Christmas Reflections || The Holy Mess
Take some time to pause and reflect on the real meaning of the holiday season.
Day 4 - Christmas Reflections || The Holy Mess
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Day 4 – Christmas Salvation
Verse: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
(Zechariah 9:9)
Long ago, the prophet Zechariah foretold that salvation would come to us, humbled and riding on a donkey.
Luke 2:5 says, “He (Joseph) went there (Bethlehem) to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.”
We don’t know the exact details of the young couples’ trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem, but it’s often pictured with Joseph walking and Mary riding on a donkey.
Our salvation comes to us, humble and mounted on a donkey as Mary and Joseph travel.
Later, at the end of Jesus’ life, the prophecy is revealed in fullness of truth as Jesus rides on into Jerusalem in Triumphal Entry, as is recorded in John 12:13-14, “They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!’ Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it.” Just one week later, Jesus was crucified.
Our salvation comes to us, humble and mounted on a donkey as Jesus rides into Jerusalem.
Prayer: Dear Lord, You chose to come to earth as a human being, and even humbled yourself to such a lowly birth. You did all of this for me. Thank you for all you have done for me. Please help me to honor you by rejoicing in you, my Savior, instead of getting caught up in worry and being too busy. Amen.
For Discussion:
1. When you think of Jesus entering the world, and then into Jerusalem, in a humble way on a donkey, what feelings does that stir inside you?
2. Why do you think God chose for Jesus to enter the world in such a humble way?
We look forward to your comments and questions below!
If you want to share this Bible reading plan with friends and family, here is the link:
https://backtothebible.app/library/the-holy-mess/christmas-reflections
Verse: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
(Zechariah 9:9)
Long ago, the prophet Zechariah foretold that salvation would come to us, humbled and riding on a donkey.
Luke 2:5 says, “He (Joseph) went there (Bethlehem) to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.”
We don’t know the exact details of the young couples’ trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem, but it’s often pictured with Joseph walking and Mary riding on a donkey.
Our salvation comes to us, humble and mounted on a donkey as Mary and Joseph travel.
Later, at the end of Jesus’ life, the prophecy is revealed in fullness of truth as Jesus rides on into Jerusalem in Triumphal Entry, as is recorded in John 12:13-14, “They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!’ Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it.” Just one week later, Jesus was crucified.
Our salvation comes to us, humble and mounted on a donkey as Jesus rides into Jerusalem.
Prayer: Dear Lord, You chose to come to earth as a human being, and even humbled yourself to such a lowly birth. You did all of this for me. Thank you for all you have done for me. Please help me to honor you by rejoicing in you, my Savior, instead of getting caught up in worry and being too busy. Amen.
For Discussion:
1. When you think of Jesus entering the world, and then into Jerusalem, in a humble way on a donkey, what feelings does that stir inside you?
2. Why do you think God chose for Jesus to enter the world in such a humble way?
We look forward to your comments and questions below!
If you want to share this Bible reading plan with friends and family, here is the link:
https://backtothebible.app/library/the-holy-mess/christmas-reflections
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I am always amazed that He would enter the world so humbly. But when I realize that He experienced every single part of being human I become comforted in the fact that I can take ANY joy, sorry, frustration, fear, disappointment to Jesus because He totally understands my situation! Hebrews says He was tempted in every way I am. Because of His totally human existance I can go to him with every emotion and be validated in it, comforted, and encouraged to go on in His power. Wow! What a wonderful counselor!!!
I am amazed and overjoyed that Jesus entered the world and approached his crucifixion with such humility! It makes trusting him and following him so much easier. He's not an impersonal, angry God - He loves me, enough to deny himself for me.
I think it happened this way because it shows God's character and love so well and because our salvation needed Jesus to be one of us.
I think it happened this way because it shows God's character and love so well and because our salvation needed Jesus to be one of us.
I believe God wanted Jesus to enter the world in a way that people would remember and to show us that it doesn't matter where we were born at because God loves us no matter what or what we do. It didn't matter where He was born because He was God's son and God was in control. God loved Him from day 1 because He created Him just like He created each of us and loves us unconditional!
It is humbling to think of the setting in which Christ was born. I think this was done because He was given to us in a relatable form to be our Savior.
This makes me think of Philippians 2:5-8. Jesus didn’t consider equality with God something to be grasped ... and, thereby, set the ultimate example for all of us.