Christmas in the Gospels
Daily Bible Studies for December 8-13, 2008
This Week’s Scripture: John 1:1-18 NIV
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.
3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
15John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’” 16From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your written word that reminds us that Your living Word, Jesus, is co-eternal with You. May I live today with the assurance that You have created me, that Jesus has redeemed me and that the Holy Spirit sustains me and empowers me to live boldly for You. Glorify Yourself in my life today and always. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. NIV
Why do you think that John starts his gospel by referring to Jesus as the “Word”?
What does it mean that “the Word was God?”
Today’s Challenge: I will live today as one who is empowered by God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit in my thoughts, words and actions!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the wonder of Your creation! Thank You for the truth shared by John that Jesus was with You in creation, showing that You are indeed, one Triune God. Empower me to live for You today. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. NIV
What does this Scripture tell us about Jesus?
What does it mean that the darkness “has not understood it?
Today’s Challenge: I will walk in the light of Jesus and reflect it to others as I go about this day!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for John the Baptizer, and for His faithfulness to prepare the way for Jesus. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may prepare the way for Jesus by the way I live today. Let others see Your hand on my life and let them give You the honor. This I pray in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. NIV
How do these verses parallel the verses we read from Mark 1:1-8 last week?
What is the significance of “light” in the beginning of John’s gospel?
Today’s Challenge: I will be a faithful witness of Jesus light in my life that others may see the light and be drawn to Him!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You that when the time came for You to act decisively to overcome sin in humanity that You sent Jesus. Even though He was not welcomed by many, I praise You that He was received by some, and I pray that I may receive Him today and always as Savior and Lord, living boldly in His name. This I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. NIV
Why do you think that people didn’t recognize Jesus when he came into the world?
What does it take to become a child of God?
Today’s Challenge: I will live as a child of God and show others the heritage I have received from Jesus!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Jesus, the Word, in the flesh! Thank You for taking the initiative to rectify the sin situation of humanity by becoming human. Live in me today by the Holy Spirit that I may show others the victory over sin that comes only from You. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. NIV
What does it mean that the “Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us”?
What does it mean that Jesus is “the One and Only”?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in the grace and truth of Jesus, so others may experience His life through mine!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for showing Yourself to us in the man, Jesus Christ! Thank You for sending Him to bring salvation and to empower us to live life to its fullest. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may know the victory over sin that only You can provide. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
15John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’” 16From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known. NIV
What does it mean that Jesus was “before” John?
What is the significance of Jesus having made God known?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in such a way as to make God know through my life today!