Check out all the previous Christmas readings here.

Christmas Reading Plan | Week 5 | Day 1

Prayer

As you come to spend time with Jesus, calm your mind and body until you feel fully present. Ask Him to teach you more about Himself today.

Bible Reading: Mark 14:60-65

Read these verses three times slowly.

Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.

Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”

“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”

They all condemned him as worthy of death. Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.

Reflection & Questions

Today’s reading fast-forwards us from Jesus’ birth to his death. Jesus has been arrested and now stands on trial before the high priest. The High priest asks Jesus the question that has been on everyone’s minds throughout Jesus’ life and ministry: “Are you the Messiah?”

Jesus’ response is direct: “I am”. That settles it. He’s either who He says He is and we need to make Him Lord of our lives, or we need to ignore everything this crazy man has said.

But Jesus doesn’t leave His answer there. He continues: “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Jesus is saying, I’ve come once and I’m coming back and the next time you’ll see me as I truly am, the King.

In celebrating Christmas, we remember Jesus, our Savior’s first coming. But we would be amiss to leave it there. Jesus didn’t. He was already looking forward to His second coming. Christmas proves to us that He will be back. Let’s look forward to that and be ready for Him!

1. What would be the dangers of focusing on Jesus’ first coming and not His next one?
2. As you think about Jesus’ second coming, what thoughts and emotions come to mind? Do you feel ready? If not, who is someone you could talk to about that?

Prayer

Pray in response to today’s reading.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:

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Questions?