Keeping the Grinch Out of Our Christmas
This Week’s Scripture Reading
Luke 2:1-20
1At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2(This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3All returned to their own towns to register for this census. 4And 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. 5He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was obviously pregnant by this time. 6And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.
8That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, 10but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! 11The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!” 13Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God: 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors.”
15When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Come on, let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16They ran to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20The shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God for what the angels had told them, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had said.
Prayers for the Week:
Sunday |
Heavenly Father, Thank You for another Christmas Day! Thank You for the opportunity to know You personally, through Your coming as one of us! I rejoice today, and everyday knowing Your great love that came down at Christmas! Amen. |
Monday |
Heavenly Father, In one sense it’s “all over,” the big day of celebration has come and gone. Now, I pray that You will keep me mindful that Christmas is not an event, but an ongoing reality of Your grace present always. Amen. |
Tuesday |
Heavenly Father, as the shepherds shared the Good News of Jesus’ birth with all who would listen, I pray that You will give me the boldness and joy to share the Good News with those I meet today and always! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. |
Wednesday |
Heavenly Father, as Mary pondered the events of Jesus’ birth, give me wisdom to pause and ponder the greatness of Christmas, Easter, of Your plan of salvation, and let me live out of that wisdom each day! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. |
Thursday |
Heavenly Father, another year is drawing to a close. I pray that You will help me to reflect on where I have been and where I am going in You. Let my life make a difference to others, because You are in my life! Amen. |
Friday |
Heavenly Father, fill me with Your Holy Spirit anew, that my thoughts, words and actions will show others that Christmas is not a day, but a daily reality based on Jesus’ presence in our lives. This I ask in His name. Amen. |
Saturday |
Heavenly Father as 2005, comes to an end, I thank You for another year of life, and I look forward with anticipation to a new year filled with Your great salvation and love through Jesus, leading and guiding me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. |
Background on the Text
Sometimes when a Scripture is so familiar, we miss out on the amazing truths it proclaims. While it’s probably not possible, imagine if this was the first time you had ever read or studied Luke 2:1-20. What truths does it contain about God and His plan of salvation for humanity? Isn’t it amazing that Jesus was born in such humble circumstances. How easy it is for us to forget that the God of the universe started out His life on earth in a feeding trough! Think of being one of the shepherds out there in the fields surrounding Bethlehem. The irony of the angels coming to them is that they were probably watching King Herod’s flocks. The royal flocks were kept outside of Bethlehem, so instead of the king of Israel being the first to know of the birth of the true and eternal King of Israel, it was his shepherds. Shepherds were considered among the lowest members of society in those days, so God makes it clear that no one is too humble to receive the Good News of salvation! As you read and re-read the Christmas story this week, try to come to it with “fresh” eyes and see what the Holy Spirit reveals that you’ve never noticed!
Monday
Observation: What does the text say?
Tuesday
Interpretation: What do these verses mean?
Wednesday
Application: How can I respond to the text’s insights and teachings?
Thursday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
Encouraged and strengthened me by:
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Fallen short areas:
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What will I do with these insights?
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Friday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
What did God say to me this week?
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Share insights and growth points
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Changed/transformed how?
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Saturday
Reflective Thoughts