By Mark A. Taylor
We hear plenty of exhortations to “Keep Christ in Christmas” but receive far too little help for actually doing that. Here”s a simple idea: Read and reflect on some part of the Bible”s Christmas story each day in the week-and-a-half before Christmas.
Following is a plan for daily Bible reading December 15-25. The Scripture passages are short, and most are very familiar. You”ll hear some of them quoted in church services this month. But your own commitment to consider them afresh and alone can add balance and joy to your holiday this year.
Or you might decide to share this experience. Read the Scriptures at breakfast or dinner or bedtime with your spouse or family or roommate. Use the questions after each day”s reading as discussion starters.
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December 15: “A Virgin Shall Conceive”
Read Isaiah 7:14; 9:2, 6, 7; Daniel 7:13, 14; Micah 5:2, 4.
Which of these prophesies, written centuries before the birth of Christ, is most meaningful or encouraging to you?
Thank God for the gift of his Son and your needs his coming can most satisfy.
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December 16: “A Man of Suffering”
Read Isaiah 53.
What about Christ”s ultimate mission on earth do you most need to remember during this time when so many are thinking only about his birth?
Reflect on the fact that Christ”s common and difficult birth was only a prelude to the sacrifice and suffering of his whole life. Thank God for the salvation he brought you.
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December 17: “The Spirit of the Lord Is on Me”
Read Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:16-22.
Jesus dramatically stated his mission, quoting from Isaiah”s prophecy. What part of Christ”s work in the world do you see him accomplishing through you?
Ask God for a renewal this Christmastime of your commitment to be his hands and feet today in your own circles of influence.
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December 18: “I Am the Lord”s Servant”
Read Luke 1:26-38.
Which of Mary”s reactions (fear, confusion, ultimate submission) best characterizes the way you have responded to God”s demands on your life?
Ask God to help you develop a simple spirit of obedience like that Mary demonstrated.
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December 19: “My Soul Glorifies the Lord”
Read Luke 1:39-56.
Choose one of the verses from Mary”s song to memorize and repeat throughout your day.
Thank God for the remarkable way he worked in her world and continues to work in ours.
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December 20: Â “Do Not Be Afraid”
Read Matthew 1:18-25.
Why was Joseph afraid? What about the Christmas birth and life of Christ has made you afraid?
Thank God for his way of banishing Joseph”s fears, and ask him to calm yours.
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December 21: “She Gave Birth to Her Firstborn”
Read Luke 2:1-21.
If you could be one character in your church”s retelling of the Christmas story, which would you choose, and why?
Thank God for the wonders in this event and ponder how each detail tells you something special about God.
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December 22: ” A Sword Shall Pierce Your Own Soul”
Luke 2:22-40.
Choose adjectives to describe various sections of this account. Which part would you label tender? Challenging? Confusing? Frightening? Faith-affirming?
Thank God that Christmas has meaning for those of every age, far beyond what a child may understand.
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December 23: “They Were Overjoyed”
Read Matthew 2:1-12.
What surprises you most about this story? The deceit of Herod? The intervention of God? The knowledge of the chief priests and teachers? The gifts of the Magi?
Ask God to help you act on what you know about him and his Son.
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December 24: “Go to the Land of Israel”
Read Matthew 2:13-23.
Try to remember all the miraculous interventions by God that made the Christmas story possible.
Thank God again for how he made a way for his Son to come to save us.
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December 25: “Every Eye Will See Him!”
Read Revelation 1.
How would you react if Jesus came again to earth on this Christmas Day? With fear? With joy? With relief? With regret?
Ask God to help you live in anticipation of Christ”s return to earth.
This is really great. I prepare an advent calendar every year for my grandchildren. I prepare an activity ( sometimes for themselves, sometimes to do for others) or a small treat or toy for each day leading up to Christmas. I will include Bible readings on some days and I can see already how I can use this next year for them. I’m printing it to save.
Thank you.
Kathy
Mr. Taylor,
Thank you for what you did. Dr. Sackett shared your article on his page and we used this guide as a congregation in our preparation for the Christmas celebration. It made a real difference, and we are going to continue this approach with our worship series in 2014. Blessings!
Tracy Thomas
Woodlawn Christian Church