Christmas with Compassion - Day 07
Day 07 - Tuesday, December 12
Read Luke 1:5-25
Highlight
This is the opening act of the gospels. We begin with a miraculous birth, but it’s not the one you’re expecting. Before there was Jesus, there was John. John the Baptist’s parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, receive high praise from Luke. He’s also giving a nod to the parallel of their story with that of Abraham and Sarah, who also suffered years of infertility. These were faithful people, ‘blameless’ even, that carried a heavy burden of grief.
Have you ever been there? Waiting for years for the answer to a prayer that seems impossible? Trying to remain hopeful and obedient, even with a broken heart? It’s hard to blame Zachariah for his dumbfounded reaction. Imagine for a moment what those months of pregnancy must have been like. All of the questions, joy, doubt, anticipation…lots of one sided conversations for Elizabeth. Little did they know, this was just the beginning. The miracle of John’s birth was the unfolding of events they had only dreamed about.
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 Luke 1:5-25
Highlight
This is the opening act of the gospels. We begin with a miraculous birth, but it’s not the one you’re expecting. Before there was Jesus, there was John. John the Baptist’s parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, receive high praise from Luke. He’s also giving a nod to the parallel of their story with that of Abraham and Sarah, who also suffered years of infertility. These were faithful people, ‘blameless’ even, that carried a heavy burden of grief.
Have you ever been there? Waiting for years for the answer to a prayer that seems impossible? Trying to remain hopeful and obedient, even with a broken heart? It’s hard to blame Zachariah for his dumbfounded reaction. Imagine for a moment what those months of pregnancy must have been like. All of the questions, joy, doubt, anticipation…lots of one sided conversations for Elizabeth. Little did they know, this was just the beginning. The miracle of John’s birth was the unfolding of events they had only dreamed about.
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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