The Advent Bible Reading Plan embarks on December 1st, leading up to Christmas Eve, December 24. This 25-day journey offers a structured way to deepen your understanding of God’s grand narrative from creation to the birth of Jesus, emphasizing the anticipation of the Messiah’s coming. Structured around readings from both the Old and New Testaments, the plan is designed to help individuals and families reflect on the faithfulness of God, the brokenness of humanity, and the hope of redemption.
Each week, participants read through selected scriptures that spotlight pivotal aspects of God’s story:
- Week 1 focuses on Isaiah’s prophecies
- Week 2 on the Epistles about God’s Kingdom
- Week 3 revisits Old Testament prophecies
- Week 4 preps us for the arrival of God’s kingdom
Engaging in this plan, I’ve found a renewed sense of anticipation and hope during Advent. By reading these diverse but unified scriptures, we see God’s promises unfold and are reminded to pray and celebrate the continuity of God’s plan.
The plan not only invites us to travel through the big picture story but also to personally consider and share the good news of Jesus the Messiah with those around us. It’s a profound way to await our Savior and cling fast to the promises as we eagerly look forward to celebrating Jesus’ coming.
Exploring the Advent Bible Reading Plan
Earlier this year, as Christmas decorations began appearing, I had a light-hearted conversation with my husband in our tiny apartment kitchen. He semi-jokingly asked me to share a deep secret from my heart. With a serious look, I told him I sometimes wished we could keep the Christmas decorations up all year. We both laughed, but this small confession revealed my genuine love for the visual reminders of this special season.
Welcome to the liturgical season of Advent, a time set apart each year to focus away from worldly concerns and spend about 15 minutes a day in God’s word. The Advent Bible reading plan is a perfect tool for this season, offering short daily bible readings from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, which tell the stories of Jesus’ birth. This plan, available on platforms like ESV.org, is aimed at helping individuals and families alike to enter, reflect, and meditate on the hope and joy of Christ during the Christmas season.
This year, the plan starts with the gospel of Luke, exploring the first two chapters, which are celebrated and preached during Christmastime for their detailed account of the Nativity. This structured reading plan spans all 24 chapters of Luke, thoughtfully divided to cover the entire season of Advent, leading us to a deeper understanding of the marvelous incarnation of Jesus. Through this approach, whether alone or with family, participants can experience an abiding joy that enriches their preparation for Christ’s Birth.
What are Advent Bible Reading Plans and why are they Important?
Advent Bible Reading Plans are thoughtfully crafted to guide us through the scriptures with a focus on the anticipation and excitement of the coming Messiah. These plans encourage us to read daily, drawing from both the Old Testament and the New Testament to build a deep understanding of the big picture narrative.
As we get closer to Christmas, these readings help us to remember the faithfulness of God, acknowledge the struggle and sin within God’s creation, and renew our hope in the promised redemption.
Participating in these readings can be a personal journey or a group activity, making it an excellent opportunity for families and friends to decorate their hearts as well as their homes.
As my friend commented while preparing her home with accumulated decorations, including lanterns and twinkle lights, such physical adornments parallel the spiritual preparation we undertake. These decorations, much like the readings, are not just festive; they are services of love, reminding us of Jesus, the light of the world, as highlighted in John 8:12.
This plan is not only about the scriptures but also about the excitement and joy that leads up to Christmas. Despite the effort it takes to decorate and prepare, the true essence of this season is understanding and embracing the joy that might be lacking in everyday hustle.
It’s about slowing down to celebrate together, meditate, and pray as we look back on the promises fulfilled by the arrival of Jesus, ensuring we keep our focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
What is Advent and when?
Advent is a season marked by preparation and expectation, leading up to the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Derived from the Latin word adventus, which means coming or arrival, this Christian tradition spans the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, focusing on themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.
It’s a time for Christians to reflect on the anticipation of Jesus’ arrival and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, fostering a period of prayer and growing closer to Jesus as they await the coming of the Christ Child.
The duration of the Advent season can vary, typically starting on the Sunday nearest to November 30 and ending on Christmas Eve. If Christmas falls on a Sunday, Advent can be as long as five weeks; if Christmas is on a Monday, Advent lasts exactly four weeks.
This variability is taken into account by Advent Bible reading plans, which may omit readings from the fourth week in shorter seasons. Such plans are a great option for those looking to read daily Mass readings and deeply engage with the spiritual journey of the season.
Why is Advent so special?
Advent is an incredible opportunity to pause and remember the mighty things that God has done, reflecting on His faithfulness and promises throughout history. This special season is not just about preparing for Christmas; it’s a time to celebrate and partake in a period filled with wonder and awe.
The Advent Bible reading plan invites us to look back and remember, much like the people of Israel were instructed to in Joshua 3-4. As they crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, they were commanded to set up memorials to remember and rejoice in God’s mighty hand and to fear the Lord forever.
During Advent, we engage with scriptures that build anticipation for the coming Messiah, prompting us to pause and dwell on God’s goodness. This season serves as a memorial in the Christian calendar to stop and remember not just the birth of Christ, but the entire big picture story of redemption.
Each reading is a reminder of God’s unending goodness and faithfulness, encouraging God’s people to be thankful and to pass on these reminders throughout the season and beyond, into every Christmas and Easter, and all the times in between.
Advent is more than just a season; it’s a time to reflect on why Jesus is the reason for the season. While the phrase might sound like a cliché, it invites us to acknowledge the honest reality of its impact on how we live during the Christmas season.
It’s easy to get excited about decorating the home, buying gifts, or baking cookies, but Advent calls us to dwell in the presence of our Savior and listen to His teachings. Amidst the hustle of running an online shop or busy shopping, the season becomes a backdrop for abiding in Christ and His Word, often relegated to an afterthought amidst festive preparations.
As the big day draws a week or two away, there’s often little time left to put careful thought into what an intentional plan for the entire season should look like. We may end up reading the Christmas story from the Bible on a quiet night, feeling a sweet regret that we didn’t prepare more purposefully.
Advent isn’t just about the rush; it’s a special time to simply still and take in the wonder of our Savior, the King. It’s about creating those moments throughout the season to truly reflect and celebrate, making every day leading up to Christmas meaningful.
Navigating Distractions During Advent
During the Advent season, the excitement of decorating our homes with all things green, red, and shiny can sometimes become a distraction from preparing our hearts. It’s easy to get wrapped up in making everything look visually perfect for Christmas, which is a nostalgic and constant reminder of the special season.
However, in the midst of this, it’s crucial not to let these preparations make the spiritual aspect an afterthought. The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 provides a classic biblical example of this struggle. While Martha was distracted with the duties of serving and became resentful towards her sister for not helping, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’s feet and listen to His teaching.
Jesus’ response to Martha is a poignant lesson for us:
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
This interaction highlights that while preparing and serving are not wrong, and indeed other biblical examples support this through verses like Proverbs 31:27, Matthew 20:28, and Galatians 5:13, it becomes a problem when it leads to being distracted from what is truly important. Mary understood the significance of the moment and responded in a way that Jesus delights in, by dwelling in the presence of the Savior and focusing on His words.
As we engage with our Advent Bible reading plan, it’s vital to remember not to let the seasonal hustle make us forget to prepare our hearts. Like Mary, we should seek to focus on the presence of our Savior and ensure that our spiritual preparations are as thorough as our festive ones.
This balance is what truly prepares us to celebrate the depth and beauty of Christmas, reflecting on what it means to be a part of God’s people and how we can relate to the true joy and peace that the Advent brings.
When should we do our daily Advent Bible readings?
During the Advent season, amidst the busyness and traditions such as gathering around the Christmas tree or a lit Advent wreath, finding time for daily scripture reading can seem daunting.
However, these moments can be a great way to calm the busyness of the season. A quiet time with Advent candles glowing sets a perfect atmosphere for family or small groups, like a women’s Bible study group, to come together and allow the Holy Spirit to help them encounter Jesus, the real reason for the holiday season.
This practice not only deepens personal Bible devotion but can also become a favourite Advent family tradition, enriching the anticipation of Christmas Day as hearts truly gather in spirit.
Family Advent Devotions
Integrating an Advent Bible reading plan into family traditions can transform the holiday experience, offering a daily moment of unity and spiritual reflection. Over the years, our family has celebrated Advent using various resources, but one favorite has been the Jesus Storybook Bible, which presents the grand narrative of scripture in a way that highlights the need for Jesus to come.
This method has been particularly LOVED by the children, and each night of December we read together, fostering a deep connection between the stories and their meanings.
To enhance this experience, I created a printable resource that families can use to engage children with the stories more interactively. Each day has a corresponding printable card, featuring a picture relating to the day’s story.
These cards can be cut out and used as ornaments, or arranged in chronological order and strung together as a banner in the home. This practice not only helps to remember the stories but also makes it a visual and participatory experience for the entire family.
As children have grown and our family dynamics have evolved, we’ve adjusted our Advent family traditions. The idea to build our own reading plan came from wanting to maintain the essence of our Advent celebrations while making them suitable for our changing needs.
If you think it’s a bit much to get through each day, consider starting earlier in December or extending the readings to make them last two months long, whichever suits your family. This flexibility ensures that you don’t have to worry about getting to Jesus’ birth on exactly Christmas Day.
For those who want to deepen their engagement, I recommend using the Bible plan with a structure that includes gathering together, singing a song, taking quiet time to calm down, and then reading the day’s readings.
Afterward, anyone who wants to journal or share personal Advent reflections can do so, closing with another hymn or prayer for personal intentions. This structured approach helps each family member engage with the story of Advent on a more personal level, making the season truly memorable and spiritually enriching.
Light a Candle
Lighting a candle during your family Bible time during Advent not only makes the season extra special but also serves as a physical reminder of the biblical meaning of hope and the coming of the light of the world.
Having a lit candle beside your Christmas tree can really help to deepen the spiritual atmosphere, making this time of year even more special. It reinforces the significance of the season and prepares everyone involved to reflect more profoundly on the themes of Advent.
Getting Started with the Advent Bible Reading Plan
Before you get started with your Advent Bible Reading Plan, it’s helpful to watch a video from The Bible Project on the Messiah. This video will help you see the big picture of what you’re going to read and help fill in any gaps in the familiar parts of the story.
The Bible Project does a great job of following the promise of the Messiah from Genesis to the actual coming of Jesus. Once you’re ready, you can get your own Advent Bible Reading Plan printable. These printables, complete with cards that go along with each day’s reading, are available for free when you subscribe to a monthly discipleship newsletter.
To enhance your experience, ask someone to join you in this Advent study, whether it’s a friend, spouse, or even a neighbor you’re discipling. It’s a wonderful opportunity to talk about doing it as a family or to celebrate the coming of the Messiah together with others.
Lastly, pray that God will work in you and others, asking Him to build anticipation and excitement to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Ask Him to give you eyes to see who He is and how His grand narrative of redemption unfolds through Jesus throughout scripture.
To start your Advent Bible reading plan, each day is assigned a chapter from Luke, along with a few cross-references that highlight the main points of the reading. This plan is not just a schedule but a starting place for deeper engagement.
Feel free to linger on each chapter, add more cross-references from memory or by using a search engine, and spend time reading commentaries or listening to sermons that enrich your understanding of the verses that stick out to you.
My hope is that through this plan, you will behold Christ in His birth, life, death, and resurrection, and carry this reflection forward in great expectation of His second coming, experiencing the truly good tidings of great joy this season promises.
Launching Your Advent Bible Reading Plan
The Advent Bible reading plan starts with a deep focus on the gospel—the good news that Jesus came to die and rise from the dead for our sins. Each participant is encouraged to spend the first week focusing intensely on this gospel truth, reflecting on what it means to repent and believe, and how this can lead to being reconciled with God.
This understanding helps appreciate the beauty and significance of Christmas as more than a historical event but a transformative experience of receiving gospel grace. As the days progress, the plan includes reflecting on the prophecies of Christ’s birth, with readings from several prophets inspired by the Holy Spirit who, at various times in history, foretold specific events of Jesus’s first coming.
The days leading up to Christmas are spent reading the story of Christ’s birth with passages each day that are short enough to allow extra time to go deeper. Participants are invited to engage in journaling, and each reading is included with a couple of questions at the bottom of the printable to apply what’s learned from the passages.
This method of praying over what is learned each day is a great way to connect with God and allow His Word to take root in one’s life, enriching the season with personal growth and deeper spiritual understanding.
Embarking on the Advent Reading Plan
Advent is a special time for Catholics and other Christians to prepare for the celebration of Christmas. A sample Advent Bible reading plan typically includes bible verses from both the Old and New Testaments, with a focus on 28 days of readings that aim to tell the story of God and His people the true story of Christmas.
This structured approach helps to pull together readings that trace the promises of God throughout the scriptures, offering a comprehensive view that enhances the spiritual preparation for Christmas. The reading plan ends on Christmas Day, but it’s a great idea to continue reading Holy Scripture throughout the Christmas season.
To stay organized during this busy season, consider using a simple Advent Bible Reading Plan Printable. This printable includes a scripture verse for each day to help you keep track of daily readings and remember God’s promises to all His people.
It’s designed to help readers better comprehend the true meaning of Christmas by reading a balanced selection of texts from the Old Testament and New Testament. Starting with the beginning of the Gospel of Luke, this plan allows you to follow a clear track of daily scripture readings and deepen your understanding of this profound season.
Advent Calendar Bible Reading Plan
Week 1: Promise of Redemption
- Isaiah 9:2-7 – A Child is Born
- Genesis 3:15 – The First Gospel
- Isaiah 55 – An Invitation to the Thirsty
- Jeremiah 33:14-16 – The Righteous Branch
- Luke 1:1-25 – Foretelling John’s Birth
- Matthew 1:18-25 – Joseph’s Dream
- Luke 1:26-38 – Annunciation of Mary
Week 2: God’s Faithfulness
- John 3:16-17 – God’s Love Manifested
- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 – Anointing of David
- Micah 5:2-5 – Ruler From Bethlehem
- Isaiah 7:10-14 – The Sign of Immanuel
- Genesis 12:1-3 – The Call of Abraham
- Isaiah 9:1-7 – A Great Light
- Luke 1:39-56 – Mary’s Visitation
Week 3: Prophecy and Hope
- Isaiah 11:1-10 – The Coming of the Messiah
- Isaiah 35:1-10 – Joy and Salvation
- Isaiah 40:1-11 – Comfort and Hope
- Isaiah 42:1-9 – The Servant of the Lord
- Isaiah 53:1-12 – The Suffering Servant
- Isaiah 61:1-11 – Good News to the Poor
- Luke 1:67-79 – The Prophecy of Zechariah
Week 4: Fulfillment and Light
- Micah 5:1-5 – The Coming of the Messiah
- Malachi 3:1-5 – Refiner’s Fire
- Matthew 1:1-17 – The Genealogy of Jesus
- Luke 1:67-79 – Zechariah’s Prophecy
- Isaiah 60:1-6 – Light in the Darkness
- John 1:1-18 – The Word Became Flesh
- Luke 2:1-20 – The Birth of Jesus
Christmas Blessings Through Advent Readings
As you journey through the Advent season with the Advent Bible reading plan, consider incorporating printables that offer previews of the readings, questions to ask, and memory verses to meditate on throughout the month.
These tools are designed to enrich your understanding and deepen your engagement with scriptures like Luke 1-2 and Isaiah 9:2-7, where the glory of God shines through the promise of peace and goodwill toward men. This method of engaging with the Bible not only blesses your Advent season but also prepares your heart to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
In addition to the daily readings, the plan encourages you to leave thoughts and reflections on the passages you explore. You might consider sharing your reading journey on social media, like Instagram stories, to inspire others during this beautiful season.
Pray that your December is filled with the simple joys, peace, and wonder of Christ the Lord. As the team at Paper Peony Press, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and hope you make sweet memories, find joy in your Christmas preparations and festivities, and most importantly, find Jesus and delight in His Word as you seek Him during this special time.
FAQs
What book of the Bible to read during Advent?
During Advent, consider opening portions of Matthew and Luke, as they directly show the story of Jesus’ birth and connect to Israel’s prophecies in the Old Testament. These books are often used in sermons and Bible studies around Christmas-time. Their narratives continue what was begun in earlier scriptures, fulfilling a deep desire to understand the origins of our faith.
What readings are read during Advent?
For Advent, enrich your spiritual journey with Weekly Scripture readings recommended for use in church services.
Start on the 1st Sunday with Isaiah 64:1–9, reflecting on hope, and Psalm 122, a call to peace. The following weeks include Isaiah 2:1–5 and Isaiah 40:1–11, capturing themes of comfort and renewal. Mid-Advent, read Isaiah 35:1–10 for a vivid depiction of redemption. The final Sundays before Christmas focus on the prophecies of Christ’s birth in Isaiah 7:10–16 and Isaiah 11:1–10, alongside 2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16, emphasizing God’s eternal promise. Each selection deepens understanding of God’s plan and prepares the heart for celebrating Jesus’ arrival.
