Christmas with Compassion - Day 12
Day 12 - Tuesday, December 19
Read Luke 2:1-7
Highlight
Here we see the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah continue to be fulfilled (Micah 5:2). Without any intentional maneuvering of Joseph and Mary a governmental decree moves them from their hometown of Nazareth to Bethlehem, the town of David from whose line they descend. Perhaps they were already putting the pieces together and a trip to Bethlehem seemed like a logical next step, but surely they weren’t expecting the stable…or the manger.
The description from Luke of the birth of Jesus is somewhat sterile and matter-of-fact, but it begs so many questions. Why would God choose to make his arrival in a dirty barn? Mary is the one who wraps Jesus and places him in the animals’ food trough, so presumably they're without help. Where is the rest of their family? It’s approximately a 80-90 mile journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem and most scholars believe it would have taken Joseph and Mary about 4 days. Contrary to most depictions, there’s no mention of Mary riding a donkey, although travel by animal or animal-drawn cart would have been a common mode of transportation for a long trip. Regardless, at full-term pregnancy, this can’t have been a pleasant trip. Similarly to their accommodations in Bethlehem, they’ve probably been basically camping for several days. They have to be exhausted. And now they’re alone, facing labor and delivery…welcoming the Savior of the world. Were they afraid? Confused? Wondering why us? Why like this?
Or maybe this young, faithful, brave couple was simply in awe. Whatever it took to get them there, they are the sole witnesses of the most miraculous event the world has ever seen. Maybe they’re amazed that God chose them. Maybe they’re praising God for His protection and provision. Maybe they’re excitedly whispering to one another about how they can’t wait to see what God will do next.
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 2:1-7
Highlight
Here we see the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah continue to be fulfilled (Micah 5:2). Without any intentional maneuvering of Joseph and Mary a governmental decree moves them from their hometown of Nazareth to Bethlehem, the town of David from whose line they descend. Perhaps they were already putting the pieces together and a trip to Bethlehem seemed like a logical next step, but surely they weren’t expecting the stable…or the manger.
The description from Luke of the birth of Jesus is somewhat sterile and matter-of-fact, but it begs so many questions. Why would God choose to make his arrival in a dirty barn? Mary is the one who wraps Jesus and places him in the animals’ food trough, so presumably they're without help. Where is the rest of their family? It’s approximately a 80-90 mile journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem and most scholars believe it would have taken Joseph and Mary about 4 days. Contrary to most depictions, there’s no mention of Mary riding a donkey, although travel by animal or animal-drawn cart would have been a common mode of transportation for a long trip. Regardless, at full-term pregnancy, this can’t have been a pleasant trip. Similarly to their accommodations in Bethlehem, they’ve probably been basically camping for several days. They have to be exhausted. And now they’re alone, facing labor and delivery…welcoming the Savior of the world. Were they afraid? Confused? Wondering why us? Why like this?
Or maybe this young, faithful, brave couple was simply in awe. Whatever it took to get them there, they are the sole witnesses of the most miraculous event the world has ever seen. Maybe they’re amazed that God chose them. Maybe they’re praising God for His protection and provision. Maybe they’re excitedly whispering to one another about how they can’t wait to see what God will do next.
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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