Christmas with Compassion - Day 01
Day 01 - Monday, December 4
Read Genesis 3:1-21
Highlight
All throughout the Bible we have stories of individuals or groups of people with detail and personal narratives. Yet, here in this chapter, we have the perspective of all of humanity. “The narrative gives little or no help in understanding their (serpent, Adam, Eve) plight as individuals…Rather, they come to us as representatives of humanity as a whole” (Longman III & Garland; “The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Genesis - Leviticus”). The author paints a broad enough picture for us to relate and see the story impacted all of humanity. Especially the consequences of their actions – total separation from God and curses upon the creation and humans.
Now, you might be asking “how does this relate to Christmas?” That is a great question. The curse placed upon the serpent talks about crawling on your belly and eating dust, but then in verse 15, God says “And I will put enmity between you and the women, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” This has everything to do with Jesus. He is the offspring that will come and crush the serpent. It is the first prophecy and glimpse of hope for the need of a Savior coming to restore humanity.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Genesis 3:1-21
Highlight
All throughout the Bible we have stories of individuals or groups of people with detail and personal narratives. Yet, here in this chapter, we have the perspective of all of humanity. “The narrative gives little or no help in understanding their (serpent, Adam, Eve) plight as individuals…Rather, they come to us as representatives of humanity as a whole” (Longman III & Garland; “The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Genesis - Leviticus”). The author paints a broad enough picture for us to relate and see the story impacted all of humanity. Especially the consequences of their actions – total separation from God and curses upon the creation and humans.
Now, you might be asking “how does this relate to Christmas?” That is a great question. The curse placed upon the serpent talks about crawling on your belly and eating dust, but then in verse 15, God says “And I will put enmity between you and the women, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” This has everything to do with Jesus. He is the offspring that will come and crush the serpent. It is the first prophecy and glimpse of hope for the need of a Savior coming to restore humanity.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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