Christmas with Compassion - Day 14
Day 14 -Thursday, December 21
Read Luke 2:21-40
Highlight
We’re starting to catch a theme here. God comes to us in the most vulnerable form and chooses to exalt the humble by revealing Himself to the most vulnerable of His people first. Social outcasts, teenagers, the poor, the elderly, widows. Here we meet Simeon and Anna, both gifted by God with the presence and discernment of the Holy Spirit before He’s sent as a helper to all who believe in Jesus. They already believe. They’ve been waiting and watching for God to fulfill the ancient prophecies.
Remember that throughout Jesus’ ministry there will be many who hear His message and see Him perform signs and wonders and still don’t believe. Simeon wraps an infant Jesus in his arms and declares him not just the Savior of Israel, but for all Nations and calls him ‘a light for revelation to the Gentiles’ (v 32). It won’t be until decades later, after Jesus’ resurrection that the disciples themselves understand this revelation of Jesus as a Messiah for all people. Anna, based on the description in the passage, is likely over a hundred years old. She’s been faithfully fasting and praying, day and night, waiting for this very moment.
Though hundreds of years have passed, Simeon and Anna wait with patient expectation for the hope of previous generations to manifest itself in their lifetime. What incredible faith, now rewarded with a glimpse of the promise fulfilled.
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 2:21-40
Highlight
We’re starting to catch a theme here. God comes to us in the most vulnerable form and chooses to exalt the humble by revealing Himself to the most vulnerable of His people first. Social outcasts, teenagers, the poor, the elderly, widows. Here we meet Simeon and Anna, both gifted by God with the presence and discernment of the Holy Spirit before He’s sent as a helper to all who believe in Jesus. They already believe. They’ve been waiting and watching for God to fulfill the ancient prophecies.
Remember that throughout Jesus’ ministry there will be many who hear His message and see Him perform signs and wonders and still don’t believe. Simeon wraps an infant Jesus in his arms and declares him not just the Savior of Israel, but for all Nations and calls him ‘a light for revelation to the Gentiles’ (v 32). It won’t be until decades later, after Jesus’ resurrection that the disciples themselves understand this revelation of Jesus as a Messiah for all people. Anna, based on the description in the passage, is likely over a hundred years old. She’s been faithfully fasting and praying, day and night, waiting for this very moment.
Though hundreds of years have passed, Simeon and Anna wait with patient expectation for the hope of previous generations to manifest itself in their lifetime. What incredible faith, now rewarded with a glimpse of the promise fulfilled.
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)
Posted in Christmas With Compassion