December 25 – MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Today we celebrate that Jesus came to be with us, and we rejoice and anticipate that He is coming again. Hallelujah! May you and your family have a blessed Christmas day!

This study uses the SOAP method of Bible study to seek an application for each reading (not sure what this is? Check out the What’s SOAP? tab). We have provided an example SOAP note below today’s reading. Join in this study by completing the daily readings and journaling using SOAP, and you are welcome to use the Comments section at the bottom of our homepage to share or ask questions.

Reading: Luke 2:1-20 The Birth of Jesus In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,     and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

SOAP Note

The | DOT Group @A2

Scripture

Luke 2:6-7

Observation

It was pointed out to me that Jesus’ birth was in a public place. We often project it as a quiet night with Mary and Joseph alone in the stable – save for a few animals. But the fact of the matter is, Bethlehem was overflowing! Every inn, home, or room was so full of people that travelers were being sent away to stay in stables. The tiny town of Bethlehem was essentially a bustling city at the time. People were out and about, doing their business; children were playing; women gossiping – and BAM! In the midst of it all, the kingdom of heaven was among them! Did they even notice in that instant that the world was changed forever?

Application

I’ve had to memorize this exact passage a handful of times in my 16 years of Christian education. I’m so familiar with the Christmas story that I probably know it better than the back of my hand! But not once had I ever considered just how busy Bethlehem was at the time. Never had I considered that life was going on as usual for everyone around Mary and Joseph. Did anyone notice? Did anyone stop and hear their story? Wonder at God’s miracle? How much do I miss from God because I’m so caught up in everything else going on around me? I need to slow down and take the time to pay attention to what God is doing, rather than being so preoccupied with what I’m doing.

Prayer

God, I know today is probably not the actual birthday of Your Son, but thank You for giving us a time to slow down and remember all You’ve done for us through Jesus. I don’t want to miss what You’re doing. Help me to focus on the right things. Help me to pay attention to You and not be so worried about myself. Thank You for the incredible gift of Your Son. Thank You for the redemption I received because of Him. Thank You for loving me enough to do all this. I love You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Discover One Thing main website has more resources on the SOAP method of Bible study. Click HERE to go to the website.