Christmas with Compassion - Day 20
Day 20 - Friday, December 29
Read Revelation 12
Highlight
While the Apostle John is in exile he receives a series of visions and images that he puts into letters to encourage and challenge the seven churches of his day. These letters are what comprise the Book of Revelation. In Chapter 12 John recounts the Gospel story from the perspective of Heaven. The woman represents the people of God and the child represents the Messiah. The dragon represents Satan and the spiritual forces of Evil who are defeated by the Messiah and cast to Earth where they attack God’s people to this day.
We could spend a lot of time working to interpret all of the meaning behind each of these symbols, but John’s message here is simple. There are supernatural forces at work that are greater than we know and there have been from the very beginning. All of the Scriptures, all the history of God’s people has led up to this great climax - the coming of the Messiah, Jesus who reigns now in Heaven and is coming again. The Christmas story is one of peace and hope, but we must not lose sight of why Jesus came. There is a war being fought, not just around us, but among us, and we are at battle. While the victory has already been decided in the death and resurrection of Jesus, each of us are integral to the final outcome.
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 Revelation 12
Highlight
While the Apostle John is in exile he receives a series of visions and images that he puts into letters to encourage and challenge the seven churches of his day. These letters are what comprise the Book of Revelation. In Chapter 12 John recounts the Gospel story from the perspective of Heaven. The woman represents the people of God and the child represents the Messiah. The dragon represents Satan and the spiritual forces of Evil who are defeated by the Messiah and cast to Earth where they attack God’s people to this day.
We could spend a lot of time working to interpret all of the meaning behind each of these symbols, but John’s message here is simple. There are supernatural forces at work that are greater than we know and there have been from the very beginning. All of the Scriptures, all the history of God’s people has led up to this great climax - the coming of the Messiah, Jesus who reigns now in Heaven and is coming again. The Christmas story is one of peace and hope, but we must not lose sight of why Jesus came. There is a war being fought, not just around us, but among us, and we are at battle. While the victory has already been decided in the death and resurrection of Jesus, each of us are integral to the final outcome.
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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