Christmas in the Gospels
Daily Bible Studies for December 22-27, 2008
This Week’s Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 NIV
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we move to the week of Christmas, I thank You again for sending Jesus into the world, and for using a secular leader to make certain that His birth would take place in Bethlehem. When Caesar Augustus issued the census decree, he had no idea that he was doing Your will. I pray that You will do the same in the lives of leaders around the world in our day—let them render decrees that will bring blessing and salvation to your people. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register. NLT
Why do you think Luke included this information in his account of Jesus’ birth?
What is the current-day application of this text in our lives?
Today’s Challenge: I will trust God to orchestrate the events in life today that will bring blessing in my life!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, when Your only Son was born, there was no room for Him. I pray that as Christmas day approaches, that You will fill my heart with Your Holy Spirit that I may make room for Jesus there. May the celebration of this wonderful event keep my focus on You, today and always. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. NLT
What is the significance of Luke listing all of the places where Joseph traveled?
How do you think you would have responded to Mary and Joseph’s situation if you were in it?
Today’s Challenge: I will live today with joy regardless of my circumstances!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am so grateful that the first ones to learn about Jesus’ birth were the shepherds. That You would give common, ordinary people the first news of Jesus’ birth tells me that His salvation is truly for everyone. I thank You for that reality, and ask You to empower me by Your Holy Spirit that I may boldly tell others of Him. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” NLT
What do you think you would have done if you had been one of the shepherds? Why?
What is the significance of the “sign” the angels gave the shepherds for how to find Jesus?
Today’s Challenge: I will listen to God’s voice in my life today, and then live according to His message—whether it is what I read here, or what He tells me directly!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Glory to You! You alone are worthy of all honor and praise! I pray that as I celebrate Jesus’ birth today that You will keep me focused on Him—not on the presents, not on the decorations, not even on the interaction with my family and friends—but first, and foremost on Jesus! As I do that I know that everything else will have its proper balance. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” NLT
What is the significance of a “company” of angels appearing?
What does the message tell us about God and about Jesus’ coming?
Today’s Challenge: I will glorify God throughout this Christmas day!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, the packages are all opened; Christmas is “over,” but not really! Christmas is no more a day than Thanksgiving or Easter are days. Today I will continue to live the joy of Christmas in my life, as well as live in thankfulness and in the ultimate joy that Jesus died and rose again to assure me of salvation and eternal life. For all this I give you thanks and praise in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” NLT
Why do you think Luke included this comment from the shepherds in the Gospel? How would he have known they said it?
What does this statement call you to do?
Today’s Challenge: I will not just talk about Christmas but ACT on the reality of Jesus’ birth in my life today!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, there is so little time to “treasure up” things and “ponder them” in our hearts these days. Impress upon my heart the need to pause and reflect today, and each day, on the wonders of Your creation, redemption and sustenance day-by-day. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. NLT
How do you think the shepherds found Mary, Joseph and Jesus?
What do you have to ponder about today, as a result of Christmas?
Today’s Challenge: I will pause to “treasure” and “ponder” God’s amazing blessings in my life!