Sunday Scripture

Here is our third Sunday Scripture for December.  Remember, I am writing these posts from an Advent study that I did with Good Morning Girls in 2013.  The study, Keeping Our Hearts Focused on Jesus, is still available as a free download, so if you are interested head on over there and get it.  Scroll down and click on the book-like image similar to the illustration above, and the pdf should open right up.  More than just a Bible study, this is an ebook that includes recipes, Advent activities, and more.  I think it will be a blessing to you.

I've mentioned before that I like to use the SOAP method of Bible study, and the studies from GMG use a very similar one.  I find this method a real blessing whether I am studying shorter passages or longer ones, so I hope you'll give it a try if you haven't ever done so. Just a reminder that the S is for Scripture -- just write it out -- and the O is for Observation, the A is for Application and the P is for prayer -- concerning how you'll apply this verse or passage,  or praise for what it means to you.

Each week of this Advent study focuses on a theme: Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace.  This third week's verses are focused on Joy. 

Today's Scripture is Luke 2:10-14.  In the actual study, this one was from December 19 -- just in case you downloaded the study and are following along with it.

S=  "And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
"And this shall be a sign unto you: ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying,
"glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."  (Luke 2:10-14)

O=  Verses 10-12 are the words spoken by the angel of the Lord to the shepherds.  They were not to fear -- for they had been "very much afraid" when the glory of the Lord shone round about them (verse 9).  The angel was bringing them "good tidings of great joy" which would impact the entire world: "unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

The angel gave them a sign: this Baby would be wrapped in swaddling clothes -- as any other baby in that day would be -- but unlike other babies, this one would be lying in a manger.

Following this, verses 13-14 describe what happens next: suddenly the angel was joined by a multitude of the heavenly host.  These angelic beings were praising God with the words "Glory to God in the highest!" and "on earth peace, good will toward men."

A=  This Savior was born for me!  How thankful I am that I am one of those "all people" to whom the "good tidings of great joy" were brought.  Glory to God in the highest!  Am I bringing the appropriate glory to Him with my life?

P=  "Lord, I praise You for the Gospel -- for the "good tidings of great joy"!  I praise You and thank You for Your plan of salvation -- that Jesus came to be the Savior of "all people" who would trust Him by faith believing.  I praise You for bringing me to the understanding that Jesus came to die for me personally, and for drawing me to You with lovingkindness.

"I pray that You will help me to live my life in such a way that it brings glory to my Savior and points others to Him.  In Jesus' name, Amen."

And that's our Scripture Sunday for this week.  I hope that you're enjoying this little series.