Continuing In The Word
Daily Devotionals
Week of December 21, 2025
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes from last Sunday's message:
Day 1: God Seeks Us First
Reading: Matthew 2:1-2; John 6:44
Devotional: The magi traveled hundreds of miles following a star, thinking they were seeking Jesus. But the greater truth is that God was seeking them. Before we ever thought to look for God, He was already drawing us to Himself. The star didn't appear because these men were worthy—they were pagan astrologers who knew little of Scripture. Yet God pursued them with His grace. Today, if you find yourself open to spiritual things, don't dismiss it as coincidence. God is drawing you close. The question isn't whether you deserve His attention—none of us do. The question is: will you respond to His seeking love? He finds us before we find Him.
Day 2: Joy in His Presence
Reading: Matthew 2:9-10; Psalm 16:11
Devotional: When the magi saw the star stop over Jesus' location, they "rejoiced with exceedingly great joy." Their joy wasn't in reaching their destination or completing their journey—it was in experiencing His presence. After hundreds of miles and countless obstacles, simply being near Jesus was enough. How often do we treat God's presence as insufficient, always wanting more comfort, more answers, more blessings? The magi teach us that worship flows from recognizing who He is, not from what He gives. This Christmas, fix your eyes on Christ Himself. He is enough. Your circumstances may be difficult, but His presence is your greatest gift. Let joy rise not from perfect situations, but from the reality that Emmanuel—God with us—dwells in your heart.
Day 3: Costly Worship
Reading: Matthew 2:11; Romans 12:1
Devotional: The magi opened their treasures and presented gold, frankincense, and myrrh—gifts fit for royalty, each one costly and precious. They gave their best simply because of who Jesus was. True worship always costs us something. It might be our time, our comfort, our resources, or our pride. The magi didn't know Jesus would die for their sins or rise from the dead. They knew far less than we do, yet they gave extravagantly. We have His complete Word, His indwelling Spirit, and the full revelation of the gospel—yet do we hold back our worship? This week, examine what you're withholding from God. Your worship isn't measured by your theological knowledge but by the surrender of your heart. Give Him your best because He is worthy.
Day 4: God Works Outside Our Boxes
Reading: Matthew 2:3-6; 1 Corinthians 1:27-29
Devotional: The Jewish leaders knew Scripture perfectly. They could quote Micah 5:2 about the Messiah's birthplace. Yet these theological experts missed Jesus entirely, while pagan Gentile astrologers worshiped Him. God doesn't limit Himself to our expectations of how He should work or who He should use. The Jesus Movement of the 1960s brought hippies to Christ—people the church initially rejected because they didn't fit the mold. Who are you dismissing because they don't match your expectations? God delights in using unlikely people in unexpected ways. Stay humble about your understanding. Test everything by Scripture, yes, but don't become so rigid that you miss what God is doing around you. He specializes in working outside our boxes.
Day 5: Three Responses to the Gospel
Reading: Matthew 2:1-12; Luke 2:10-11
Devotional: One gospel, three responses: The magi responded with joy and worship. Herod responded with hostility and fear. The Jewish leaders responded with indifference and apathy. Nothing has changed. Today, people still respond to Jesus in these same ways. Some see Him as a threat to their comfort and autonomy. Others acknowledge His existence but remain unmoved, letting faith make no practical difference in their lives. But some respond with worship, recognizing that Jesus is good news for all people. Which response describes you? Hostility and indifference both lead to missing Christ. This Christmas, let your heart be soft. If God is drawing you, respond. Take the next step. You don't need all the answers—the magi didn't. You just need to follow the light He's given you. Wise men still seek Him.
As you celebrate Christmas this week, remember: Jesus didn't come just for the religious insiders. He came for shepherds, magi, sinners, and seekers. He came for you. Respond to His seeking love with worship, surrender, and joy.
Day 1: God Seeks Us First
Reading: Matthew 2:1-2; John 6:44
Devotional: The magi traveled hundreds of miles following a star, thinking they were seeking Jesus. But the greater truth is that God was seeking them. Before we ever thought to look for God, He was already drawing us to Himself. The star didn't appear because these men were worthy—they were pagan astrologers who knew little of Scripture. Yet God pursued them with His grace. Today, if you find yourself open to spiritual things, don't dismiss it as coincidence. God is drawing you close. The question isn't whether you deserve His attention—none of us do. The question is: will you respond to His seeking love? He finds us before we find Him.
Day 2: Joy in His Presence
Reading: Matthew 2:9-10; Psalm 16:11
Devotional: When the magi saw the star stop over Jesus' location, they "rejoiced with exceedingly great joy." Their joy wasn't in reaching their destination or completing their journey—it was in experiencing His presence. After hundreds of miles and countless obstacles, simply being near Jesus was enough. How often do we treat God's presence as insufficient, always wanting more comfort, more answers, more blessings? The magi teach us that worship flows from recognizing who He is, not from what He gives. This Christmas, fix your eyes on Christ Himself. He is enough. Your circumstances may be difficult, but His presence is your greatest gift. Let joy rise not from perfect situations, but from the reality that Emmanuel—God with us—dwells in your heart.
Day 3: Costly Worship
Reading: Matthew 2:11; Romans 12:1
Devotional: The magi opened their treasures and presented gold, frankincense, and myrrh—gifts fit for royalty, each one costly and precious. They gave their best simply because of who Jesus was. True worship always costs us something. It might be our time, our comfort, our resources, or our pride. The magi didn't know Jesus would die for their sins or rise from the dead. They knew far less than we do, yet they gave extravagantly. We have His complete Word, His indwelling Spirit, and the full revelation of the gospel—yet do we hold back our worship? This week, examine what you're withholding from God. Your worship isn't measured by your theological knowledge but by the surrender of your heart. Give Him your best because He is worthy.
Day 4: God Works Outside Our Boxes
Reading: Matthew 2:3-6; 1 Corinthians 1:27-29
Devotional: The Jewish leaders knew Scripture perfectly. They could quote Micah 5:2 about the Messiah's birthplace. Yet these theological experts missed Jesus entirely, while pagan Gentile astrologers worshiped Him. God doesn't limit Himself to our expectations of how He should work or who He should use. The Jesus Movement of the 1960s brought hippies to Christ—people the church initially rejected because they didn't fit the mold. Who are you dismissing because they don't match your expectations? God delights in using unlikely people in unexpected ways. Stay humble about your understanding. Test everything by Scripture, yes, but don't become so rigid that you miss what God is doing around you. He specializes in working outside our boxes.
Day 5: Three Responses to the Gospel
Reading: Matthew 2:1-12; Luke 2:10-11
Devotional: One gospel, three responses: The magi responded with joy and worship. Herod responded with hostility and fear. The Jewish leaders responded with indifference and apathy. Nothing has changed. Today, people still respond to Jesus in these same ways. Some see Him as a threat to their comfort and autonomy. Others acknowledge His existence but remain unmoved, letting faith make no practical difference in their lives. But some respond with worship, recognizing that Jesus is good news for all people. Which response describes you? Hostility and indifference both lead to missing Christ. This Christmas, let your heart be soft. If God is drawing you, respond. Take the next step. You don't need all the answers—the magi didn't. You just need to follow the light He's given you. Wise men still seek Him.
As you celebrate Christmas this week, remember: Jesus didn't come just for the religious insiders. He came for shepherds, magi, sinners, and seekers. He came for you. Respond to His seeking love with worship, surrender, and joy.