Week of December 15, 2024
The Glory of Christmas is for everyone, and it can be surprising how and when God chooses to reveal it. When it was time to share the message of the birth of Christ, God’s glory was revealed out in the open fields to lowly shepherds, perhaps some of the last people that others would have expected to receive such an experience. Yet it is a kind of fulfillment of Mary’s declaration, “He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.” (Luke 1:51–52, NIV) This Christmas season we seek to experience God’s glory with humble joy and, like the shepherds, to share the message that his glory shines for everyone.
Monday | Luke 2:8-21
What details about the story of the shepherd’s experience impress you the most? Why?
Why might God have chosen shepherds to experience this, rather than a group of more religious or influential people? How does this story move your heart?
Tuesday | Luke 1:46-55
This is part of the Virgin Mary’s “Magnificat,” her response of praise to the news that she would bear the Son of God. In what ways does the experience of the shepherds echo some of her words about what God is doing? In what ways might you need to be brought down from pride by God’s glory? In what ways do you need to feel lifted up by God this Christmas season?
Wednesday | Isaiah 40:1-5
Isaiah prophecies that the glory of the Lord will be revealed to “all flesh” or all people. Jesus has come for everyone in the world and this good news is for everyone, yet too often, there are things in our lives that get in the way of receiving it. How can you prepare your heart to experience and receive the glory of Christmas in a more full way this year? Who can you reach out to and help them to see God’s Christmas glory?
Thursday | 1 Peter 5:4-8
Peter reminds us that the full revelation of God’s glory in Christ is yet to take place for us. In the meantime, we are called to humble ourselves before God and each other. How will living a humble life help us to experience God’s glory today? How can it help others to experience God’s glory?
Friday | 1 Peter 1:3-9
Peter connects our joy in Christ and our future life with Him with glory (v.8). The shepherds experienced this firsthand, from the message of the angels to seeing the Christ child in the manger. In what ways will you seek to experience and focus on the glory and joy of Jesus this Christmas season? How will you respond with your joy in praise? How will you share the good news with others who need God’s glory in their lives?
