Weekly Bible Readings
8 Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them, 19 and Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.
Questions/Reflections to Consider
1. What is one question you have after having read this passage?
What is one thought or observation that interests you after having read this passage?
What do you sense this passage might be saying to you personally after having read it?
What do you sense this passage might be saying to our church and leaders after having read it?
For a moment, talk to God, pray, perhaps use the passage and thoughts as a basis for your conversation.
46 Mary said:
With all my heart I praise the Lord,
47 and I am glad because of God my Savior.
48 God cares for me, his humble servant.
From now on, all people will say God has blessed me.
49 God All-Powerful has done
great things for me, and his name is holy.
50 He always shows mercy to everyone who worships him.
51 The Lord has used his powerful arm
to scatter those who are proud.
52 God drags strong rulers from their thrones
and puts humble people in places of power.
53 God gives the hungry good things to eat,
and sends the rich away with nothing.
54 God helps his servant Israel
and is always merciful to his people.
55 The Lord made this promise to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his family forever! . . .
67 The Holy Spirit came upon Zechariah, and he began to speak:
68 Praise the Lord, the God of Israel!
He has come to save his people.
69 Our God has given us a mighty Savior
from the family of David his servant.
70 Long ago the Lord promised
by the words of his holy prophets
71 to save us from our enemies
and from everyone who hates us.
72 God said he would be kind
to our people and keep his sacred promise.
73 He told our ancestor Abraham
74 that he would rescue us from our enemies.
Then we could serve him without fear,
75 by being holy and good as long as we live.
76 You, my son, will be called the prophet of God Most High.
You will go ahead of the Lord to get everything ready for him.
77 You will tell his people that they can be saved
when their sins are forgiven.
78 God's love and kindness will shine upon us
like the sun that rises in the sky.
79 On us who live in the dark shadow of death
this light will shine to guide us into a life of peace.
1. What is one question you have after having read this passage?
What is one thought or observation that interests you after having read this passage?
What do you sense this passage might be saying to you personally after having read it?
What do you sense this passage might be saying to our church and leaders after having read it?
For a moment, talk to God, pray, perhaps use the passage and thoughts as a basis for your conversation.
8-12 There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”
13-14 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:
Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
15-18 As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds were impressed.
19-20 Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!
Questions/Reflections to Consider
1. What is one question you have after having read this passage?
What is one thought or observation that interests you after having read this passage?
What do you sense this passage might be saying to you personally after having read it?
What do you sense this passage might be saying to our church and leaders after having read it?
For a moment, talk to God, pray, perhaps use the passage and thoughts as a basis for your conversation.