Take a few minutes to catch up and pray that God would bless you through the reading of His word.

Read Luke 2:1-7

[2:1] In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. [2] This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. [3] And all went to be registered, each to his own town. [4] 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, [5] to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. [6] And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. [7] 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.

Observation

• Why did Joseph take his family to Bethlehem?
• Did he plan for the baby to be born then and in that place?
• Where did Mary place her baby? Why?

Interpretation

• Where would Jesus have been born if not for Augustus’ census? Why is it important that Jesus was born in Bethlehem? 
• There are two kings mentioned in these verses. Who are they? How are they similar to each other? How are they different from each other?

Application

• God used the decree of the mightiest ruler in the world to accomplish his purpose with this poor, insignificant family. Countless people went to their hometowns to be counted, not having any idea that there was a much bigger drama being played out. How does that encourage you to trust God with the seemingly meaningless details of your daily life?  

Read Luke 2:8-21

[2:8] And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. [9] 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. [21] And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Observation

• What do the shepherds see when the angel appears? What do they feel (v. 9)?
• How does the angel want them to feel (v. 10)?
  • Why should they feel this way (v. 11)?
  • What sign would be given to the shepherds (v. 12)?
• Why was the baby named Jesus?
• How did the angels of heaven respond to this news (v. 13-14)? How did the shepherds (v. 20)?

Interpretation

• The angel comes to bring good news to the shepherds, news that should bring them joy. How does that fit with the larger pattern of the salvation that Jesus was going to accomplish?
  • Did the shepherds have to do anything to make this good news a reality?
  • How were they supposed to respond to it?
  • How is that like our experience of Jesus’ salvation?
• How does Luke’s statement about Mary in v. 19 fit with the purpose that he set out for us at the beginning of his gospel (Luke 1:1-4)?
• What is the significance (if any) of Jesus’ circumcision (v. 21)?

Application

• Do you experience joy at the salvation that Jesus came to bring? 
• Does your heart glorify God for the things that he has done to save you?
• Whatever your answers to (a.) and (b.) above, what things help your heart to feel joy and praise to God? What things cool your affections for Jesus?

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