Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to Isaiah 11:1

When we try to find the central theme of the Bible, we might not immediately think of ‘trees’. But when we take a closer look, trees are mentioned quite often! Not as main characters or major topics, but they are frequently used as metaphors or symbolic representations of important truths. In this Reading Plan, we will read some Bible texts about trees, and see what we can learn from them.

Advent comes from the Latin adventus , meaning “arrival, approach.” During this season leading up to Christmas, we reflect on the longing of God’s people for the Messiah, which was fulfilled in the arrival of Jesus—God made flesh, Light from Light, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. Advent has another purpose, too: drawing our spiritual gaze toward the future when, as we affirm in the Nicene Creed, Jesus “will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.” This resource will guide you through both aspects of Advent reflection.

The songs of Christmas stir our hearts and strengthen ties to God. We celebrate the Greatest Story of All as we sing carols. These songs are among the riches of the Kingdom that are the legacies from those who have gone before us. They come from varied times, lands, and cultures. What they have in common is that they are gifts that help us unwrap The Gift of Jesus, God-with-us.

The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas. This Advent Plan can help you to enter in to the season with daily scriptures to prepare you spiritually for the birth of Jesus Christ.

Advent is, of course, a time to prepare. To prepare our homes, lives, and our hearts. Join us as we explore the Bible readings used by the Church to challenge, encourage, and help us prepare, not only to celebrate the incarnation but also the second coming of Christ.

In a season that is often characterized by the hustle and bustle of holiday celebrations, shopping and decorations, it is our hope that the Practices of Advent reading plan will provide you a daily invitation to practice the Hope, Peace, Joy and Love reflected in the gift God has provided in Jesus Christ – meeting our own longing for, and need of, forgiveness, salvation and a new beginning.

Get in the spirit of Christmas this year by spending the month of December reading through the story of Jesus's birth and finding practical ways share joy and love with others. Complete this plan by yourself or as a family!

Welcome to the Crosstowne Advent calendar! This community Advent celebration will begin on December 1st daily through Christmas! You will have Scripture readings every day and a fun optional Christmas activity to get the whole family to celebrate the reason for this season. We're excited to remember the hope this season brings through the birth of Jesus!

This Bible Guide was provided by YouVersion

The Essential Journey to Bethlehem provides you with one short scripture reading each day followed by a reflection question or two designed to help you see how God promised the world a Savior and then kept that promise. Join us on the journey from Old Testament prophecies about Christ's birth to the blessed stable in Bethlehem where he was born.