Simple Holiday Bible Study Ideas When You’re Short on Time
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and connection, but it can also be overwhelming. With so much on our plates, it’s easy to neglect our time in God’s Word. Here are some simple holiday Bible study ideas to stay spiritually grounded amid the holiday hustle.
Let’s be honest. . . When life is overwhelming, it’s incredibly tempting to cut out our daily Bible study. But keeping our relationship with God fueling is essential for a close relationship with our Heavenly Father and to keep scripture as an anchor in our life.
Why holiday Bible study is essential
Holiday Bible study is essential because it keeps our hearts focused on the true meaning of the season—celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Amid the busyness of gift-giving, decorating, and gatherings, it’s easy to lose sight of the spiritual significance of Christmas.
Spending time in God’s Word anchors our hearts in His truth, brings the peace of God to our hectic schedules, and reminds us of His incredible love and faithfulness.
It’s an opportunity to reflect on the hope, joy, and salvation that Christ’s coming brings.
Studying the Bible fuels our souls with truth, equipping us to live out God’s Word and shine Jesus’ love to our family and those around us.
It’s our spiritual “oxygen mask” and lifeline, essential for staying anchored to the Lord amid life’s demands.
Creating a plan to stay in the Word during the holidays
Decide it’s holiday Bible study is a priority.
We must choose if we are going to make studying God’s Word a priority. When I’m tempted to skip out or say I don’t have time to read the Bible, I ask myself these questions:
- What happens when I study God’s Word?
- Why do I think I’ll have more time if skip my quiet time?
- Is there a reason I don’t want to open my Bible (an unconfessed sin, etc…)?
- What happens when I don’t study God’s Word?
Give yourself grace to adjust your Bible study routine during the busy holiday season.
It’s okay to shorten your usual time in the Word or get creative with when and how you study.
What matters most is staying connected to God, not getting bogged down in the details. Remember, He sees your heart and delights in your desire to seek Him, even in the small moments.
Make a plan.
We need a Christian planner throughout the year, but it’s vital to have a system in place for when life is busy at the holidays, too.
So take a few moments to consider what the next month will look like, break out your calendar, and plan when you will get into God’s Word.
The Ultimate Holiday Planner is my favorite way to plan for the holidays and organize the Christmas details with ease!
I love to get back to basics and ask myself, several questions to help me think through when I’ll study my Bible during the holidays.
When will I study?
Consider these times to help you create a plan that’s right for you.
- First Thing in the Morning: Set aside 5–10 minutes before the day begins to read a verse or short devotional.
- During Your Commute: Listen to an audio Bible or scripture-based podcast while driving or taking public transport.
- While Waiting: Use downtime—such as waiting for appointments, cooking, or carpooling—to read scripture on your phone or reflect on a memory verse.
- Lunch Breaks: Spend a few minutes with God’s Word during your lunch hour, using a pocket Bible or Bible app.
- Evening Wind-Down: End your day by reading a passage of scripture or journaling reflections before bed.
- Family Time: Read and discuss a Bible story or verse together during family meals or evening gatherings.
- Sunday Reset: Use Sundays as a focused time to dive deeper into scripture and refresh your spirit for the week ahead.
Even if it changes from day to day, it’s helpful to plan out when each day you’ll meet with God.
Remember, holiday Bible study should flow from a heart of love for God, not a sense of legalistic obligation.
It’s an opportunity to draw closer to Him and reflect on the incredible gift of Jesus, rather than just another item to check off your to-do list.
When we approach His Word with joy and gratitude, it becomes a life-giving time of connection to our Heavenly Father.
It fills our hearts with His peace and love to share with others during this special season.
How long will you study for?
Don’t let your lack of dedicated time stop you from getting in God’s Word. A 15-minute study can be just as (or even more) impactful as a long, in-depth study.
Be okay with (and grateful for) the time you do have in His Word.
What will you study?
- An Advent Study: Journey through the anticipation of Christ’s birth with an Advent devotional or Bible reading plan. This can help you focus on the hope, peace, joy, and love of the season while preparing your heart to celebrate Jesus’ arrival.
- A Topical Study: Choose a theme that resonates with you during this season, such as peace, joy, gratitude, or trust in God. A topical study allows you to explore scriptures that align with your needs and challenges, grounding your heart in God’s truth amidst the holiday busyness.
- Psalms: Dive into the Psalms for encouragement, comfort, and praise. The poetic prayers and songs remind us of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, offering solace and strength when life feels overwhelming.
- The Gospels: Reflect on the life and teachings of Jesus by reading through the Gospels. Focusing on His birth, ministry, and love can deepen your understanding of His sacrifice and inspire you to live out His example during the holidays.
This year, make your seasonal quiet times simple and practical with the FREE Holiday Bible Study Guide. These daily Scripture readings are filled with powerful reminders of God’s blessings and unconditional love.
It’s the perfect way to savor the holiday season!
>> Grab your copy here <<
Grace & Prayer.
Looking at your busy holiday schedule, it can be tempting to prioritize extra sleep or rush through Bible study to tackle the next task.
In my our strength, it’s easy to choose what satisfies the flesh over what satisfies the soul.
So what does that mean for us? It means focusing on progress, not perfection, my friend—and leaning into prayer. Lots of prayer.
There’s no biblical command that says we must study the Bible for a specific amount of time at a set hour to be “saved.” Release the guilt and remember why you’re doing this: to grow closer to God and deepen your relationship with Him.
The benefits of Bible study are a powerful way to draw closer to God and remind ourselves of what truly matters.
Simple holiday Bible study ideas
Set Up a Holiday-Themed Scripture Station
Having a dedicated space for scripture study during the holidays can inspire you to stay consistent. Choose a cozy spot in your home and transform it into a festive scripture station.
Decorate it with Christmas lights, a small nativity scene, or greenery to create an inviting atmosphere.
Include:
- A Bible: Keep your favorite translation at arm’s reach.
- Christmas Devotionals: Use devotionals that focus on Advent or the birth of Christ to guide your reflections.
- Memory Verse Cards: Write out key verses related to Jesus’ birth and God’s promises on festive cards. Place them in a basket or pin them to a board.
- A Journal and Pens: A Bible study journal these for jotting down insights, prayers, or reflections.
Make this space your go-to for quiet moments with God. Even just five or ten minutes can refocus your heart and mind.
Incorporate Scripture into Traditions
The holidays are full of traditions—why not make scripture a part of them? Integrating God’s Word into what you’re already doing makes it easier to stay connected.
Christmas Countdown
Create a scripture-based Advent calendar. Instead of chocolates or trinkets, read a verse each day leading up to Christmas. Focus on prophecies about Jesus or key events in the Christmas story.
Dinner and the Word
Before your evening meal, read a passage from Luke 2 or Matthew 1 to remind everyone of the reason for the season. Follow it with a prayer of gratitude for Christ’s coming.
Listen to Scripture on the Go
When life is busy, multitasking can help you stay connected to God’s Word. Listening to scripture as you go about your day can turn ordinary tasks into moments of worship and reflection.
Bible Apps
Many apps, like YouVersion or Dwell, offer audio Bible options. Choose a plan focused on the Christmas story or promises of God and listen while wrapping gifts, driving to holiday events, or cooking meals.
Christian Podcasts and Sermons
Look for podcasts or sermon series about Advent, hope, or the significance of Jesus’ birth. Hearing biblical insights from trusted teachers can deepen your understanding of God’s Word.
Family Scripture Reading
Gather your family around the tree one evening and read Luke 2:1-20 together. Let each person share what stands out to them. Encourage younger children by asking questions about what they’ve heard.
These gatherings not only keep you rooted in God’s Word but also create lasting memories centered on Christ.
Journal Your Gratitude and Reflection
Journaling is a powerful way to process scripture and reflect on God’s goodness, especially during the holidays. This season is full of reasons to be thankful, and writing them down can shift your focus from stress to joy.
Gratitude Journaling
Each day, write down three things you’re thankful for or use this list of gratitude prompts as a way to reflect on God’s goodness. Pair these with scriptures that highlight gratitude, such as 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (“Give thanks in all circumstances…”).
Reflection on God’s Faithfulness
Take time to reflect on how God has been faithful to you throughout the year. Record answered prayers, blessings, and ways you’ve grown in your faith. Use verses like Lamentations 3:22-23 to celebrate His steadfast love.
Holiday Prayers
Write out prayers for your family, community, and the world. Include verses about peace and hope, such as Philippians 4:6-7. Praying through scripture can bring a deeper connection to God.
Scripture Writing
Choose a verse each day to write out by hand. This simple practice helps you meditate on God’s Word and store it in your heart. Verses about Jesus’ birth or God’s promises are perfect for this season.
The holidays can be a busy, distracting time, but regular time in His Word helps us reconnect with Him, refocus our hearts, and live out His truth in practical ways.
Make a simple plan to make it a priority, plan it, and lots of prayer and grace. (Psst… grab your copy of the Holiday Bible Study Guide to savor God’s blessings during these special seasons!)
Here’s to a blessed holiday season rooted in Truth.
