 Read: Luke 2:36-38
Key Verse: “Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38) Anna is described as a “prophetess,” which tells us she was gifted and unafraid to declare the word of the Lord. Unlike prophets who predicted what was to come, Anna’s role was to show up at the temple and remind God's people of God’s words of promise and hope. Anna had planted herself in God’s presence for decades, turning the grief of a young widow into a lifelong prayer. Waiting on the Lord became her daily practice. Anna had her eyes fixed on God and was in attendance for the presentation of the Son of God because of it. God visits those who wait on Him day and night. Anna responded to Jesus much the same way as Simeon. His sheer existence was the only evidence she needed to recognize God’s redemptive hand. Christ became the focal point of her praise. Pray: Lord it is hard to imagine longing for something for so long and then finally seeing it happen. When we read of Anna and her commitment to you, may it give us the encouragement we need to faithfully wait for your promises. May we, like Anna, always look to you and tell others the wonderful things you’ve done in our lives.  Read: Luke 2:22-35
Key Verse: “And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” (Luke 2:26) Who is this Simeon character? Luke only included one thing about Simeon – he was “righteous and devout,” waiting for the consolation of Israel (the Messiah). Simeon was a faithful follower of God. God revealed to Simeon that he would not see death until he beheld the Lord’s Christ (Luke 2:26), the comforter of Israel who would fulfill all the promises of the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, the One who would bring both personal and national salvation. Simeon counted the days until God revealed what he had promised to him personally. We don’t know how long Simeon waited, but we do know that he was led by the Spirit to go to the temple that day, and he recognized Jesus the moment he saw Him. Simeon, and generations before him, waited for the coming of the One who would console God’s people. But unlike those around him, Simeon still believed God would save His people. He believed the promise of a coming Servant-King, the son of David threaded throughout the law and the prophets. Simeon’s own name comes from a word that means “to hear intelligently.” And he is portrayed as deliberately listening to God’s Spirit. We are told that the Holy Spirit rested on him (v. 25), the Holy Spirit showed things to him (v. 26), and the Holy Spirit moved him (v. 27). The outcome of Simeon’s listening is one of the most tender scenes in Scripture: Simeon enters the temple to discover Mary and Joseph with their newborn. Then he picks up baby Jesus (v. 28). He has the distinction of being the only person in the Bible who we are explicitly told held the Christ child in his arms. In that act, he provided a striking visual of not just meeting Jesus but receiving Him unto himself. As Simeon gazed into the brand-new eyes of the Ancient of Days, Christ for him went from being “God with us” to “God with me.” Nothing outwardly about Simeon’s life had changed, yet he told God he could die in peace (Luke 2:29). His inner disquiet had been calmed by Christ, and his soul was at rest. There is so much to learn from Simeon’s life. His perseverance, his attentive listening to God in a latter age, his worship of the baby Jesus. But what is most important about Simeon was his relationship with Jesus. Simeon could die not because he’d checked off all the right religious boxes or performed all the outward rituals of the Jewish faith, but because he put his faith in the God-man. Pray: Father God, what a tremendous and encouraging story of faith. Give us Simeon’s perseverance, teach us to listen to you as attentively as Simeon did. We love you Lord and we worship you.  Read: Luke 1:1; Luke 2:40
Key Verse: “Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.” (Luke 1:3-4) Without the Gospel of Luke we wouldn’t know the details of the birth of Christ. We wouldn’t know about the characters involved in that birth and we certainly couldn’t look as deeply into the spiritual meaning of Jesus’ birth. And Luke himself tells us why he wrote what he did, “so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.” Why all these intimate details, and why do these facts come to us only via the pen of Luke? Luke, a physician, consistently provides more detailed physical descriptions than the other Gospel writers do. His training in observation and accurate diagnosis evidently led to greater interest in, and closer attention to, physical details. Maybe we could take time to consider the similarities between Luke and ourselves: like Luke, most of us are not Jewish, not born in Israel, not among Jesus’ first disciples, and not trained as theologians. Yet also like Luke, because of our own unique background and relationship with Him, God is able to use us to convey the good news of Jesus’ rescue mission in a way that no one else can. Pray: Thank you Lord God for choosing a medical doctor to be an author of one of the Gospels. We are so thankful for Luke – his years of professional training, his attention to detail, his willingness to use his skills to bless others, his obedience to be used by you in such a unique way to provide us such a unique look into the life of the Master. And thank you Lord for sending Jesus to experience life as we do. We love you.  Read: It looks like a lot, but each of these verses is tied to one of the prophecies about Jesus’ birth:
Micah 5:2; Isaiah 7:14; Genesis 3:15; Psalm 72:10, 15; Isaiah 60: 3, 6; Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:14-16; Genesis 12:3; 17:19; Numbers 24:17; Genesis 49:10 ; 2 Samuel 7:12-13; Isaiah 40:3-5. Key Verse: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) Prophecy is an indispensable part of the Nativity story – with good reason. God has always spoken and acted in real history, through actual events and real human lives. He has made promises and kept them, and called people to record and remember them. He’s not an obscure deity of myth and legend, but the true God who has done wondrous things – none more so than the birth, life, death and resurrection of His Son. There are over 300 prophecies that point directly to the Messiah. Let’s start with eight that deal with the birth and early early years of Jesus’ life: 1. He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). 2. He would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). 3. The Savior would come from the seed of a woman (Genesis 3:15). 4. He would be adored by Magi (Psalm 72:10,15; Isaiah 60: 3,6). 5. He would be called out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:14-15). 6. The Savior would come from the line of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:3; 17:19; Numbers 24:17), and the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10). 7. The Messiah would be an heir to King David’s throne and would reign for eternity (2 Samuel 7:12-13;16). 8. A messenger in the wilderness would prepare the way for the Messiah so that the glory of God would be revealed (Isaiah 40:3-5). Mathematician Peter Stoner figured out the probability of one man fulfilling just eight of these prophecies and concluded that the chance of the prophesied Messiah fulfilling all eight is one in 100,000,000,000,000,000 (that’s 17 0s!). He illustrated that by saying if you took that many silver dollars and laid them on the face of Texas it would cover the state two feet deep. Then, blindfold a man and tell him he must pick up one specific silver dollar previously marked. What chance would he have of getting the right one? Stoner concludes, “Any man who rejects Christ as the Son of God is rejecting a fact proved perhaps more absolutely than any other fact in the world.” Pray: Father God, it is so humbling and amazing at the same time to see how science and fact prove the truth of your Word. May our faith be deepened and emboldened to know that there is scientific proof that Jesus is who He said He was – the Son of God and Savior of the world. You have given us more than enough for even the most skeptical among us to understand and accept. Thank you for sending Jesus to us. May we be forever grateful for Him.  Read: Luke 2:8-20
Key Verse: “When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’” (Luke 2:15) Who did God choose to be the first to hear about Jesus’ birth? The chief priests or religious leaders of the day? The kings or rulers of the land? No, God chose shepherds out in the fields around Bethlehem. Why shepherds? The Old Testament highlights several shepherds among Christianity’s past, including Abel, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Rachel, Moses, David, Job, and Amos – just to name a few. So I guess it’s not too strange. But again, why these shepherds? We don’t know who they were by name, or even how many there were. And while shepherds weren’t highly regarded in Jesus’ day, it's clear that God saw them as important. Here’s what we do know: ● They were the first to be told; they were busy doing what they always do. ● They saw and heard the angel of the Lord; they were afraid at first. ● They saw and heard the host of angels praising God. ● They believed the angel of the Lord and went to see Jesus – with haste. ● They were the first evangelists; they saw Jesus long before the Wise Men. Although we know very little about these shepherds, it’s possible those near Bethlehem may have been taking care of the temple flocks, the sheep meant for sacrifice. There could be a symbolic reason as Jesus, the ultimate Lamb, would be sacrificed for the sins of the world. But Scripture paints a more practical picture as well. Shepherds had the capacity to be humbled and amazed that God chose them to hear the news. Because they were connected to Bethlehem they probably knew everyone and were familiar with the community. And because of that humility, because of their amazement, they couldn’t keep it to themselves. After they had seen the baby Savior, they “spread the word” concerning what they knew. They weren’t worried about what others thought of them. They didn’t overthink the situation and talk themselves out of telling the news. They were exuberant, overflowing with joy, and probably still reflecting a bit of the glory of being with Jesus. God in His infinite wisdom chose just the right group of people to entrust the greatest news of eternity. Those humble men took the good news of Jesus and did just what God wanted them to do – told others, and the world was never the same. Pray: Father God, today we rejoice with the shepherds in the good news of Jesus’ birth. Help us to set aside any traditions that have become commonplace and help us again to explore the amazement of Jesus’ birth. Thank you for sending a Savior for us. Give us the shepherds’ passion to spend our lives sharing this news.  Read: Luke 2:8-15
Key Verse: “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” (Luke 2:13-14) Angels serve a variety of roles in Scripture: they advocate, they protect, they make war, they announce, they teach, they comfort, and they guide. All of those roles can be seen in the Christmas story. They announce to Zechariah, Mary, and Joseph. They flood the earth with a celebration to the shepherds. They warn the three wise men from the east and they witness God’s work on earth. The joy of the angels at the birth of Jesus is deeply rooted in the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the inauguration of the New Covenant. The angelic announcement to the shepherds signifies the breaking of a long period of prophetic silence and the dawn of a new era. The angels' message of "good news of great joy" highlights the universal scope of Christ's mission, extending beyond Israel to all humanity. The phrase "Glory to God in the highest" reflects the ultimate purpose of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ: the glorification of God through the redemption of mankind. The angels' proclamation of peace on earth signifies the reconciliation between God and humanity, made possible through the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. The joy of the angels at the birth of Jesus serves as a model for Christian worship and celebration. It invites believers to join in the heavenly chorus, glorifying God for His wondrous gift of salvation. The angelic message of peace and goodwill challenges Christians to live out these values in their daily lives, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel. Pray: Lord, give us eyes to see as the angels do – your glory and honor and beauty in all your creation. Deepen our faith to trust you in all circumstances. Seeking Jesus This Christmas- Day 10: Dec 10 | Manger Animals, The Significance of the Animal Stable12/10/2025
 Read: Luke 2:6-12
Key Verse: “This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’” (Luke 2:12) The Bible does not specifically say that there were animals present at the birth of Jesus Christ. However, due to His birth being in an animal stable, one could assume that there may have been variety of stable animals at that time. What matters more is the deeper significance of why Jesus was born in a stable. Biblical history tells us that Mary and Joseph had to journey to Bethlehem to take part in a census decreed by Caesar Augustus. (Luke 2:1) Behind the earthly command there was heavenly purpose that would have Mary deliver the Child in Bethlehem, the city of David, in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. (Micah 5:2) Added to that, there was a greater reason for His birth being in a stable than just the fact of there not being room in the inn. Jesus was born in the stable to fulfill a promise that dates back to the first chapters in Genesis. In Genesis 1:24-28 it states that the animals were created before Adam and that he would rule over them. It was while he was naming the animals that Adam learned that there was no one corresponding to him and the result was God creating the woman who would be known as Eve. So, animals were present to witness the creation of man and woman who would have dominion over them. But that is not all animals have witnessed. They were present to witness the fall of Adam and Eve as they used leaves to try to hide their shame (Genesis 3:7). It was an innocent animal that would be the first to feel the penalty of sin. “And the Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them.” (Genesis 3:21). From that time on an unblemished animal would represent the temporary solution for sin until the time would come for the Lamb of God (Jesus Christ) to come to earth to once and for all atone for the sins of mankind. Until then a sacrificial animal’s blood would be the covering and the temporary price paid for sin. Jesus was born in a stable (that may or may not have had animals there) as He is the One whose blood would be shed as as the final sacrifice before the Lord. Seeking Jesus This Christmas- Day 9: Dec 9 | The Stable and the Innkeeper, the Unlikely Host12/9/2025
 Read: Luke 2:1-7
Key Verse: “And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.” (Luke 2:6-7) Have you ever wondered why God didn’t make a room for Mary and Joseph? Just stop and think about it for a minute. If you were the innkeeper, would you try to find some small space within the building? These are questions we are probably asking ourselves. What we know from scripture is that Mary and Joseph were rejected everywhere they went due to there being no more room in the inn. And the innkeeper still said no even though they can clearly see that Mary was ready to give birth. Why was Jesus born in a stable instead of in someplace impressive, like a palace? Or even a regular room in a home? You can be confident that God was in control of every detail of Jesus’ birth—including where He would be born, and to whom. And you also can be confident that it was God’s will for His Son to be born in a stable instead of a palace. Why was this? One reason is because God wanted to show us that Jesus Christ came to bring salvation to everyone—not just the rich and powerful, but the poor and downtrodden. God’s love extends to the whole human race! And Jesus showed us the depth of God’s love by willingly leaving Heaven’s glory and sharing in our poverty. The Bible says, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). In addition, because He was born into a poor family, we know that Jesus understands what it means to be poor—as almost everyone was then, and still is in most parts of the world. He also understands the temptations and sorrows we all face, and He knows too the fear and guilt that trouble our souls. As the Bible says, Jesus “has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). The real question, however, is this: Have you paid attention to Jesus? What place does He have in your life? Pray: Lord, thank you for stories like this of the innkeeper that show us how the way we behave in all circumstances can have eternal consequences. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear you at work in and around us each and every day. May we not push you away because we have “too much to do;” may we always place you as the main focus in our lives.  Read: Luke 2:1-5
Key Verse: “At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire.” (Luke 2:1) The prophet Micah prophesied 700 years before the birth of Christ that he would be born in Bethlehem. Most of us read the words of the Christmas story in Luke without giving them a second thought ... “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world” (Luke 2:1). His greatest act – the one which would have the most lasting effect on world history – was to call for a census of the empire. This was a common custom, in keeping with the pattern of Roman control of conquered territories. Censuses were a favorite of Caesar Augustus. Taxes helped keep the Roman army healthy, build roads, and finance army campaigns to keep conquering the world. Plus, he was a very luxurious emperor. Romans taxed Jews and they followed Roman laws. Rome put in local authorities. So, when it came to the census, the Jews did what their Roman governors and local leaders told them. Clearly, there was purpose behind Luke’s unique recounting of Jesus’ birth. He was locating Jesus in historical time and place. The birth of Jesus, the true God who took on human flesh, was not some sort of myth. The context was crucial. Additionally, Roman census methods required registration at the place of family origin. This meant that Joseph and his pregnant wife, Mary, would need to head 90 miles south from Galilee to Bethlehem – in fulfillment of a prophecy from Micah (5:2). God’s plans happened as He said they would. The census was a thoroughly secular decree, the kind of thing governments have been doing since the beginning of time. Yet God used it to serve His purposes and the census had been used by God to bring His Son to the earth. Pray: Lord, you hold the mightiest rulers in your hand; nothing they do is beyond your command. Open our eyes to see Your hand and moving through our world today. Help us to see the truth, as you show in your Word.  Read: Matthew 1:18-24
Key Verse: “When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.” (Matthew 1:24-25) To understand Joseph’s perspective of the Christmas narrative, we need to understand the customs surrounding betrothals/marriages of the time. In biblical times, people were married in their early youth, and marriages were usually contracted within the narrow circle of the clan and the family. Interpreting their “betrothal” as a modern-day “engagement” would be wrong. The Jewish custom in that time period involved a two-stage marriage: first, a legal contract of marriage, followed later by a party with the husband taking his wife into his home. This is shown in the Gospels: Joseph learned that Mary was expecting before she came to live with him so he planned to divorce her, but an angel instructed him not to; instead, he should take Mary into his home. It’s easy to glance over this and not give it another thought as you read this part of the Christmas tory. But stop and consider how significant this decision was. Mary and Joseph had to work together to move forward. Joseph provided for his family as a carpenter and followed God’s instructions to care for them. He named and circumcised his son, presented Him at the Temple in Jerusalem (Luke 2:22), and took Him to the Temple on holy days when possible, all in line with Jewish law. Joseph also protected Jesus from Herod (Matthew 2:13-15), the King of Judea who wanted to kill the child, by taking Mary and Jesus to safety in Egypt and then Nazareth. He was true to his calling and to his family. Although he’s not mentioned very often in Scripture, Joseph is an important role model of fatherhood and faith. Pray: Lord, thank you for Joseph and his integrity. Thank you for working through ordinary people who don’t look for fame or glory but look out for the best interests of those around them. Help me to be more like that, to be faithful to you and walk with integrity, always doing the right thing even when it means I’ll personally suffer. |
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