Jesus Before Bethlehem Week 2 Devotions (With Scripture)
Monday, December 8, 2025. Read Matthew 2:1-2 “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, [a]wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him”
The Magi traveled from afar, guided by a star, seeking the newborn King. Their journey exemplifies the importance of seeking the truth and of being willing to follow God’s leading. Ask God to help you seek Him earnestly in your daily life, recognizing where He may be guiding you. Dedicate time this week to exploring scripture or resources that deepen your understanding of Jesus.
Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Read Daniel 3:16-18 “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego displayed remarkable courage when they refused to worship the golden statue. Their faith in God’s ability to deliver them inspired them to choose conviction over conformity. Pray for courage to stand firm in your beliefs, even when faced with opposition or societal pressure. Identify a situation where you can stand up for your values and take action this week.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Read Matthew 2:10-11 “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
Upon finding Jesus, the Magi worshiped Him, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Worship is a vital part of recognizing Jesus’ lordship and our relationship with Him. Thank God for the gift of His son and ask how you can offer your life as a living sacrifice in worship. Plan a time for intentional worship this week—whether that’s through prayer, music, or service.
Thursday, December 11, 2025. Read Daniel 3:24-25 “Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his [a]counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?”They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the[b] Son of God.”
When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace, they were not alone; God was with them. This highlights that we are never abandoned in our struggles. Reflect on your own challenges and ask God to reveal His presence and comfort in those situations. Reach out to someone who may be feeling alone in their struggles and offer them your support.
Friday, December 12, 2025. Read Daniel 3:28-30 “Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel[a] and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this.” Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon.”
Through their faith, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego led to King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledging God. Similarly, in Matthew 2:12 we see the Magi were rewarded for their obedience. Our faith can have a ripple effect on others. Pray that your actions and obedience to God would positively influence others around you. Share your story of faith or a recent act of obedience with someone who may need encouragement.
