Daily Bible Reading, December 2022: God’s Renewing Word of JoySample

December 30

Introduction

Mathew’s Gospel begins with a presentation of the ancestors of Jesus in order to make clear that Jesus is from the family of King David and Abraham. Matthew then recounts how the birth of Jesus took place. An angel appears to Joseph in a dream and tells him that Mary, to whom he is engaged, has conceived a child by the Holy Spirit, and that the child is to be named Jesus.

Scripture Reading

Matthew 1:1-25

Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 1:23b

“He will be called Immanuel” (which means, “God is with us”).

Reflect

In verses 1-17, do you recognize any of the names in this listing? If so, what do you know about them? For those names that are unfamiliar to you, consider looking up several of them in a Bible Dictionary or Concordance (an alphabetical listing of all the words in the Bible along with a reference to the biblical passage in which each occurs). In verse 23, Matthew, quoting from Isaiah 7:14, refers to Jesus as “Immanuel,” a Hebrew name that means “God is with us.” In what ways do you experience God being with you?

Pray

Lord God, you sent Jesus, the Messiah, to be the Savior for the whole world. Teach me to share the Good News of your love with everyone I encounter today. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Jude 1-25: The writer gives warnings and instructions to believers.