Christmas with Compassion | Day 19
Day 19 - Thursday, December 26
Read Luke 2:21-24
Highlight
It was the faith and obedience of Mary and Joseph that God entrusted His son to them. According to the law, three important ceremonies took place after the birth of a baby. The first for a baby boy, he is to be named and circumcised eight days after birth (Leviticus 12:2). Next, the first-born son is to be presented to God one month after birth to be redeemed (Exodus 13:2). Finally, the mother must present herself for purification after the birth of her child - 40 days for a son and 80 days for a daughter (Leviticus 12). Luke clumps these three ceremonies together in his passage, but they would have had to make each trip separately. That is three different times the little family of three would have gone up to the temple in Jerusalem. Yet, Mary was considered unclean during this time because she had not been purified until the last trip. Therefore, Joseph would have been caring for Jesus while she waited outside of the temple.
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 who 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? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. 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 2:21-24
Highlight
It was the faith and obedience of Mary and Joseph that God entrusted His son to them. According to the law, three important ceremonies took place after the birth of a baby. The first for a baby boy, he is to be named and circumcised eight days after birth (Leviticus 12:2). Next, the first-born son is to be presented to God one month after birth to be redeemed (Exodus 13:2). Finally, the mother must present herself for purification after the birth of her child - 40 days for a son and 80 days for a daughter (Leviticus 12). Luke clumps these three ceremonies together in his passage, but they would have had to make each trip separately. That is three different times the little family of three would have gone up to the temple in Jerusalem. Yet, Mary was considered unclean during this time because she had not been purified until the last trip. Therefore, Joseph would have been caring for Jesus while she waited outside of the temple.
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 who 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? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. 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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