Daily Guide 25th December 2023 | Scripture Union Devotional

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Today’s Topic: IMMANUEL

Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, expose me to your truth as I read your word in Jesus name.

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 1:18-25

Question(s) for Reflection
• Q 1: What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
• Q 7: What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?

Outline For Scripture Union Daily Guide 25 December 2023

Yesterday we read the genealogy of Jesus Christ and Matthew intentionally and inspirationally rounded the genealogy off thus: “And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ” (vs.16). And today Matthew took us through graphic details of the fashion or manner of His birth, leaving no one in doubt of the non-involvement of Joseph in the conception of this ‘Anointed One’ (vs.18-20).

A Jewish betrothal was a much more binding relationship than a western engagement. Although there was no sexual relationship during the period (v.18), the relationship could only be broken by divorce. This explains why Joseph is called her husband and the process of putting her away is described as divorce in (v.19).

Although Christ’s birth had been prophesied by the prophets of old (Isaiah 7:14), God did not want to leave anything to chance and speculation. At this point, Joseph was reminded of the prophetic utterance of the birth of the Saviour (vs.21-23).
What can we learn from Joseph in vs.24-25?

Practice/Word Application
Meditation: Take time to reflect on the name “Immanuel”? It simply means, ‘God with us’. Have you received Him into your life? If not, make this Christmas count for you by inviting Him into your life or family.
For Reflection
Song: Immanuel, Immanuel,
His name is called, Immanuel. God with us, revealed in us;
His name is called, Immanuel.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
When I am faced with difficult choices, Father, help me, like Joseph, to obey you no matter the cost.

Offer a prayer of faith in line with 1 Chronicles 16:34
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Isaiah 64, 65; Revelation 8.

NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN FOR 25TH DECEMBER 2023

PRAYER FOCUS: GOVERNMENT POLICIES
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water: He turns it wherever He wishes. Proverbs 21:1
THANK GOD FOR:
►Being Omnipotent and Omniscient, and for exercising dominion over all nations, the works of His hands
►Having sustained interest in the peace and progress of our nation, Nigeria
►Because His thoughts towards us are of peace, and not of evil.
PRAY FOR:
►The lord will lay His hand on our leaders and prevail over their hearts
►God will surround our leaders with visionary, God-fearing advisors and counsellors
►They will always introduce well thought-out policies and programmes that will promote peace and growth in the nation

PRAY AGAINST:
►Greedy, selfish advisors, that their counsels might always fail, and like the counsel of Ahitophel, into foolishness