365 Days in the Gospels and Spirit of Prophecy
January 11
Bible discovery
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 365DGSP 12.2
2 And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 365DGSP 12.3
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 365DGSP 12.4
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 365DGSP 12.5
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 365DGSP 12.6
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 365DGSP 12.7
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 365DGSP 12.8
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 365DGSP 12.9
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 365DGSP 12.10
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 365DGSP 12.11
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 365DGSP 12.12
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 365DGSP 12.13
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 365DGSP 12.14
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 365DGSP 12.15
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 365DGSP 12.16
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 365DGSP 12.17
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 365DGSP 12.18
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 365DGSP 12.19
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 365DGSP 12.20
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 365DGSP 12.21
Spirit of Prophecy Reading
The Desire of Ages pp.43-49: 365DGSP 12.22
This chapter is based on Luke 2:1-20. 365DGSP 12.23
The King of glory stooped low to take humanity. Rude and forbidding were His earthly surroundings. His glory was veiled, that the majesty of His outward form might not become an object of attraction. He shunned all outward display. Riches, worldly honor, and human greatness can never save a soul from death; Jesus purposed that no attraction of an earthly nature should call men to His side. Only the beauty of heavenly truth must draw those who would follow Him. The character of the Messiah had long been foretold in prophecy, and He desired men to accept Him upon the testimony of the word of God. 365DGSP 12.24
The angels had wondered at the glorious plan of redemption. They watched to see how the people of God would receive His Son, clothed in the garb of humanity. Angels came to the land of the chosen people. Other nations were dealing in fables and worshiping false gods. To the land where the glory of God had been revealed, and the light of prophecy had shone, the angels came. They came unseen to Jerusalem, to the appointed expositors of the Sacred Oracles, and the ministers of God's house. Already to Zacharias the priest, as he ministered before the altar, the nearness of Christ's coming had been announced. Already the forerunner was born, his mission attested by miracle and prophecy. The tidings of his birth and the wonderful significance of his mission had been spread abroad. Yet Jerusalem was not preparing to welcome her Redeemer. 365DGSP 12.25
Satan in heaven had hated Christ for His position in the courts of God. He hated Him the more when he himself was dethroned. He hated Him who pledged Himself to redeem a race of sinners. Yet into the world where Satan claimed dominion God permitted His Son to come, a helpless babe, subject to the weakness of humanity. He permitted Him to meet life's peril in common with every human soul, to fight the battle as every child of humanity must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal loss. 365DGSP 12.26
The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his little child, and trembles at the thought of life's peril. He longs to shield his dear one from Satan's power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict. To meet a bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk, God gave His only-begotten Son, that the path of life might be made sure for our little ones. “Herein is love.” Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth! 365DGSP 12.27