Daily Bible Reading “Jesus was Born in Bethlehem” (Matthew 2:1-23)

Posted on December 24, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Jesus was Born in Bethlehem

Matthew 2 tells about the birth of Jesus. He was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king. Bethlehem means “house of bread.” In John 6:35 Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” Bethlehem was a village about six miles south of Jerusalem.

There were wise men who came to Jerusalem saying they saw a star in the east, and asking, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews?” When Herod heard this, he was upset and so was the whole city of Jerusalem. Herod wasn’t a religious man, neither was he Jewish. He was a Palestinian politician who preferred everything Greek. Herod had never heard of the prophecy from Micah 5:2, which clearly points to the Messiah coming from Bethlehem.

Herod sent the wise men to Bethlehem to search for the child and when they found Him they worshiped Him. Then the wise men were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they went another way. Herod sent men to kill all the children in Bethlehem who were from birth to two years old.

Joseph was warned in a dream that he should take Jesus and Mary to Egypt to keep Herod from finding Jesus and killing Him. This looks like they were running away, but it had been prophesied when the LORD said in Hosea 11:1 which Matthew quoted, “Out of Egypt have I called my Son.” They stayed in Egypt until Herod died only a year or two later.

Then Joseph had a dream telling him to take them to Israel. But when he heard Herod’s son, Archelaus was reigning in Judea he was afraid, so he went to Nazareth. This fulfilled another prophesy which said Jesus would be called a Nazarene. If you will notice that all these things look like they are not meant to be, but were previously prophesied.

This reminds me of one of my favorite Scriptures, Romans 8:28, which says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” We see that every move which was made had been previously orchestrated by God.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 2:1-23

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life.
21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

Things to think about:

How did Joseph feel knowing Jesus was being sought by Herod to be killed?
Have you ever noticed in your own life things that seem to be problems end up being for your good?
Think about what it must have been like to be the parents of the children who were killed by Herod.
What prophesies were fulfilled in this Scripture?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your Son, Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem. Thank You that You protected Him from Herod. Help us to remember what the Scriptures have to say about the birth of Jesus. Thank you for this Scripture which helps us to see that there are no accidents and that all things work together for Your will. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, …

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behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, – Matthew 2:1

This is an excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ in honor of the celebration of Jesus’ birth for Christmas.

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Featured Book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman, which takes you through the life of Jesus Christ. The book of Matthew is the first book in the New Testament of the Bible. It begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ and His birth.

The Book of Matthew also goes into Jesus’ ministry on earth, including the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ parables, and Jesus’ final days, including His death, burial, and resurrection. The book concludes with the great commission.

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ includes fifty-seven daily devotionals which contain a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions to think about, and a prayer of the day. It is a great book for individual daily devotions or a group Bible study.

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Daily Bible Reading “Mary Did You Know” (Matthew 1:18-25)

Posted on December 23, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Mary Did You Know

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 1:18-25. Have you ever considered the real meaning of Christmas? It is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. While we do all kinds of things during the holiday season to celebrate, such as buying gifts, decorating our houses, decorating trees, going to parties, and having family celebrations, our focus should be on the real reason for the season.

In the previous study we looked at the genealogy of Jesus Christ. In this lesson, we go back to the beginning, when it was first discovered that Jesus Christ was going to be born into this world through a miracle of God.

Matthew starts telling about the birth of Jesus in Matthew 1:18. Mary was a virgin, chosen by God, to be the mother of Jesus. It was a miraculous birth, because Mary was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Think about how Mary must have felt when she found out she was expecting a child, but had never had a physical relationship with a man. Mary was engaged to Joseph, who was a just man. At first, he thought he should put her away privately and not make a public example of her.

But the angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream and confirmed that Mary had conceived of the Holy Ghost. He told Joseph that Mary was going to have a son and they should call him JESUS. Can you imagine how Joseph must have felt when he woke from that dream?

The angel also told Joseph that Jesus would save His people from their sins. This was the purpose of Jesus’ birth; from the beginning God brought Jesus into the human race to be the Savior of the world. He used Mary as an instrument to allow Jesus to be born as a human, so He could live in this world and ultimately so He could be the sacrifice for our sins.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 1:18-25

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Things to think about:

Can you imagine how Mary felt when she found out she was expecting a baby?

Can you imagine how Joseph felt when he found out his fiancée Mary was going to have a baby even though they didn’t have a physical relationship?

Think about the miracle God performed when He caused Mary to be expectant of the Holy Ghost.

Do you celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this account from Matthew about the virgin birth of Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for sending Him to the earth to be our Savior. When we celebrate the Christmas season, help us to keep our focus on the true reason for the season. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and

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they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

– Matthew 1:23

This is an excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ by Deborah H. Bateman

Christian Music: Mary Did You Know ~ Reba McEntire

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. We will share an excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ in honor of the celebration of Jesus’ birth for Christmas.

Featured Book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Genealogy of Jesus Christ” (Matthew 1:1-17)

Posted on December 22, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Genealogy of Jesus Christ

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 1:1-17. This is a study of the book of Matthew and his account of the life of Jesus Christ. In today’s Bible Study, we’ll look at the Scripture from Matthew 1:1-17. In this Scripture, we’ll find the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Often times we skip these Scriptures when we see them in the Bible, but it is important that we know the genealogy of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As you read through these Scriptures look at some of the names you recognize from other parts of the Bible. Most of us remember Abraham, who was a faithful follower of God in the Old Testament. This promise was made to Abraham in Genesis 12:3: “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”How about Isaac, Jacob, and Judas? Then we get into some names that may not be as familiar to us.

Notice in this scripture that Boaz, Ruth, and their son, Obed, are mentioned. We also see King David who was the son of Jesse, Obed’s son. We see Solomon mentioned. Then we go back into some names that are not as popular and we may not even recognize some of them, until we come to Jacob, whose son was Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. This was Jesus’ legal blood line through Joseph, not His blood line through His mother, Mary.

Take note of the fact that there were four women mentioned in this genealogy. Most of the time you won’t see women mentioned when genealogy is listed. However, when you look at the backgrounds of these women, you will find the grace of God evident through their lives.

In Matthew 1:17, we are told, “So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.” Do you wonder what the significance of three sets of fourteen generations was?

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 1:1-17

1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;

3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;

5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her [that had been the wife] of Urias;

7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;

8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;

9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;

10 And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;

11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:

12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;

13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;

14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;

15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;

16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

Things to think about:

What names listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ do you recognize?

What names do you not recognize?

Why are some names more familiar to us than others?

Take a couple of the names you don’t recognize and look them up to see who they are and what their story was.

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the Bible that gives us the genealogy of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We thank You for allowing Him to come into this world to be the Savior of the world, so we might be forgiven from our sins. Help us to honor Him with our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. – Matthew 1:16

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This is an excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ by Deborah H. Bateman

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Please come back again tomorrow and invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study. We will continue to share excerpts for the from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ in honor of the celebration of Jesus’ birth for Christmas.

Featured Book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Go to: http://bookShow.me/B00C1JGJMQ
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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Give Thanks for the HOPE We Have in Christ” (2 Thessalonians 2

Posted on November 27, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Give Thanks for the Hope we Have in Christ

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17. In the first chapter of the letter Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica he addresses the tribulations that they have been going through. In this chapter he talks to them about the hope we have in Christ.

Even in that time the people thought the Lord was coming back or had already came and they missed it. Paul tells them of some of the signs of the times and things that will take place before the Lord comes back to gather His children.

Paul talks about the wrath that will come upon the people who refuse to accept Christ. It breaks my heart to think that anybody would have to go through this. It’s my desire that all would come to Christ, but I know there are some who won’t accept Him.

If you are reading this and have never accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I urge you to pray and ask Him to come into your heart and forgive you of your sins, that you might escape the wrath to come and live eternally with Him in heaven.Paul gives thanks to God for the people and talks to them about the hope we have in Christ. Do you know of that hope?

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Thessalonians 2:1-17

1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

Things to think about:

How do you know if you’ve found the hope of the Lord?

In what ways does the Lord comfort your heart?

Do you look forward to the coming of Christ?

Prayer of the day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the hope we have in You. We pray for those who haven’t yet accepted Your salvation, that they might accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives. We give thanks to You for Your love for us and the comfort we have in You. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because …

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God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

– 2 Thessalonians 2:13

“Give Thanks” by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back tomorrow. Please invite someone to join us for Bible Study.

Featured Book:

Give Thanks

by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

About the book:

Give Thanks is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends. Give Thanks contains 21 daily Bible lessons that remind us to have an attitude of gratitude.Each lesson contains a brief commentary, coordinating Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day.

Give Thanks is a great Bible study for individual or group Bible studies.Four of Deborah’s friends contributed to the book and one of her friends contributed pictures of nature to remind us to be thankful for God’s creation.

May God bless you as you read this book and remember all the things you have to be grateful for and to “Give Thanks” with a grateful heart.

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Daily Bible Reading “Thanksgiving – Give Thanks to God in Everything” (Philippians 4: 4-9)

Posted on November 26, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Thanksgiving –

Give Thanks to God in Everything

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 4: 4-9. Paul tells the members of the church of Philippi (a city in Greece) to rejoice in the Lord always. He tells them not to worry, but through prayer with thanksgiving let their request be known to God. Then, the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will keep their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Paul tells them to give thanks in everything. This is hard to do in the natural man, because when trouble comes our way the first thing we ask is why God, why me? God wants us to trust Him and praise Him no matter what the circumstances of our lives. The only way this is possible is through the Holy Spirit living in us.

That doesn’t mean we might not be sad or concerned about our circumstances. But, we can still praise God for who He is and for His Son, and the gift of salvation that He offered us. God loves you. He knows what is going on in your life and He cares about you.

Paul says not to worry, but pray and give thanks to God and the peace of God will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Then, in verse 8 he tells them to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praise. This is good advice for us today. It is hard to be negative if we are praying, praising God, and thinking on good things.

As you spend time with your family for the Thanksgiving holiday, keep these things in mind and make a point to thank God for your family and for all that He has provided for you. May God bless you and your family and may you have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 4: 4-9

4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Things to think about:

How can we keep our thoughts in check?

What are some ways we can communicate our concerns to God?

What are some things we can always be thankful for no matter what is going on in our lives?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We rejoice in You, Lord. Help us not to worry about things, but to come to You with prayer and thanksgiving. Help us to keep our minds on things that are good and know You are in control, no matter what is going on in our lives. We love You, LORD In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

–Excerpt from “Give Thanks” by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

Christian Music Video: In Everything(Give Him Thanks)

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends to join us in our Bible Study.

Featured Book:

Give Thanks

By Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

About the book:

Give Thanks is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends. Give Thanks contains 21 daily Bible lessons that remind us to have an attitude of gratitude.

Each lesson contains a brief commentary, coordinating Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day. Give Thanks is a great Bible study for individual or group Bible studies.

Four of Deborah’s friends contributed to the book and one of her friends contributed pictures of nature to remind us to be thankful for God’s creation. May God bless you as you read this book and remember all the things you have to be grateful for and to “Give Thanks” with a grateful heart.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Click Here to Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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