Summary:
The following Scripture Reading Plan for the month of December, drawing from the theme of wonder and aligning with Mesa’s Christmas message series, “Wonder.” This reading plan will focus on Scriptures that highlight the Wonder of Prophecy, the Incarnation, and our Salvation. Each passage will help prepare your heart to celebrate Christmas as you reflect on the story of Christ's birth and its significance—both historically and personally.
How to Use This Reading Plan:
- Personal Reflection: Read the daily scripture passages in the morning or evening, spending time reflecting on the wonder of God’s story in your own life.
- Family Devotions: For families with children, consider reading the daily passages together, with discussion questions or a short prayer after each reading.
- Group Discussion: This can be a great tool to keep everyone in your small group unified in their focus on the Wonder of Christmas.
How to Use This Reading Plan:
- Personal Reflection: Read the daily scripture passages in the morning or evening, spending time reflecting on the wonder of God’s story in your own life.
- Family Devotions: For families with children, consider reading the daily passages together, with discussion questions or a short prayer after each reading.
- Group Discussion: This can be a great tool to keep everyone in your small group unified in their focus on the Wonder of Christmas.
You can interact with the devotional by clicking a week- or if you would prefer, you can download the entire plan below!
Week 4: preparing for The Wonder of Christmas
DECEMBER 22:
Matthew 2:13-18 – The Flight to Egypt
“After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.”
Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance.
Herod’s brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:
“A cry was heard in Ramah—
weeping and great mourning.
Rachel weeps for her children,
refusing to be comforted,
for they are dead.”
Question: How does the courage of Joseph and the protection of Jesus reflect God’s sovereignty and care for His Son?
Matthew 2:13-18 – The Flight to Egypt
“After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.”
Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance.
Herod’s brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:
“A cry was heard in Ramah—
weeping and great mourning.
Rachel weeps for her children,
refusing to be comforted,
for they are dead.”
Question: How does the courage of Joseph and the protection of Jesus reflect God’s sovereignty and care for His Son?
DECEMBER 23:
John 10:7-10 – Jesus the Good Shepherd
“so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life."
Question: How does Jesus as the Good Shepherd bring you peace and security, especially as you prepare to celebrate His birth?
John 10:7-10 – Jesus the Good Shepherd
“so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life."
Question: How does Jesus as the Good Shepherd bring you peace and security, especially as you prepare to celebrate His birth?
DECEMBER 24:
Revelation 21:1-4 – The New Heaven and New Earth
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Question: How does the hope of a new heaven and earth where God dwells with His people enhance the wonder of Christmas?
Revelation 21:1-4 – The New Heaven and New Earth
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Question: How does the hope of a new heaven and earth where God dwells with His people enhance the wonder of Christmas?
DECEMBER 25:
Luke 2:15-20 – The Shepherds’ Visit
“When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.”
Question: How does the shepherds’ response to seeing Jesus inspire you to share the wonder of Christmas with others?
Luke 2:15-20 – The Shepherds’ Visit
“When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.”
Question: How does the shepherds’ response to seeing Jesus inspire you to share the wonder of Christmas with others?