Christmas with Compassion - Day 13
Day 13 - Wednesday, December 20
Read Luke 2:8-20
Highlight
The fact that the shepherds are with their flocks in the field overnight gives us a clue about the timing of Jesus’ birth. The season for pasturing in open fields would have been after passover in April through early autumn. The shepherds would likely have been staying for days or weeks in the fields in huts or tents to protect their flocks from predators. At night they would have made a plan to take turns keeping watch. It wasn’t an easy job. Remember that King David was once a shepherd and recounts his time in the fields fighting lions and bears (1 Samuel 17:34-36). Shepherds would have been sturdy, rugged, brave men. Yet no encounter with fearsome beasts could have prepared them for what they would see that night.
These normally courageous men are terrified at the sight of the angel who comes with the most incredible news. What a sight it must have been when there is suddenly not just one, but a ‘host’ of angels - some translations call it an ‘army’. An army of heavenly beings bearing the news of peace on Earth. For a moment these simple shepherds get a glimpse into the reaction of Heaven itself to the arrival of the Messiah. Heaven is rejoicing for us. It’s as if the Heavens are bursting with uncontainable joy. The shepherds don’t ask questions. They immediately spring into action leaving their prized possessions in the field to find the baby. The baby who’ll they’ll recognize because he’ll be the only one lying in a feeding trough. The King of Kings lying among sheep, just like the shepherds who became the first evangelists of this Good News. The Prince of Peace has come to save us ALL…even shepherds…even you.
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 2:8-20
Highlight
The fact that the shepherds are with their flocks in the field overnight gives us a clue about the timing of Jesus’ birth. The season for pasturing in open fields would have been after passover in April through early autumn. The shepherds would likely have been staying for days or weeks in the fields in huts or tents to protect their flocks from predators. At night they would have made a plan to take turns keeping watch. It wasn’t an easy job. Remember that King David was once a shepherd and recounts his time in the fields fighting lions and bears (1 Samuel 17:34-36). Shepherds would have been sturdy, rugged, brave men. Yet no encounter with fearsome beasts could have prepared them for what they would see that night.
These normally courageous men are terrified at the sight of the angel who comes with the most incredible news. What a sight it must have been when there is suddenly not just one, but a ‘host’ of angels - some translations call it an ‘army’. An army of heavenly beings bearing the news of peace on Earth. For a moment these simple shepherds get a glimpse into the reaction of Heaven itself to the arrival of the Messiah. Heaven is rejoicing for us. It’s as if the Heavens are bursting with uncontainable joy. The shepherds don’t ask questions. They immediately spring into action leaving their prized possessions in the field to find the baby. The baby who’ll they’ll recognize because he’ll be the only one lying in a feeding trough. The King of Kings lying among sheep, just like the shepherds who became the first evangelists of this Good News. The Prince of Peace has come to save us ALL…even shepherds…even you.
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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