Series: The Call of Christmas  
Message: The Call to Praise 
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Pslam 46:1-5.

Read: Luke 2:1-20—As you re-read for the final time this week in the ESV translation, what did you discover new about God's character?

Reflect: I could not resist sharing this, on page 58 of the same book from yesterday. Seeing these connections assures me of the Holy Spirit’s fingerprint all over Scripture. It simply makes me want to praise God more. 

“The seven I AM metaphorical statements of Jesus in the gospel of John are followed by their corresponding circumstances in the story of Jesus’ birth:
“’I am the bread of life.’ Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which means ‘house of bread.’
“’I am the light of the world.’ Jesus was born under the light of the star of Bethlehem.
“’I am the door of the sheep.’ The doors of the guest house were closed to Mary and Joseph, but the gate to the stable was open.
“’I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.’ Baby Jesus was sought by shepherds looking for a baby wrapped in swaddling bands (used for birth or burial), and lying in a manger.
“’I am the resurrection and the life.’ Jesus survived King Herod’s attempt to kill Him.
“’I am the way, the truth, and the life.’ Wise men found their way to Him, recognized the truth about Him, and defied King Herod’s evil plot.
“’I am the true vine.’ Jesus was born in Bethlehem Ephrathah, which means ‘fruitful.’”

Recalibrate: 

1. Remind yourself and share a time when some external circumstances lined up a perfect situation for you. We would normally refer to this as providence. 
2. What other prophecies needed external factors to take place in order that they might be fulfilled?

Respond: Pray for patience.

Research: Providential. Find a good definition and Biblical grounding for your understanding of providence.