Christmas with Compassion - Day 09
Day 09 - Thursday, December 14
Read Luke 1:39-56
Highlight
What a refreshing time this must have been for both Elizabeth and Mary. Two women in very different seasons of life, and yet sharing the most life altering events of their lives together. Can you imagine what those three months must have been like? The conversations, shared fears, hopes, questions, prayers, encouragement. No doubt Mary is gearing up for what faces her at home. And Elizabeth must have welcomed Mary’s company during a time of isolation. What a gift God has given these two women to one another. What kindness He displayed in giving them someone to walk alongside. They don’t have to be alone.
Mary’s song is reflective of that of Hannah from 1 Samuel 2:2-10. Hannah too was unable to have children without the miraculous intervention of God. She too gave birth to a son, Samuel, the Prophet whom God would use to usher in the reign of King David. Both women extol the righteousness of God, who restores what is broken, saves those who were lost, and lifts up those who are defeated. Their songs are both deeply personal, and yet universal. Their songs are our song: “There is no Rock like our God” (1 Sam. 2:2b), “His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation” (Luke 1:50). Praise God.
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 1:39-56
Highlight
What a refreshing time this must have been for both Elizabeth and Mary. Two women in very different seasons of life, and yet sharing the most life altering events of their lives together. Can you imagine what those three months must have been like? The conversations, shared fears, hopes, questions, prayers, encouragement. No doubt Mary is gearing up for what faces her at home. And Elizabeth must have welcomed Mary’s company during a time of isolation. What a gift God has given these two women to one another. What kindness He displayed in giving them someone to walk alongside. They don’t have to be alone.
Mary’s song is reflective of that of Hannah from 1 Samuel 2:2-10. Hannah too was unable to have children without the miraculous intervention of God. She too gave birth to a son, Samuel, the Prophet whom God would use to usher in the reign of King David. Both women extol the righteousness of God, who restores what is broken, saves those who were lost, and lifts up those who are defeated. Their songs are both deeply personal, and yet universal. Their songs are our song: “There is no Rock like our God” (1 Sam. 2:2b), “His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation” (Luke 1:50). Praise God.
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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