BIG IDEA
God gives people to guide us

BIBLE
John the Baptist is Born: Luke 1:5-25, 57-66; Matthew 3:1-6

ABOUT THIS WEEK
Whether it's a map or someone who's made the trip before, Christmas road trips remind us of how we need someone who knows the journey ahead. This week, we'll hear how God gave Zechariah and Elizabeth a baby, John, who would grow up to prepare the way for Jesus, John helped guide people towards God, showing us how God gives people to guide us.

BIG IDEA
God gives hope to guide us

BIBLE
An Angel visits Mary: Luke 1:26-38; James 5:7-11

ABOUT THIS WEEK
On long road trips, the hope of seeing loved ones during the holidays keeps us going. This week, we'll hear how an angel visited Mary to announce she would give birth to Jesus, who would help bring a new hope to the world. Faced with unexpected news, Mary found hope in God's faithfulness, showing us how God gives hope to guide us.

BIG IDEA
God gives a Savior to guide us

BIBLE
Jesus is born: Luke 2:1-20; Isaiah 7:10-16

ABOUT THIS WEEK
One of the most essential pieces of road trip gear is a map or GPS to guide you toward your final destination. This week we'll hear how angels guided a group of shepherds to Bethlehem so they could be the first people to meet Jesus. Their incredible journey was an important sign for everyone that God gives a Savior to guide us.

BIG IDEA
God gives direction to guide us

BIBLE
The Magi visit Jesus: Matthew 2:1-12; Matthew 2:13-23

ABOUT THIS WEEK
When you don't have a map to guide you, a landmark can help keep you from getting lost during your road trip. This week we'll hear how God used a shining star to help guide the Magi to Jesus and they even brought him gifts! Their journey to Bethlehem is an incredible reminder that God gives direction to guide us.

BIG IDEA
Jesus is one of a kind.

BIBLE:
Luke 2:41-52; John 1:10-14

ABOUT THIS WEEK
Some of our favorite inventions might seem ordinary at first, but they can actually change the world in surprising ways. This week, we’ll hear about the time Jesus' family accidentally left him behind and how they found him in the temple, listening, learning, and asking questions. This amazing story of Jesus as a boy helps remind us thatJesus is one of a kind.

BIG IDEA:
Jesus is humble

BIBLE:
Matthew 3:13-17; Philippians 2:5-11

ABOUT THIS WEEK:
You might be surprised by how many inventions were created by simply turning something upside down, flipping it around, or looking at it differently. This week, we'll hear about how Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River, which felt a bit backward to John the Baptist. Even still, Jesus stayed faithful to God's plan, and this story helps us see how Jesus is humble.

BIG IDEA:
Jesus trusted God

BIBLE:
Luke 4:1-13; Psalm 40:1-4

ABOUT THIS WEEK:
A new invention is pretty great, but it needs lots of testing and use before we're willing to completely trust it. This week, we'll see how Jesus was tested in the wilderness and stayed true to God despite all of the temptations around him. Even when his relationship with God was under pressure, Jesus trusted God, and he showed us that we can, too.

BIG IDEA:
Jesus calls us to follow

BIBLE:
Matthew 4:13-23; Ephesians 5:1-2

ABOUT THIS WEEK:
We might think of inventions as really complicated science or high-tech gadgetry, but every invention started as something simple and ordinary. This week, we'll see how Jesus invited ordinary people to be his first disciples, following him and doing extraordinary things alongside him. Their story shows us the amazing things that can happen in our lives because Jesus calls us to follow.

BIG IDEA:
Let's trust Jesus even when it's not easy!

BIBLE:
Matthew 5:1-12; James 1:2-12

ABOUT THIS WEEK:
Hiking can be tough, but the view at the top is worth it. This week, we'll hear how Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with a series of blessings for things that seem contrary to what we might naturally want to do. Even when following God’s path feels hard, it leads to something greater, so let’s trust Jesus even when it’s not easy.

BIG IDEA:
Let's show others the way to God

BIBLE:
Matthew 5:13-20; Colossians 3:12-17

ABOUT THIS WEEK:
Using a flashlight on a dark trail or sprinkling salt to perk up a campfire meal can make a big difference. This week, we'll learn how Jesus taught that we’re like salt and light—helping others see God’s goodness and inviting others to glorify God. Through our good deeds and the way we shine God’s love, let’s show others the way to God! 

BIG IDEA:
Let God's love take the lead

BIBLE:
Matthew 5:43-; Psalm 99:1-5

ABOUT THIS WEEK:
It’s not always easy to share a tent with someone who wants all the space. This week, we'll hear how Jesus taught us to love others—even those who might be unkind—by showing kindness without expecting anything in return, just like God loves us unconditionally. When it’s hard to respond with love, we can choose to follow God’s example and let God’s love take the lead! 

BIG IDEA:
Let's pray the way Jesus prayed.

BIBLE:
Matthew 6:5-15; Psalm 32:1-7

ABOUT THIS WEEK:
Saying the same prayer over and over can feel like walking the same trail many times without noticing the beauty all around you. This week, we'll learn how Jesus taught us to talk to God through the Lord’s Prayer, showing that prayer isn’t about fancy words or routines but about a real connection with God. By following Jesus’ example, let’s pray the way Jesus prayed.