Christmas Devotional

READ: Luke 2:1-20 (ESV)

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15 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.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

SING: "O Come All Ye Faithful"

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels;

O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;
O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, glory in the highest.

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be all glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.

WATCH: Reflections from Pastor Mike

DISCUSS: Applying the truths of Scripture

  • Why do we need to be called to worship the right thing?
  • How does the happiness possessions, family, or home bring point us to God’s goodness?
  • How do the shortcomings of possessions, family, or home point us to worship something greater?
  • What can we adore Jesus for today?

For families with children:

  • What does it mean to “worship”?
  • Who are the angels calling the shepherds to worship?
  • What is the danger of worshiping anything other than Christ the Lord?
  • What are ways we can worship Christ the Lord today? How about any normal day?

PRAY: Adore. Confess. Thanks. Supplicate.

Adore: Express to Jesus the things you adore about him today

Confess: The other calls to worship you’ve subtly accepted

Thank: Jesus for being born this happy morning to die and rise again for you. Thank him for whatever joys you are already experiencing or anticipate the day will hold.

Supplicate: Ask God to help you receive the joys and sorrows of the day trusting in the better possession and abiding one he’s given you. Think specifically of those who are in want today and ask our heavenly Father to provide for them.