Today is January 8, I’m Nick and it is amazing 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
Life spins at a relentless pace, with demands pressing in from every direction. But right now, you are stepping into a sacred space. Pause. Quiet your mind. Turn your attention toward Jesus.
Close your eyes.
Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it. Repeat this three times.
As you inhale, whisper in your heart: “Lord Jesus Christ.”
As you exhale, pray: “Have mercy on me.”
Do this three times. Ask God to speak, then sit in silence for a few moments.
When you are ready, begin to read.
Read
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
(Luke 2:1–7, 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
Now read the passage again slowly, being mindful of what God is wanting you to hear from Him.
Meditate
Every Christmas, my grandma would bring out the Bible robes and towels, and we would act out the story of Jesus’ birth as we read Luke 2. That memory always comes to mind when I revisit this passage.
But what stands out to me most is how God used something as ordinary as a government census to get Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem—fulfilling prophecy and ensuring that Jesus was born in David’s hometown.
God has a way of placing us exactly where we need to be at just the right time so He can use us for His glory.
Take a few moments to reflect on this truth:
God uses our circumstances to position us for His purposes.
Respond
God, thank you for using my circumstances to place me where you want me and use me for your glory...
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: Prayer in the Moment
Life is made up of transitions—moving between events, tasks, and conversations. Use those small in-between moments to offer a quick prayer.
Examples:
After completing a task: “God, thank You for giving me the ability to finish that.”
After a conversation: “God, be with my friend and help them follow You.”
The goal is to keep an ongoing conversation with God throughout your day.
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.