Today is January 5, I’m Nick and it is a fantastic to be here with you today.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm:
Slow down…
Read…
Notice…
Reread…
Meditate…
Respond…
and Exercise, take a small step to live out what we’ve heard.
It’s a moment to pause, breathe, and meet Jesus in His Word — so He can shape our hearts and guide our day.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down

You are stepping into a sacred space with the intent of meeting Jesus. He wants to meet with you and spend time with you. Take this moment to slow down, quiet your mind, and prepare your heart to connect with Him.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it. Repeat this three times.
As you inhale, whisper in your heart: “The word of God.”
As you exhale, pray: “Will never fail.”
Do this three times, ask God to speak, then sit in silence for a few moments.
When you are ready, begin to read.

Read

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”
Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”
The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For the word of God will never fail.”
Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.  
(Luke 1:26–38, NLT)

Notice

What are you hearing from God? What stands out to you in this passage? Is there a word or phrase that catches your attention? Write it down in your journal or here.

Reread

Let’s read the passage again slowly, being mindful of what God is wanting you to hear from Him.

Meditate

There is always some kind of story that can be told about someone’s birth, and each year those parents share it with their children. For me, I was born 20 days past my due date, so I would hear stories about all the tricks my mom tried to help me come sooner.
Can you imagine hearing this story of how God chose for His Son to come into the world? Each year, I’m sure Mary reminded Jesus about that angel and the surprisingly wonderful news they brought. She was going to be the mother of the Messiah—what a weighty blessing to see God keep His promises from long ago. I’m sure with each telling, the tears came as she remembered telling the angel that she was the Lord’s servant and was ready to be a part of God’s plan.
Take a few moments to reflect on this truth:
God keeps His promises, and he uses humble people too.

Respond

Thank you God for the story surrounding the birth of Jesus and your ability to keep your promises by doing what you said you would do…

Exercise

The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits.
Habit: Coloring
Go online and find a coloring page of the story of Jesus’ birth, print it off, and color it. Once you’re finished, put it on your fridge or hang it somewhere in your home. When someone asks you about it, share with them the story of Jesus’ birth.
Make some art that helps you tell the story of Jesus’ birth

That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today.
Now, take what you’ve heard… and live it.
Whether it’s a prayer in the moment, a smile to light someone’s world, or a helping hand —
let God’s Word shape your steps.
Remember, discipleship isn’t just something we learn…
it’s something we live.
Until next time,
keep slowing down,
keep listening,
and keep walking with Jesus.
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