As we approach Christmas, we remember not only the baby in the manger but also the long story that led to His birth. Jesus’ genealogy reminds us of kings—some faithful, some faithless. Hezekiah shone as a bright light, tearing down idols and trusting God to deliver His people. But his son, Manasseh, would become one of the darkest rulers in Judah’s history. The line of Jesus carries the scandal of kinds like Manasseh to remind us that the Messiah was born not in a sanitized family tree, but in one filled with rebels and prodigals—because He came for sinners like us.

 

Put It into Practice: Consider this statement: “The failure of one generation doesn’t have to define the next — but it can, if pride goes unchecked.” Ask God what role you may play in the redefining.

 

Day 1 Matthew 1:1–10; 2 Kings 18:1-12 

Reflect: What does Hezekiah’s story teach about trusting God in crisis? Where do you see both strength and weakness in his legacy? What are modern worldly things that need to be “smashed”?

Apply: How is your faith and obedience to the Lord? What impacts them the most, for good and for bad?  Where do you need to trust God with an impossible situation right now?

Pray: Lord, My God, I praise You for Your faithfulness and acknowledge that You are the source of all my victories. I ask that You strengthen my faith and help me to trust in You completely, even when facing challenges.

 

Day 2 2 Chronicles 33:1–20

Reflect: What strikes you most about Manasseh’s downfall and repentance? How does God’s response reshape your picture of His mercy? What does this teach about repentance & restoration? 

Apply: When have you seen God’s mercy and grace in a similar kind of story? Identify one area where you’ve wandered from God and bring it honestly to Him. What do you hear from Him?  

Pray: Father God, I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I bring my sins to You and I humbly ask for Your grace, mercy, and forgiveness. 

 

Day 3 2 Kings 21:19-25

Reflect: What warnings do you see in Amon’s short reign, and what does his story teach about ignoring them? How do the sins of parents or leaders sometimes shape those who follow them? 

Apply: Where have you seen the consequences of pride and rebellion play out? Identify an unhealthy pattern in your family and ask God to help you break the hold of your past or family story.

Pray: God, reveal any pride or stubbornness in my heart. Please give me the strength to make the right choices, even when difficult. I pray that I will honor You with my life and set a good example for future generations. 

 

Day 4 2 Kings 22:1-20

Reflect: Why did Josiah respond with humility when he heard God’s Word? What does his story reveal about the power of the Word to bring renewal? Have you wept about a sinful act like he did?

Apply: Why do even our best efforts at reform eventually fall short? Commit to rediscovering God’s Word like Josiah; read, repent, and respond. Ask God to soften your heart when you hear His Word.

Pray: Lord, I humble myself before You, as Josiah did. I repent of the times I have not honored Your Word. I ask, with a humble and obedient heart, for You to speak to me through Your Word. 

 

Day 5 Isaiah 9:6–7

Reflect: What does this passage reveal about the kind of kingdom Jesus brings? How do “Wonderful Counselor, “Prince of Peace,” and other titles answer the failures of every other king? 

Apply: What names of Jesus stand out to you in this prophecy and why? How do you think Jesus would speak to the kings in His family line at the table? Worship Jesus today as your eternal King.

Pray: Jesus, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, I worship You and bless Your Holy Name! I ask You to reign in my life, and I will give You all the praise and glory!