To Hear it Again is Joy - 10 Day Christmas Devotional
To Hear it Again is Joy - Christmas Devotional
As we approach Christmas, we talk often about Jesus. We see baby Jesus in a manger in our neighbor’s yards. Our pastors read portions of the Christmas story to us. But, even with Christmas being in our face for weeks on end starting in October, it is easy to miss Jesus in our personal lives.
This year, don’t miss the opportunity to read the story of Jesus’ coming for yourself. There is power in reading the Bible in your own quiet time.
As you are reading through this devotional plan, resist the urge to “apply” what you are reading to your life. While there is a lot of application in the Bible, this study is focused on witnessing the story that God is telling. I will also encourage you to really read the passages. If you have been a long time church attender, these passages will be very familiar to you. And it is easy to just let your eyes skim over the pages. Slow down and sit with this story. Think of these readings the same way you would a family member telling an old story you have heard many times. It is with love and fondness, attention and joy that you listen to those stories with a great ending. Allow yourself to show up with this same kind of spirit to your Christmas readings.
How to use this Devotional
You will need a journal (or your notes app), your Bible, and a favorite pen.
If you are in a group: Read the bible verses out loud together. Use the journal prompts as discussion questions.
If you are doing a solo devotional: Read through and complete the journalling prompts.
Suggested Reading Schedule
This reading plan has been written to be completed in the two weeks leading up to Christmas. If you are reading this in 2024, you can follow the dates below.
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12/12 - Day 1
12/13 - Day 2
12/16 - Day 3
12/17 - Day 4
12/18 - Day 5
12/19 - Day 6
12/20 - Day 7
12/23 - Day 8
12/24 - Day 9
12/25 - Day 10
Day One
Read Luke 1:1-25
Mini Overview: Luke is located in the New Testament of your Bible. It is between the smallest Gospel, Mark, and the oldest Gospel, John. Luke was a Physician and was not Jewish like the other gospel writers.
Journal Prompts
Write out a prayer. Tell God about how you are feeling this Christmas season. Ask Him to help you to be still in his presence as you read through this devotional plan.
Day Two
Read Isaiah 40
Mini Overview: Isaiah is in the Old Testament and contains more than 100 prophecies about Jesus. It is the first book of Major Prophets. It is found between the Song of Songs (or Song of Solomon) and Jeremiah.
Bible Study Prompt
Highlight (or write in your journal) the portions of this passage that predict John the Baptist.
Highlight (or write in your journal) the portions of this passage that show God’s Plan. One way to identify God’s plans is to see what promises He makes. Promises might start with “will be…” or “will not…”.
Day Three
Read Luke 1:26 - 56
Journal Prompt
Write out a prayer of praise, using Mary’s song as inspiration. Tell God about the great things He has done in the world and in your life personally.
Day Four
Read Isaiah 9:1-7
Bible Study Prompt
Highlight (or write in your journal) the portions of this passage that talk about Jesus.
Highlight (or write in your journal) the portions of this passage that show God’s Plan. One way to identify God’s plans is to see what promises He makes. Promises might start with “will be…” or “will not…”
Day Five
Read Luke 1:57-80 & 2:1-7
Journal Prompt
Write out a prayer. Thank God for the preservation of the Bible and that you have a book or a device in your hands that tells the story of Jesus.
Reflect on the stillness and humble arrival of Jesus.
Day Six
Read Micah 5
Mini Overview: Micah is in the Old Testament. It is a Minor Prophet. Micah speaks a lot about restoration after repentance. It is found between Jonah and Nahum. This is a very small book and is easy to miss.
Journal Prompt
Copy verses 3 - 4 into your journal. As you copy these words, reflect on God’s greatness.
Day Seven
Read Luke 2:8-20
Journal Prompt
Write out a prayer. Ask God to fill your heart with the kind of joy and praise that the shepherds experienced in this passage.
Day Eight
Read Jeremiah 23:1-8
Mini Overview: Jeremiah is in the Old Testament. It is the second book of Major Prophets. It is found between Isaiah and Lamentations. Jeremiah’s unique prophecy was that God was going to allow the Israelites to fall into the hands of the Babylonians, as a result of their disobedience.
Journal Prompt
Jeremiah was written sometime between 640 - 580 BC. This promise that God makes took more than 500 years to be fulfilled. We often expect God to move on our timeline, in our lifetimes, but God moves in His own time for His glory. Write out a prayer about something that you are waiting for God to do, or talk to Him about something in the past that took a long time.
Day Nine
Read Matthew 2:1-12
Mini Overview: Matthew is the first book in the New Testament. It is located between Malachi and Mark. Matthew demonstrated in his writing that Jesus was the Messiah the Israelites were waiting for.
Journal Prompt
Write out a prayer. Thank the Lord for preparing your heart for this Christmas season. Ask Him to reveal anyone who might need extra attention tomorrow, or might need to hear the Good News.
Day Ten
Merry Christmas!
Read Psalm 98
Mini Overview: Psalms is located in the middle of your Bible, and is the largest book in the Bible. It is categorized as one of the books of wisdom. Psalms was written by a variety of authors. It is a collection of poetry and songs.
Journal Prompt
Copy your favorite portion of this passage. Ask God to give you a spirit of presence this Christmas day. That you are able to experience gratitude and fellowship that honors the great story He is still writing.
