Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to Luke 2:19

Spend five days with Dr. Ramesh Richard, president of RREACH (a Global Proclamation Ministry) and professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, as he reflects on three Christmas carols and offers pastoral insights on how you can maximize the meaning of Christmas this year.

The word "Advent" means "arrival" or "coming." On the church calendar, Advent is the beginning of the Christian year. It is a season of Great Expectation and a time not only to look back but to look forward.

What does Christmas mean to you? We want you to experience the joy and reality of Christmas: Jesus coming as a man to dwell among us! Journey with us as we are filled with the simple hope and light that is Jesus, who we remember and celebrate during Christmas. Jesus encountered people at the Table. Join us as we look at those lives impacted by His simple hope and light.

For many people, the Christmas season is filled with cultural traditions that make it a memorable time of year. Yet, these traditions can sometimes distract from the biblical reasons for celebrating Christ’s birth, no matter the time of year. This 5-day study points to the ultimate meaning of the incarnation, as outlined in Scripture, and encourages Christians to worship the Savior who was born in Bethlehem.

As we move toward Christmas and our tradition of giving gifts, let’s consider the best gift ever given to this world which is Jesus and all He has done for us.  Because of what this means to you and me, I would like to ask you to join me in giving our own gifts back to Jesus during this season.  Let’s let the first gift to Him be a jubilee of forgiveness to those who have hurt, wounded and offended us. 

In the middle of the craziness that the Christmas season brings, we need to remember why we celebrate: Jesus! Over the next 5 days, we'll look at the Christmas story to help us prepare our hearts and minds for this time of year.

The celebration of Jesus' birth during Christmas time is about much more than a single event. Long before the Son of God took His first breath here on earth, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit determined a plan that would provide the greatest gift to all humanity: Jesus, the perfect sacrificial Lamb of God. Join us in this 5-day devotional as we celebrate the Gift That’s Freely Given.

The Christmas story is found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. An Angel visits Mary to tell her that she would give birth to the Son of God. Jesus is born in Bethlehem. The shepherds come to see him, and the Magi from the east follow a star to Jesus.

By mid-December, many already hate Christmas. We are tired of the carols and the parties, and our tree is starting to die. There are a lot of reasons that people hate Christmas. But, what if all of the hatred is because what we hoped for isn’t reality? This year, set aside the hate and come expecting something new as we dive into Advent themes of the season.

The familiar songs of Christmas are a good way to share the real Christmas story with children. Carols share deep truths in an accessible, memorable way. Over five lessons, you and your children will follow the Christmas story and celebrate the birth of Jesus using Christmas carols as your guide. You can find this devotional along with additional activities, a playlist, and a printable nativity online.