5-Day Devo (Based on 12.7.25 Sermon)

Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the December 7, 2025 Sermon.

Reading: John 1:1-14

Devotional: Before Bethlehem, there was eternity. Jesus didn't begin in a manger; He existed with God from the beginning. Yet this eternal Word chose to become flesh and dwell among us. Consider what this means: the Creator entered His creation, not as a distant observer but as a participant in human experience. The glory of Christmas isn't just that God sent help—it's that God became the help. He didn't shout instructions from heaven; He stepped into our story. Today, reflect on this profound truth: Jesus knows what it means to be human because He lived it. Whatever you face today, you face it with a Savior who understands from the inside out.

Reflection Question: What does it mean to you personally that Jesus chose to become human rather than remain distant?

Reading: Philippians 2:5-11

Devotional: Jesus gave up everything to gain you. He left the worship of angels for the mockery of men. He exchanged the glories of heaven for a cold stable. He traded omnipresence for the limitations of a human body. This wasn't a reluctant sacrifice but a willing descent motivated by love. Paul tells us Jesus "did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage." Instead, He emptied Himself. This is the heart of Christmas: divine love in action. When you feel unworthy or unloved, remember that the King of Glory thought you were worth leaving heaven for. His downward journey was the only path to your upward rescue.

Reflection Question: What privileges or comforts might God be calling you to release for the sake of others?

Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16

Devotional: Jesus didn't just visit earth; He experienced its full weight. He felt hunger's gnaw, exhaustion's pull, and temptation's seduction. Yet He never surrendered. Because He was tempted in every way yet remained sinless, He uniquely understands your struggles. He's not a distant judge shaking His head at your failures; He's a compassionate High Priest who says, "I know how hard that is." When temptation whispers, "You're alone in this," remember: Jesus has walked this path before you and emerged victorious. His throne is called a throne of grace—not condemnation. Approach it with confidence today, knowing He offers mercy and help precisely when you need it most.

Reflection Question: What temptation are you facing that you need to bring to Jesus today?

Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18

Devotional: Jesus shared in our humanity for one specific purpose: "that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death." Christmas was always pointing toward Easter. The baby in the manger was born to die on a cross and rise from a tomb. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus shattered death's stranglehold and freed us from lifelong slavery to fear. Death is no longer the final word. Because Jesus became like us, died for us, and rose again, we can face mortality with hope rather than terror. The Christmas story isn't complete without the empty tomb. Today, let this truth settle deep: death has been defeated, and you are free.

Reflection Question: How does knowing Jesus conquered death change the way you face your fears today?

Reading: Isaiah 53:3-6

Devotional: There are sorrows you can't Google, griefs no one prepares you for. But there is One who understands every silent sorrow, every unanswered prayer, every night when faith barely breathes. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be "a man of suffering, and familiar with pain." Jesus didn't bypass suffering; He walked straight through it. He wept at graves, felt betrayal's sting, and experienced abandonment. Because He suffered, He can truly save sufferers. You don't need to pretend with Jesus. He's not shocked by your pain or disappointed by your doubts. He came close because only a Savior who suffers can truly save sufferers. Whatever you're walking through today, you're not walking alone.

Reflection Question: What pain or struggle do you need to bring to Jesus, knowing He truly understands?

Lord Jesus, thank You for leaving heaven's glory to become like us. Thank You for understanding our temptations, bearing our sorrows, and conquering our greatest enemy—death itself. Help us to live in the freedom You purchased and to approach Your throne with confidence, knowing we have a High Priest who truly understands. May the truth of Christmas—that You are God with us—transform how we face every challenge, every temptation, and every fear. In Your precious name, Amen.

This 5-Day Devotional was generated with the help of AI, and is based off of Pastor Brian's December 7, 2025 Sermon: The Son’s Solidarity.