Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to Matthew 2:2

Watch this devotional plan to find out what you can do when the Christmas season isn't so happy and merry.

As a Christian, you may have heard that your identity should be found in Jesus, but have you ever thought about what that actually means? It means that when you chose to believe in Jesus, you chose to make his story, your story. This week, as an introduction to finding your identity, we will first take a look at Jesus' role as prophet, priest and king.

Christmas is a time of joy, hope and love. As we get ready to celebrate, we are going to take a journey to Bethlehem and experience the story of Christmas to prepare our hearts to receive the greatest gift of all - Jesus.

The ancient Scriptures, written by the prophets of old, declare that the Word of God was indeed made flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus, the Christ, was the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets. This year, may we share His peace and declare goodwill toward all mankind!

Christmas for many of us is a time of celebration and community, but for others it can be a time of loneliness and pain. This week Jon Owen (Pastor and CEO of Wayside Chapel, Sydney) reflects on the radical life of Jesus – a life defined by love and a heart for the oppressed and marginalised. There is hope, and we have a part to play.

Our Christmas story starts with the angel’s annunciation to Mary and concludes with the visit of the Magi. In these reflections and applications of the Christmas narrative I will mostly refer to Luke, as his is the fullest of the gospel accounts.

Do you long for fresh spices to flavor your spiritual experience of the Incarnation of Christ? Are you tired of stale clichés that taste like microwaved Christmas dinner leftovers? Are you hungry for an explosion of fresh flavors in your Christmas devotions? Experience a Gospel Spice Christmas alongside the shepherds, and discover how to make your life a daily nativity scene where Christ can be born in ever-deepening ways.

The Christmas story is filled with a wide cast of human characters who were each visited by an angel. The angels' messages were true not just 2000 years ago but also today. Read, listen, and learn from this most beloved of ancient stories.

Christmas is a great time to look closer at ourselves and see how the reality of Jesus coming to earth changed our lives. Heaven invaded earth and forever changed it. Our lives may be hard and complicated but in no way is it pointless with Jesus in it. Will you allow heaven to invade your life and live with a greater awareness of God’s presence and purpose for your life?

During Advent, we remember that Jesus is God’s Star, heralding God’s love and forgiving power to us. Each devotional in this series is for one of the Sundays leading up to Christmas. The fifth, and final devotional, is for Christmas Day. Use these short reflections around a meal table, or on your own. More than anything, lift your eyes to God’s Star –Jesus – as your Hope this season.