This week we are changing it up.  No S.O.A.P formula.

We just want to dive into another part of the Christmas story!

Pray:  “God, I just simply want to say that I love you.  You are true.  Your story is real.  Help me to daily remember this Christmas season how good You are, even with all the stuff I have to struggle with.”

Grab Your Bible:  Read Matthew 2:1-16.  (page 1476 in your Jesus Bible)

That is a lot to take in for a story today.  But look back, what emotions are running through the wise men as they approached Jerusalem?  When they went into the palace to see Herod?  When they finally saw the baby Jesus?  When they heard from God in a dream to go home a different way?

What about King Herod?  What did he feel when he heard the news that there was a new king?

Joseph and Mary.  What emotions do you think they felt when the wise men came to visit?  Later, when they had to get up in the night and leave for a foreign country?  Did they get to tell their family good-bye?  They quickly found themselves as refugees in a strange land.

What is your reaction to the story?  Is it too familiar that you have no emotion?  Are you mad at King Herod?  Do you grieve with the parents who lost their young sons?  What about Joseph and Mary and baby Jesus?

God demonstrated His love (Romans 5:8).  He proved it.  He gave up His only Son because He is love.  You cannot measure that much love.  It is endless, overwhelming.  It is surprising.  It never grows old.

Prayer:  “Father, today, begin to show me more of what it was like for You to come to earth as a baby.  Thank you for loving me.  I love You.”