remember and treasure the good things God does.

Try it: Start a God moments jar and add one note today.
19

A Light for All People

A light for revelation to all the nations. Luke 2:32

An old man named Simeon knew Jesus was the light for the whole world. Jesus welcomes everyone.

Try it: Smile at or welcome someone who seems left out.
20

The Bright Star

We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. Matthew 2:2

God placed a special star in the sky to lead wise men to Jesus. God still guides us to Him through His Word.

Try it: Look up at the night sky and thank God for guiding you.
21

The Wise Men Search

Wise men from the east came to Jerusalem. Matthew 2:1

The wise men traveled a very long way to find Jesus. The best journeys are the ones that lead us to Him.

Try it: Plan a mini treasure hunt for a sibling or friend.
22

Gifts for the King

They opened their treasures and presented him with gifts. Matthew 2:11

The wise men gave Jesus their very best. We can give Jesus our best too: our love, time, and kindness.

Try it: Make a homemade gift or card for someone you love.
23

Come and Worship

They bowed down and worshiped him. Matthew 2:11

The wise men knelt to worship baby Jesus. Christmas is really about worshiping the King who came for us.

Try it: Bow your head and tell Jesus you love Him.
24

The Savior is Here

Today a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:11

The waiting is over, Jesus is here! This is the best gift the world has ever received.

Try it: On Christmas Eve, read the Christmas story together from Luke 2.

Keep Exploring

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