Hope has a Name Devo Day 24 - December 23

Let’s prayerfully read & reflect on the Gospel of Luke chapter 2, verses 39 – 52, giving special attention to verses 39 -40

• V. 39 – When Joseph and Mary left Jerusalem, where did they go? _______________
• Why is Jesus being from Nazareth significant? – i.e. – it was in the area of Galilee, where 2/3 of His miracles and teachings would take place; The town was small and isolated – outside of the Jewish life (John 1: 46). ; Jesus grew up in this town and was referred to in his earthly ministry as “Jesus, the Nazarene.”
• The Old Testament prophet Isaiah speaks of the Messiah as a Branch( Isaiah 11: 1), a Hebrew term derived from the same root as “Nazareth.” Jesus of Nazareth is a direct fulfillment of a prophesy made 700 years prior to His birth. 

Imagine what it was like for the baby Jesus to become the boyhood Jesus. Verse 40 gives us insight -  “The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s grace was on him.”

• A good prayer for children is to become like Jesus. 
• Personalize this text for your son or daughter, niece or nephew, or grandchild(ren). 
• Christmas is special for children; the best gift we can give them is consistent daily prayers for each to “know Jesus and live like Him.” 

PRAYER PROMPT: “Abba Father, as I think of the child(ren) ________________________, I pray this one would become like Jesus. May this child grow up healthy and strong; may this one be filled with wisdom to discern what is right and wrong; may this child experience Your startling grace in life, for I humbly pray in Jesus’ name, Amen”