Christmas with Compassion - Day 10
Day 10 - Friday, December 15
Read Luke 1:57-80
Highlight
And so it begins. What has only been whispered as secrets until now between Elizabeth and Mary is revealed in the lifting of Zachariah’s silence. John the Baptist's role in the coming of the Messiah was also prophesied hundreds of years before his birth. He is the “voice of one crying in the wilderness” described by the Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 40. John would have been well known at the time of Luke’s writing, not because he was a relative of Jesus, but because he was making serious waves in Israel before Jesus was a household name. In fact many wondered if John was the Messiah, but he was quick to set the record straight (John 1:19-34). John knew his role from the beginning and he was faithful to it just as his parents had been. He was paving the way for one far greater than he would ever be.
This is the first of many announcements to come. God is preparing his angels to orchestrate the unfolding of the incredible events that will redeem the world. The anticipation is palpable. Everything is about to change. “Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace” (v. 78-79). Shalom is on the horizon.
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 1:57-80
Highlight
And so it begins. What has only been whispered as secrets until now between Elizabeth and Mary is revealed in the lifting of Zachariah’s silence. John the Baptist's role in the coming of the Messiah was also prophesied hundreds of years before his birth. He is the “voice of one crying in the wilderness” described by the Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 40. John would have been well known at the time of Luke’s writing, not because he was a relative of Jesus, but because he was making serious waves in Israel before Jesus was a household name. In fact many wondered if John was the Messiah, but he was quick to set the record straight (John 1:19-34). John knew his role from the beginning and he was faithful to it just as his parents had been. He was paving the way for one far greater than he would ever be.
This is the first of many announcements to come. God is preparing his angels to orchestrate the unfolding of the incredible events that will redeem the world. The anticipation is palpable. Everything is about to change. “Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace” (v. 78-79). Shalom is on the horizon.
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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