Daily Bible Reading — Sustained by God’s Word of JoySample

December 24

Introduction

Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem where Jesus is born. Angels announce the news of his birth to shepherds in a nearby field. The shepherds hurry off and find the baby Jesus in a manger. The reading concludes with Jesus being named and circumcised eight days later, according to the Law of Moses (see Leviticus 12:3) to indicate belonging to the Lord and as a sign of the covenant God made with Abraham (see Genesis 17:11-14).

Today’s Scripture: Luke 2:11

‘This very day in David’s town your Savior was born—Christ the Lord!’

Today’s Reading 

Luke 2:1-21

Reflect

Luke’s account of Jesus’s humble birth is set against the backdrop of the political situation at that time. A census had been ordered by Emperor Augustus to regulate the collection of taxes, an indication of Rome’s domination over the people. Shepherds were on the low end of the social scale, yet they are the first to hear the news of Jesus’s birth. In what ways do you proclaim the news of Jesus’s birth? What joy does this good news bring to you today?

Pray

Glory to God in the highest! Lord Jesus, I join in singing the angels’ song and celebrate your birth. You are my Savior, and the good news of your birth fills me with great joy. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Christmas Eve worshipers

Tomorrow’s Reading

John 1:1-18: Jesus is described as the living Word.