Check out all the previous Christmas readings here.

Christmas Reading Plan | Week 3 | Day 2

Prayer

Allow some silence for your soul to catch up with your body. Open your hands before God and think about the things that are troubling you. Imagine they are in your hands and give them to God. End your prayer thanking God that He meets you in your trials and brokenness.

Bible Reading: Micah 5:2-4

Read these verses three times slowly.

Marshal your troops now, city of troops,
for a siege is laid against us.
They will strike Israel’s ruler
on the cheek with a rod.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.”

Therefore Israel will be abandoned
until the time when she who is in labor bears a son,
and the rest of his brothers return
to join the Israelites.

He will stand and shepherd his flock
in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
will reach to the ends of the earth.

Reflection & Questions

There are so many images that people pay attention to at Christmas. It’s Santa in a sleigh, reindeer, angels, and of course a baby in the manager. However, next to that little manger are usually a handful of things. Take a look at your nativity at home. What do you see? Chances are that you see a little sheep or a shepherd by the manger. But why? Yes, there were shepherds near Jesus when he was born to see God in human form the first time. But these shepherds were invited by angels. God REALLY wanted them to be there, why?

God loves a good object lesson. Those shepherds that were present weren’t just tourists catching the latest exciting event. They were an example of who this little baby in a manger would grow up to be like.

Micah 5:4 says that one Day Jesus will, “He will stand and strengthen his flock in the strength of the Lord.” Jesus is the Great Shepherd, and His role in our world is to bring all glory to himself, while at the same time helping all people be strengthened in the midst of this dark and painful world. He is the shepherd, who was born in a little town of Bethlehem. He is present, guiding us along, lifting us up when we feel weak, and watching over us to keep dangers away. The Shepherd that sits at your nativity, is a reminder of the protection and care that Jesus wants to lead your life with. Will you let Him?

1. Jesus is the protective Shepherd sent for us, how are you not allowing him to lead you?
2. What area of your life do you know you need to ask for his guidance in?

Prayer

God help me to look to you for guidance.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:

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Questions?