Jesus Before Bethlehem - Week 3 Devotions (With Scripture)

Monday, December 15, 2025 - Read Luke 2:4-7 – 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
In Luke 2:7, we read that Mary gave birth to Jesus and laid Him in a manger because there was no room in the inn. This humble beginning reminds us that God's ways are often contrary to human expectations. The King of Kings entered the world not in a palace but in a stable. Reflect today on the significance of humility in your own life. How can you embrace humility and serve others, just as Jesus did?

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 – Read Luke 2:8-14 -  8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to 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. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
In Luke 2:8-14, we see the angels appearing to the shepherds, proclaiming the birth of Christ. Their message is one of peace and goodwill: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." This heavenly announcement reminds us of the divine joy and peace that Jesus brings to our lives. Today, reflect on how you can create peace in your surroundings. How can you share the good news and bring joy to someone who needs it?

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 - Read Luke 2:15-20 - 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
The shepherds, often overlooked by society, were the first to hear the joyous news of Jesus’ birth. In Luke 2:15-20, they hurried to find the Savior and returned glorifying and praising God. Their response teaches us about the importance of sharing our faith and joy with others. Consider how you can spread the good news of Christ in your daily interactions. Who in your life needs to hear about the joy that Jesus brings?

Thursday, December 18, 2025 - Read Matthew 2:1-12 – After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’[b]”
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
In Matthew 2:1-12, the wise men traveled far, guided by a star, to pay homage to the newborn King. Their journey symbolizes the pursuit of wisdom and truth. They recognized Jesus’ significance and offered gifts fit for a king: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Today, reflect on the sacrifices you are willing to make to seek Christ. What gifts can you offer Him, whether of time, talent, or treasure, as you deepen your relationship with Him?

Friday, December 19, 2025 - Read Matthew 2:13-15 – 13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
In Matthew 2:13-15, we see Joseph's obedience as he takes Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape King Herod's wrath. This act of faith demonstrates the importance of listening to God’s guidance, even when the path is uncertain. As we conclude our Nativity reflection, think about how you respond to God’s call in your life. Are there areas where you need to trust Him more fully? Spend time in prayer, asking for the courage to follow His direction, no matter where it leads.