Episode #582
Silent Night
At home alone on Christmas Eve, Whit remembers holidays past that were difficult–but still made for treasured family memories.
0:00
24:41
Through the decades with John Avery Whittaker & his friends
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1
Bassett Christmas Party!
It’s Christmastime in the town of Odyssey and Wooton and Penny Bassett are having a Christmas party, and you are invited!
2
John Avery Whittaker’s Christmases
John Avery Whittaker (Whit) has had quite a few Christmases in his lifetime, and today we get to hear about his family celebrations through the decades.
3
Madge and Guy’s Gifts
Today we get to hear John Avery Whittaker (Whit) share a twist on a classic story to learn about giving and thankfulness.
Listen to the audio drama episode “Gifts for Madge and Guy” to hear John Avery Whittaker share a new twist on a classic story.
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The True Meaning of Christmas
Lights and decorations are fun, but what was flashy about the first Christmas? Let’s find out with Dylan Taylor and a crazy Christmas contest.
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Traditions and Trees!
Is your tree decorated? Read about Tori’s new family tradition to learn about a new way to decorate your “home” for Christmas.
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Nativity Plays and Freedom
Whit and his friends created a nativity play and show us how Christians can respond to Christmas being secularized.
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Eugene Meltsner’s Family Christmas
Is there anyone you miss this Christmas? Learn how Eugene Meltsner found his earthly and heavenly family.
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Traditions and Trees!
Is your tree decorated? Read about Tori’s new family tradition to learn about a new way to decorate your “home” for Christmas.
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Christmas Caroling
Have you ever gone caroling in the snow? Tori Mori has for the people she loves. Read the story to see how she sang for her friends and family.
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Angels and Birthday Celebrations!
What is most important about a Christmas pageant? Find out when Tori Mori was a floating angel!
10
Showing Love
People can go through hard times at Christmas, but you can encourage them with God’s love. Let’s hear how Connie Kendall encouraged Monty Whittaker.
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Jesus’s love and peace
John Avery Whittaker’s grandaughter shows us how to share God’s love and peace, even when people are sinning against you.
12
Snowed In
Nick Mulligan is snowed in! Let’s see how his experience points to our need for God’s forgiveness and love.
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Christmas Surprises and Gnomes
Today, you get to learn how you can serve others and see a mystery unfold about a Gnome that puzzles Wooton.
14
Christmas Lights and a Squirrel!
The wise men gave their gifts because they followed the star. Let’s see how Emily Jones and Matthew Parker help Eugene by following the lights.
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Christmas Presents!
Today, we get to hear John Avery Whittaker and his friends learn how to truly show their care for each with their presents.
16
God’s Plans
Listen to the episode, “The Visitors” to consider if we flexible enough to pivot our plans to align with His?
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Imitating Christ
Listen to the episode, “Where’s Your Daddy?” to see how the townfolk of Odyssey imitate Christ while helping a family.
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A Christmas Mystery!
Listen to the episode, “Naught or Nice” to see if you love mysteries just as much as the people at Whit’s End.
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Jesus the Savior
Listen to the audio drama episode, “Back to Bethlehem, Part 3” to learn how God has a way of challenging our expectations about everything, including Christmas.
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Christmas in the Imagination Station
Listen to the audio drama episode, “Back to Bethlehem, Part 1” to see the first Christms in the Imagination Station!
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Where the Mind and Heart Unite
Listen to the audio drama episode, “Back to Bethlehem, Part 2.” to learn where the mind and heart unite.
21
Jesus the Savior
Listen to the audio drama episode, “Back to Bethlehem, Part 3” to learn how God has a way of challenging our expectations about everything, including Christmas.
22
The Nativity, for All People
Today let’s hear how the Nativity story was not as calm and silent as we think, but exciting and shared with all different people.
23
God is in Control
Connie and Eugene are in the middle of chaos! Can they remember to trust in God’s control?
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It’s Christmas Eve!
On this special day, let’s remember with John Avery Whittaker the importance of slowing down at Christmas.
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Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday Jesus!
Merry Christmas! Don’t forget to tell Jesus happy birthday as you read the biblical account of the Christmas story.
“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:10-11, ESV
Bassett Christmas Party!
You can share Christmas joy with people at the Bassett Christmas party by downloading the pdf activity to see which characters you can find!
Today’s Resources:
Exciting news! Adventures in Odyssey The Movie, is coming to theaters in 2027. Tap the button to get updates!
Today’s Devotion:
Christmas in Odyssey is a great time of year! Snow covers the streets and wisps from rooftops. Festive garlands and twinkling lights decorate warm houses. Families gather together around the Nativity display. The smells of pine and roast turkey linger in the air. Stockings stuffed with goodies hang over the crackling hearth—all to celebrate the Savior’s birth.
One of the best parts about the Christmas season for Christians is gathering together to celebrate with other believers who have the same hope in Jesus. Many people who live in Odyssey share this hope, having come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Have you made that decision? If not not, or if you’re not sure, take this month to think about what it means for Jesus to be your savior, the one who takes away the consequences of sin, as well as your Lord, the one you rely on to lead you through life and inform your decisions.
A great verse talking about both of these roles that Jesus plays, is Psalm 51:12, which says, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit” (ESV). A willing spirit is something you need to obey Jesus as your Lord, and as for salvation, you heard that right: JOY! Something you and the Christians of Odyssey (and in your own town) can share at Christmas time. Joy to the world, the Lord has come!
John Avery Whittaker’s Christmases
Take a look at Whit’s past with a coloring sheet from the soon-to-be-released Adventures in Odyssey The Movie – a story that takes place when the Whittaker family first moved to the town of Odyssey.
Today’s Resources:
Exciting news! Adventures in Odyssey The Movie, is coming to theaters in 2027. Tap the button to get updates!
Episode #582: Silent Night
Episode #582
Today’s Devotion:
Expectations can be tricky things. It’s good to make plans and prepare to do special things with people we care about. But sometimes plans change and things don’t go the way we wanted. How do you respond when that happens? Do you get angry or discouraged? Do you worry and complain?
In the Adventures in Odyssey episode “Silent Night,” Whit is looking forward to spending Christmas with his daughter Jana and his grandchildren, but a blizzard cancels his flight and leaves him alone for the holiday. As he sits at home, Christmas sights and sounds bring back memories of earlier Christmases with his wife Jenny and their children, Jerry, Jana, and Jason. Some of his past holidays have been joyful, some have been difficult, and many are tinged by loss. Whit reflects that every Christmas has had disappointments, but it also had blessings that he might have missed if he let the bad parts get him down.
When something disappointing happens, like a snowstorm interfering with a family trip, it’s natural to feel sad or frustrated at first. But don’t hold onto those emotions too long. Tell God exactly how you feel. Then trust that His plan for your life will be good even if it’s not the way you had it mapped out. Next, search for things to be thankful for. That will take your focus off the challenges and put it on your blessings.
At the end of “Silent Night”, Whit joined Lester on his gift-giving mission. If you listen to the episode, you can hear the joy in Whit and Lester’s voices as they planned what they would do for each person. When we become aware of other people’s needs and then follow through by encouraging them, it blesses us too.
In Luke 6:38 it says, “Give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you” (ESV).
Madge Coloring Sheet
Color the scene from “Gifts for Madge and Guy,” where Madge goes to buy the chain for Guy’s watch.
Today’s Resources:
If you want to hear more Adventures in Odyssey episodes, check out the Adventures in Odyssey Club!
Episode #5: Gifts for Madge and Guy
Episode #005
Gifts for Madge and Guy
Mr. Whittaker tells a "fractured" version of a famous Christmas story, starring an unusual couple named Madge and Guy.
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23:37
Today’s Devotion:
In the Adventures in Odyssey audio episode, “Gifts for Madge and Guy,” Mr. Whittaker retells a classic Christmas tale, “The Gift of the Magi.” Giving isn’t about the gift itself, but the heart and intent behind the gift. It’s also about being thankful when you’re on the receiving end.
In the story, Madge wants to give Guy something truly special for Christmas, so she sells her beautiful hair to buy a gold chain for his treasured watch. Meanwhile, Guy sells that very watch so he can buy Madge a beautiful set of hair combs. Their gifts turn out to be useless for the moment because Madge’s hair is gone and Guy’s watch is sold. But the sacrifices behind the gifts reveal how deeply this young couple love one another. They realize that they both had another wonderful gift — each other.
In Luke 2:1-20 we read about the greatest gift ever given to mankind, the Savior born as a human child. Jesus was God’s perfect gift to us and it was a selfless gift, because He knew what His Son would someday have to do on the cross for each one of us. When you give throughout the year, think of Jesus’ birth in the manger; the most magnificent gift given so freely to the world on that night. May your heart selflessly give and thankfully receive.
The True Meaning of Christmas
As you assemble the train kit, brainstorm some ways that your family can center holiday celebrations around the Savior.
Today’s Resources:
If you want more biblical devotions and activities, check out the Adventures in Odyssey Club:
Today’s Devotion:
Even though Dylan is complaining that greed and commercialism are taking over Christmas, he soon becomes obsessed with winning an expensive XR-7 bicycle. After learning the bike is the grand prize in a Christmas decorating contest, he turns his family’s simple manger scene into an over-the-top display to compete with his neighbor Doug. The rivalry grows so intense that Dylan forgets his promise to provide a bike helmet for a boy through the Angel Tree project. When both boys’ elaborate displays are destroyed just as the judges arrive, only the simple manger scene remains, bringing Dylan back to what Christmas is really about. Dylan’s sister Jesse wins the XR-7 and gives it to Dylan as she explains that God gave us the gift of His Son even though we didn’t deserve it. Dylan then takes the bike to a boy from the Angel Tree project.
“In the world, but not of the world” is a maxim embraced by Christians around the globe. The idea comes from John 17:15-16, when Jesus prayed, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” (ESV) As Jesus was preparing to be arrested and crucified, He implored his heavenly Father to guide the disciples on their upcoming ministry. Jesus’ prayer was that the disciples could be an effective force for the Kingdom, in a society that sought to sway their loyalties.
It’s a mindset that Dylan should have kept while navigating the Christmas chaos. We live in a world that seeks to grab our attention at every corner, something that is most apparent during the Christmas season. Advertisements for toys, desires for relationships and a focus on the man in red can all distract us from the true meaning of Christmas.
Nativity Plays & Freedom
You can make your own nativity shepherds or wise man with a stand-in snowman you can build!
Today’s Resources:
For more biblical lessons and fun, sign-up for the Adventures in Odyssey Club:
Today’s Devotion:
Quick, grab some money! Dollar bills, quarters, even pennies will work. Examine them closely. What one thing is printed on all the different denominations of United States currency? That’s right, it’s the words “In God We Trust.”
In the Adventures in Odyssey audio episode, “The Living Nativity,” Bart Rathbone wants to see more of that money. But to do it, he tries to get rid of a religious display honoring the God we trust! Bart notices that business at the Electric Palace has gotten really slow. The reason? The gang from Whit’s End is putting on a nativity play at City Hall after the city’s nativity scene was destroyed by vandals. It seems all of his customers are shopping at nearby King’s Appliance Cave instead, drawn there by the living nativity. So, in his usual Rathbone way, Bart complains to the mayor about the nativity scene, arguing that the “separation of church and state” is in jeopardy.
Did you know that the phrase “separation of church and state” never appears in the U.S. Constitution? It’s true! Yet people against religious expression like to wave it around as an excuse to silence God’s people and eliminate Christian principles from public life. What the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution does say, is this: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” In other words, the government won’t get into the religion business. We’re free to worship as we wish.
If you’re curious about whether God has a place in government, read Romans 13:1. It says, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (ESV). This is a good reminder to pray for the people God has placed in power, and obey the laws of the land.
Image taken elsewhere in Odyssey comic.
Eugene Meltsner’s Family Christmas
Find a family member or friend to do this fill-in-the-blank song pdf activity and remember how God is smiling on you as your Father.
Today’s Resources:
Did you know that Adventures in Odyssey The Movie is coming out in 2027?! Tap the button to sign up for movie info!
Today’s Devotion:
For most of his life, Eugene Meltsner believed he was an orphan, and even more than that, the very last in his family line. But in time, he learned he had a cousin in Bernard Walton, married his wife Katrina, found his long lost father and brother, and even adopted a son!
Think of a scene from your favorite Christmas movie, and images probably come to mind of happy families sitting around the dinner table, opening presents, and sledding down an enormous hill together. While these scenarios make for a great flick, they’re not always our reality. Whether from estrangement, geographical distance, or death, for many, Christmas brings up feelings of abandonment or loneliness.
Instead of fixating on the empty chair at the dinner table, remember the words of Paul in Ephesians 2:19, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…” (ESV). Just as Eugene gained the love and acceptance of the Meltsner clan, we gained a heavenly family when we accepted Jesus into our hearts. No matter what your family situation is here on this earth, you have a Father who loves you, and He’s saving you a seat at His table.
Bassett Christmas Party!
After you finish decorating the family Christmas tree, you can decorate another tree. That is you can color Tori Mori’s crazy Christmas tree hair dew in the pdf activity! Let it remind you how much God has blessed you with your parents, who give you everything you have, including your tree!
Today’s Resources:
Here is something cool! The full-length film, Adventures in Odyssey The Movie, is coming to theaters in 2027. Sing up for updates.
Tori Caroling with Her Friends
The next time you go caroling, remember Tori Mori and the care she showed for her mom by coloring a picture of Tori caroling with her friends!
Today’s Resources:
You won’t want to miss Adventures in Odyssey The Movie! It’s coming to theaters in 2027. Sign up for updates!
Jesus’ Birthday Cake
Olivia Parker and Tori Mori celebrated Jesus’ Birthday with a nativity play, and you can celebrate with a Jesus Birthday Cake! Use the instructions in the pdf activity to make of your own!
Today’s Resources:
Adventures in Odyssey The Movie, is coming to theaters in 2027. Sign up for the latest updates and news!
Today’s Devotion:
Christmas in Odyssey is a great time of year! Snow covers the streets and wisps from rooftops. Festive garlands and twinkling lights decorate warm houses. Families gather together around the Nativity display. The smells of pine and roast turkey linger in the air. Stockings stuffed with goodies hang over the crackling hearth—all to celebrate the Savior’s birth.
One of the best parts about the Christmas season for Christians is gathering together to celebrate with other believers who have the same hope in Jesus. Many people who live in Odyssey share this hope, having come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Have you made that decision? If not not, or if you’re not sure, take this month to think about what it means for Jesus to be your savior, the one who takes away the consequences of sin, as well as your Lord, the one you rely on to lead you through life and inform your decisions.
A great verse talking about both of these roles that Jesus plays, is Psalm 51:12, which says, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit” (ESV). A willing spirit is something you need to obey Jesus as your Lord, and as for salvation, you heard that right: JOY! Something you and the Christians of Odyssey (and in your own town) can share at Christmas time. Joy to the world, the Lord has come!
Monty’s Christmas
One way you can encourage your friends is by making a World Famous Chocolate Soda (Wod-Fam-Choc-Sod) with them!
Today’s Resources:
If you want to see how other characters show God’s love, check out the Adventures in Odyssey Club!
Episode #97: Monty's Christmas
Episode #097
Monty's Christmas
The Whittaker household tries to get into the holiday spirit, but 10-year-old Monty has trouble overcoming his heartache about his parents' divorce.
0:00
20:14
Today’s Devotion:
The Christmas season can be hard for some people. The stores are crazy busy. Folks are stressed out because they can’t find the perfect gift. When they do, they don’t know how they’ll pay for it. And it can be a really difficult time for families that have suffered a tragic loss, whether through death . . . or divorce.
In the Adventures in Odyssey audio episode “Monty’s Christmas,” John Avery Whittaker’s grandson Monty comes to Odyssey for the holidays, but he doesn’t have interest in celebrating. His parents’ divorce has left him missing his dad and frustrated that his mother seems unable to understand why he still cares about him. When those feelings finally boil over into a painful argument, Monty storms off and runs into Connie Kendall at the mall. Because Connie’s parents are divorced too, she’s able to help Monty begin to understand both his own feelings and some of what his mother is going through. Monty realizes that he can still love and miss his dad, even though his dad wasn’t there for him.
Connie’s care for Monty is the kind of love God has for us, and the kind of love He wants us to have for others. The Bible calls Jesus the Prince of Peace. When we have His peace, we can love even during the hard times. Whether you’re dealing with the pain of divorced parents or know someone who is, remember that Jesus wants to be our peace in the middle of it all. That’s true all year long, not just around the holidays. It’s why He came down from heaven to be born as a person. He experienced every kind of pain we do, so we don’t have to feel alone in our grief or frustration. And as Hebrews 13:5 says, God will never leave us or forsake us!
The Reluctant Rival
How can you show the love of God to others? You could make an ornament for them!
Today’s Resources:
There are more Christmas audio drama episodes on the Adventures in Odyssey Club!
Episode #96: The Reluctant Rival
Episode #096
The Reluctant Rival
Whit's grandchildren, Monty and Jenny, arrive in Odyssey for Christmas. An orchestra leader discovers Jenny's exceptional musical ability, which leads to Jenny's rivalry with another musician
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21:29
Today’s Devotion:
Some people seem like they were born to be “toppers.” What’s a topper? If you can throw a baseball really hard, a topper will practice until they can top you. If you got an A on a test, they want to show you their A+. No matter what you do, they want to be faster, taller, funnier, louder or just plain better. But other people are naturally good at things without feeling the need to show off. They’re not trying to brag or make you feel bad about yourself. They’re just talented. Maybe you know someone like that. They would probably be friends with Jenny Whittaker, Whit’s Granddaughter.
In the Adventures in Odyssey audio episode “The Reluctant Rival,” Jenny Whittaker joins the Odyssey children’s orchestra while visiting her grandfather. She is soon chosen to perform a violin solo in the Christmas concert. Sandra, who had been hoping for the solo all year, becomes jealous and accuses Jenny of getting special treatment because she’s Whit’s granddaughter. Sandra and her friend even make fun of Jenny, hurting her more deeply than she wants to admit. But when Jenny sees how much performing the solo means to Sandra and her mother, she deliberately gives Sandra the chance to win it instead. Rather than trying to get even with someone who had treated her badly, Jenny decides that Sandra’s happiness is worth more than being in the spotlight herself.
Do you get angry right away when others are being unfair? Are you glad when someone you don’t like gets punished? Do you become jealous of friends who have special gifts that may be different from yours? Perhaps it’s time to step back and take a second look. Philippians 2:3 tells us to “…count others more significant than yourselves” (ESV). Can you imagine a world where Christmas was all about giving…to ourselves? What if instead of blessing family and friends with presents, we all just bought our own gifts? That would be a pretty lame celebration, wouldn’t it? Part of the fun of gift-giving is thinking about other people. We get to consider their interests and delights, then spend our time and money creating something just for them. Giving gifts to those we love resonates so deeply because it’s a reflection of what Christ has done for us. Jesus gave us the ultimate sacrificial gift, when He gave up His life on the cross. Just as Christ prioritized our needs when He came to this earth, we too should live sacrificially for others. This Christmas, think of ways to live out the message of Philippians 2:3 in your own life. When you let the love and peace of Christ permeate your life, the only topper you’ll be thinking about is the star on the tree.
Snowed In
Do the snow maze activity (download the pdf) as a way to how God is calling us to follow him through the maze of life!
Today’s Resources:
Important news! In 2027 Adventures in Odyssey The Movie is coming to theaters. Get updates!
Today’s Devotion:
Have you ever thought, “Wow, he has the perfect life. I wish I was like that.” We can all struggle with our identity when life is hard, especially at Christmas. Maybe you had a fight with your family, you are failing a class, or you have to drive through a bad snowstorm. Nick Mulligan had to face all of these hard situations, and it made him feel like a failure.
In the Elsewhere in Odyssey comic story, “Snow Way Home,” Nick Mulligan is snowed in at the gas station, Gas “N” Snack, but he does not want to call home for help. Why? He feels like his family would be angry at him for his mistakes. He insisted he could handle an engineering degree at the college his girlfriend was attending, but his family warned him that he was not skilled at math. He fought with them and left home thinking he could handle everything by himself. However, he failed all of his classes and instead got a trucking license to be a truck driver. He was too ashamed to ever call home, until he bumped into Aubry Shepherd.
Shivering in Gas “N” Snack, Aubrey remembered that Nick’s family lived close by and that they had a snowplow. She asked Nick to call them, but he refused. He did not want to listen to Aubrey because she seemed to have the perfect life. She graduated college, had a good job, and was going home for Christmas. But, was her life really perfect? Aubrey explained that she had lost her job and apartment, yet, she did not distance herself from her family. Instead of thinking she was a failure, she remembered her parents’ love for her, the love they had from Jesus. Aubrey told Nick that their family’s love was not based on their performance, possessions, or success. It was based on Jesus’ love. Nick did not realize how steadfast his family’s love for him was until they saved him from the snow and welcomed him back home. They did not require anything. Nick just had to be humble enough to ask for help and receive their love.
Nick’s seemingly hopeless situation sounds like Mary and Joseph. While Mary was pregnant with Jesus, they were forced to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem. When they arrived at Bethlehem, they could not find any place to stay. They had to use the best thing they could find, a manger. Jesus did not come in rich robes, but in swaddling clothes. Nothing in this story seems perfect from our human perspective. But what we see as messy, God sees as his perfect salvation plan. Jesus experienced hardship and suffering to be able to sympathize with our human struggles. Jesus also died bearing all human shame and sin and rose again to save us from our transgressions. Just like Nick’s family, Jesus is always ready to welcome you into His family and forgive your sins and mistakes. You only have to admit your sins and receive his love, just like Nick did with his family. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20, ESV).
Christmas Surprises & Gnomes
You can make someone smile by coloring this picture of Wooton, writing a nice note on the back, and giving it to one of your neighbors!
Today’s Resources:
The full-length film, Adventures in Odyssey The Movie, is coming to theaters in 2027. Sign up for updates!
Christmas Lights & a Squirrel!
As you color in Eugene’s Christmas lights, don’t forget about the first Christmas light, the star!
Today’s Resources:
Get updates about Adventures in Odyssey The Movie coming to theaters in 2027!
Christmas Presents!
Odyssey Community Church has been where different Odyssey townspeople have given their hearts to Jesus. As you make the building to add to your Christmas village, remember when you first gave your heart to Jesus, or if you haven’t, think about doing it right now.
Today’s Resources:
If you want to hear more Christmas audio drama episodes, check out the Adventures in Odyssey Club!
Episode #581: A Christmas Conundrum
Episode #581
A Christmas Conundrum
Eugene, Tom, Connie, and Whit get confused over who's giving which Christmas present to whom.
0:00
24:57
Today’s Devotion:
Christmas in Odyssey is a great time of year! Snow covers the streets and wisps from rooftops. Festive garlands and twinkling lights decorate warm houses. Families gather together around the Nativity display. The smells of pine and roast turkey linger in the air. Stockings stuffed with goodies hang over the crackling hearth—all to celebrate the Savior’s birth.
One of the best parts about the Christmas season for Christians is gathering together to celebrate with other believers who have the same hope in Jesus. Many people who live in Odyssey share this hope, having come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Have you made that decision? If not not, or if you’re not sure, take this month to think about what it means for Jesus to be your savior, the one who takes away the consequences of sin, as well as your Lord, the one you rely on to lead you through life and inform your decisions.
A great verse talking about both of these roles that Jesus plays, is Psalm 51:12, which says, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit” (ESV). A willing spirit is something you need to obey Jesus as your Lord, and as for salvation, you heard that right: JOY! Something you and the Christians of Odyssey (and in your own town) can share at Christmas time. Joy to the world, the Lord has come!
The Visitors
Build a cut-and-fold version of the Barclays house!
Today’s Resources:
More adventures await in the Adventures in Odyssey Club!
Episode #98: The Visitors
Episode #098
The Visitors
The Barclay family's Christmas celebration is disrupted by the arrival of three unexpected "guests" in their back shed.
0:00
19:30
Today’s Devotion:
Which family traditions bring out the joy of Christmas in you? Would you still have that joy without the tinsel, pumpkin pie or gifts under a majestic tree? Would you sacrifice all of that for someone else? The Barclay family faced a similar question in the Adventures in Odyssey audio episode, “The Visitors.”
In the episode, George and Jimmy discover a young couple, Chris and Elizabeth, sheltering from the snow in the Barclays’ shed with their baby. The Barclays bring them inside, but George and Mary feel uncomfortable having strangers in their home and soon arrange for John Avery Whittaker to take them instead. Later, as George reads the Christmas story from Luke 2, the family realizes how closely their visitors’ situation resembled Mary and Joseph’s and how badly they missed an opportunity to show kindness. The family rushes to bring the homeless family back, only to discover that Chris, Elizabeth and their baby have mysteriously disappeared. While searching for them, the Barclays encounter another stranded couple with a baby who have been praying for God to send someone to help them. This time, the Barclays recognize the opportunity immediately and invite the family home for Christmas.
Could the first have been angels in disguise? Might God’s plan have been for them to help this family all along? Given a second chance, the Barclays are ready.
Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (ESV). God created us for doing His work. Are you ready? Don’t miss out on opportunities to serve others, especially when God puts them right in front of your nose. The Lord isn’t looking for perfection, He’s looking for us to do what we can with what He gives us.
Imitating Christ
As you search for the hidden objects in this look and find activity, think about what fun things you could give someone else this Christmas.
Today’s Resources:
Audio drama episodes, devotions, activities, and more are in the Adventures in Odyssey Club!
Episode #174: Where’s Your Daddy
Episode #174
Where's Your Daddy?
The Myers family come to Odyssey with a secret: Father and husband Ernie Myers is in jail.
0:00
24:12
Today’s Devotion:
What did Jesus look like? Was He tall? Short? Curly hair? Straight hair? Dark or light eyes? We really don’t know. We know He had a beard and wore sandals. But while the Bible never tells us if Christ was muscular, or had a big nose and crooked smile, it does give us some clues.
In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus said, “For I was hungry and you gave me food . . . I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me” (ESV). OK, so you’re thinking, “That doesn’t help. I was expecting height, weight, skin color, hair color, that sort of thing. These verses talk about being hungry, sick, and in jail. Did I miss something?” Only that Jesus was less concerned about taking a selfie than having us see Him in the people we encounter every day.
He told his followers, “I look like that sick person you helped. I look like that hungry person you fed. I look like the prisoner you visited. And when you helped those people, you were really helping me.”
In the Adventures in Odyssey audio episode “Where’s Your Daddy?”, John Avery Whittaker meets Julie Myers, a struggling mother whose husband is in prison, and gives her a job at Whit’s End. When Julie’s daughter Brooke is teased about her father and the family’s situation comes to light, Whit, Connie Kendall and Tom Riley show compassion instead of judgment and help them through the Angel Tree project. In doing so, they clearly see Julie and her children as people who look a lot like Jesus.
So, what does Jesus look like? In the end, it doesn’t matter. What really matters is how we look at others.
A Christmas Mystery!
Do you know how to solve a sugar cookie recipe mystery? You have to bake it. Make this sugar cookie recipe to solve its mystery and share God’s love!
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Today’s Devotion:
In the Adventures in Odyssey audio episode, “Naughty or Nice,” a Christmas gift exchange at Whit’s End quickly turns into a pair of mysteries. John Avery Whittaker receives what appears to be the key to a new car, but no one knows who gave it to him. And Jay Smouse opens a broken record accompanied by an ominous note. Emily Jones puts her detective skills to work, following a trail of clues that include a magnet hidden inside the car remote and the oddly specific amount of $2.75. Before long, everyone is chasing suspects, motives and clues in a Christmas mystery… or, as Wooton Bassett puts it, a “Christmystery.”
Our annual celebration of Jesus’ birth involves lots of Christmysteries: God becoming a man. The virgin birth. The King of glory arriving in a manger. Despite clues left for us throughout the Old Testament, understanding why God set Jesus’ life—and our salvation—in motion this way can be a real head-scratcher. But we’re sure glad He did it. We’d be lost if He hadn’t. That’s because all of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s standard (Romans 3:23). And the penalty is eternal separation from God, who is holy and can’t allow sin into His presence. That created a dilemma that only God could solve. Instead of writing us off, God came to earth in human form, a baby born in Bethlehem that first Christmas. Jesus lived a sinless life and died on a cross in our place, paying the price for our sin and restoring our connection with God. Then He rose from the dead to prove again that He really was God! If we confess our sin, invite Jesus into our hearts and follow Him, we’ll spend eternity in heaven after our bodies wear out. Why would God go through all of that? Because He loves us and wants a relationship with us, both now and forever. It’s not because we’re so lovable. It’s a reflection of God’s grace, mercy and how incredibly loving He is (Romans 5:6-8 and 8:35, 38-39). It can be hard to wrap our minds around a love like that. Perhaps we should add it to our list of Christmysteries.
Christmas in the Imagination Station
You can play this boardgame to remind you of the different things that Mary, Joseph, and Jesus had to experience throughout the Christmas story.
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Episode #135: Back to Bethlehem 1
Episode #135
Back to Bethlehem, Part 1 of 3
Connie and Eugene discover that the first Nativity wasn't how they imagined it at all.
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23:30
Today’s Devotion:
In the Adventures in Odyssey audio episode “Back to Bethlehem, Part 1,” John Avery Whittaker sends Connie Kendall and Eugene Meltsner into the Imagination Station to experience Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth. They quickly discover that first-century life and culture is very different from the Christmas scenes they’d imagined.
Before Connie knew it, she was a servant girl sweeping floors for an innkeeper! That’s not all, the stable where Jesus was born was likely a cave structure, Mary’s labor was painful, and the Romans were making everything difficult.
Even though all of these hard circumstances may not align with how we imagined the Nativity, it is important to take them into account. Jesus was not born into a perfect world, which is the whole point. He came in to a sinful, broken world to redeem and save it. Throughout the New Testament, we see Jesus taking time to honor women and men who were devalued by society. He talked with them. He cried with them. He healed them. On one occasion, He saved the life of a lady about to be stoned to death (John 8). So when you think about that first Christmas in Bethlehem, remember that the baby in the manger came to save the world from sin and death.
Christmas in the Imagination Station
Do the word search puzzle all about Jesus’ characteristics.
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Episode #136: Back to Bethlehem 2
Episode #136
Back to Bethlehem, Part 2 of 3
Connie and Eugene discover that the first Nativity wasn't how they imagined it at all.
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21:19
Today’s Devotion:
How would you respond if your friend told you she was following the instructions of an ancient book—one that said she could live forever in a place no one’s ever seen? It may sound outrageous, but that’s what God tells us in the Bible. And that’s what Eugene Meltsner was having trouble believing back before he became a Christian, in the Adventures in Odyssey audio episode, “Back to Bethlehem, Part 2.”
As Eugene talks with a man named Hezekiah, he’s amazed that the old man has spent years preparing gifts for a Messiah he has never seen. Hezekiah explains that his father and grandfather taught him the Scriptures, and that when he studied them for himself, he became convinced the prophets were telling the truth about the coming Savior. Eugene keeps pressing him for proof and evidence, but Hezekiah tells him that faith is found “where the mind and the heart unite.”
Second Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we live by faith, not by sight” (ESV). The only evidence Hezekiah had was his family’s teaching and Scripture’s declarations about Jesus’ coming. That and a spiritual assurance from God that he would see Jesus’ birth in his lifetime were enough for him.
God has given us a treasure trove of knowledge about Him in the Bible. It is thousands of years old, and it has been proven reliable over and over again. In it, God asks us to have faith and believe in miraculous things, such as the Creator of the universe being born in a humble manger. Have you met Jesus where the mind and the heart unite? If not, He’ll be waiting for you there!
Jesus the Savior
Draw this nativity picture pdf to help you remember the true meaning of Christmas: Jesus defeating sin and death.
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Episode #137: Back to Bethlehem 3
Episode #137
Back to Bethlehem, Part 3 of 3
Connie and Eugene discover that the first Nativity wasn't how they imagined it at all.
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22:42
Today’s Devotion:
Have you ever had a plan work out in a way you didn’t expect? The nation of Israel had some preconceived ideas about the Messiah, and Jesus turned those expectations on their heads!
In the Adventures in Odyssey audio episode “Back to Bethlehem, Part 3,” Connie Kendall and Eugene Meltsner are still in first-century Bethlehem when Mary gives birth to Jesus. As the town grows tense under Roman occupation, Connie’s new friend Judah is determined to fight for freedom, while Hezekiah is overjoyed that the long-awaited Messiah has finally come. But the two men have very different ideas about what kind of Savior this baby will grow up to be.
Judah represented one of those expectations. As a zealot, he longed for a Messiah who would be a warrior—someone who would defeat the Roman bullies (who had taken over Israel) and restore Jewish rule. He wanted the promised Savior to lead a revolution and become a great, earthly king.
Meanwhile, Hezekiah understood that some things are more important than military victories or political power. He was ready for a spiritual Savior who could conquer sin and restore our relationship with God. In that way, Hezekiah resembles a famous man from the Bible named Zechariah. In Luke 1, Zechariah (John the Baptist’s father) knew the Messiah would bring “salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins . . . to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (v 77 and 79, ESV).
Instead of simply defeating Rome, Jesus defeated death itself for all people, for all time. That night in Bethlehem, the Ruler of heaven came to earth so that we could live in His heavenly kingdom forever. It was our first—and best—Christmas present ever!
The Nativity, for All People
Do this crossword puzzle to learn about the different people God placed in Jesus’ family lineage.
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Today’s Devotion:
What do you think of when you picture the Christmas story in the Bible? Maybe it’s a peaceful manger scene on the mantle or under your tree. When Whit set up a Christmas Imagination Station trip for Eugene and Connie, they might have expected that scene too. But that’s not quite what they got in the Adventures in Odyssey audio episode “The Star, Part 1.”
Connie lands in Bethlehem and sets out to find Mary, Joseph and Jesus, eventually following their trail to the temple in Jerusalem. Eugene, meanwhile, finds himself stranded in the desert, where he meets three travelers following a mysterious star in search of a king. Before long, Connie is encountering Simeon while Eugene discovers that his new companions are the Magi.
It’s interesting to see the different ways people learned the big news of Jesus’ birth. Simeon was one of God’s people, an Israelite who knew about God and the promises of Scripture. God had promised Simeon that he would see the Messiah before he died, and the Holy Spirit led him to the temple at just the right time. There, he met Mary, Joseph and Jesus and recognized that this little child was the Savior he had been waiting for.
Then there were the Magi. They lived far from Bethlehem and came from a different culture, but somehow they understood that a great King had been born. God used a star—something these learned men were watching closely—to point them toward Jesus. It’s all right there in Matthew 2:1–12.
God could have restricted the news about Jesus to one small group of people. But we can see from the biblical accounts of the first Christmas that God wanted the whole world to know His Son had been born—everyone from poor, smelly shepherds to rich wise men. It just goes to show that anyone can come and worship Jesus!
God is in Control
Color in this picture of the Christmas shepherds to remember God’s proclamation of peace.
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Today’s Devotion:
The Adventures in Odyssey audio episode, “The Star, Part 2,” reminds us of the story of King Herod trying to kill baby Jesus– and that the true story of Jesus’ birth involved lots of conflict! No wonder our thoughts of Christmas don’t gravitate toward that part of the story first. It’s not as calm and festive as a chorus of “Silent Night.” It features danger, murderous plots and an escape in the night.
But why? Isn’t Christmas supposed to be about peace on earth? Yes, Jesus came to bring peace. But you can be sure Satan wasn’t happy about that. He knew Jesus had come to earth to show His love to us, and Satan wanted to do everything he could to stop it. He worked through evil men such as Herod to do terrible things. It was all to get rid of Jesus and ruin God’s plans.
But no one can change God’s plans. He’s always in control, especially when things seem scary. Even when the Herods of this world make evil choices, there will be people willing to sacrifice everything to do what’s right. So when you read the story of the wise men in Matthew 2, remember that God’s plans won’t be frustrated, no matter what evil people try to do to stop them.
It’s Christmas Eve!
As you dwell on God’s peace, remember to share His goodness with others. One way is to make them a yummy Christmas brunch!
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Episode #54: Peace on Earth
Episode #054
Peace on Earth
Whit finds himself overcommitted on Christmas eve, and the Barclay family wakes up to a surprise on Christmas morning.
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21:48
Today’s Devotion:
The smell of apple cider. The sound of jingle bells and familiar carols. The taste of cookies. The sight of presents all wrapped up in colorful paper. The touch of prickly tree branches as you hang ornaments. The Christmas season is an exciting time no matter which sense we’re using! But do you ever take a moment to stop and catch your breath? As you fill your calendar with parties and events, do you make time to experience the Prince of Peace?
In the Adventures in Odyssey audio episode “Peace on Earth,” Christmas Eve is anything but peaceful. John Avery Whittaker is so busy with customers, presents and church plans that Tom Riley has to remind him to slow down and remember what Christmas is really about. Meanwhile, the Barclays have filled their home with decorations, traditions and presents… but on Christmas morning, they discover that burglars have stolen everything. At first, it feels as though Christmas has been ruined. But George realizes that although the family had said Jesus was the center of their celebration, their actions showed how much importance they had placed on presents and decorations. The robbery helps them recognize what can’t be stolen: their faith, their family and the people who care about them.
“Peace on Earth” is a phrase we see and hear a lot around Christmastime. Maybe you, like Eugene, have wondered what’s so peaceful about it. After all, there’s so much to do! Making food. Hosting parties. Buying presents. If you’ve ever tried to go shopping too close to Christmas, you know it is anything but peaceful.
But the peace Whit talked about is a peace on the inside. Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (ESV). That kind of peace is the greatest gift we could ever receive . . . and one that can’t be stolen from us.
Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday Jesus!
Remember all the different parts of the Nativity by directing your own movie production of it! Fill in the verse references that match with each movie frame to make your Christmas movie!
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Exciting news! The full length film, Adventures in Odyssey The Movie, is coming to theaters in 2027. Get the latest updates.
Today’s Devotion:
The birth of Jesus, as recorded in Luke 2 (ESV).
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire.
(This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census.
And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home.
He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee.
He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.
She gave birth to her firstborn son.
She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
The Shepherds and Angels
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.
They were terrified, but the angel reassured them.
“Don’t be afraid!” he said.
“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.
“The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
“And you will recognize him by this sign:
“You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other,
“Let’s go to Bethlehem!
“Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph.
And there was the baby, lying in the manger.
After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.
All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.
The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.
It was just as the angel had told them.
