Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to Luke 2:7

The Bible tells the wonderful story of Jesus' birth – but what was happening behind the scenes? Have we added to the story? Believed things that aren't true? Let’s take a look at scholars’ further scrutiny of God’s Word and into the customs of the times to learn even more about the cast of characters and our Savior’s entrance into the world on that amazing night.

The vocations represented in the characters of Christmas can teach us a lot about God and how our work is a means of co-laboring with “the newborn King.” In this four-day plan, we’ll look at the vocations of the innkeeper, King Herod, the nameless manger builder, and Jesus himself to draw out applications for our own work today.

Discover the wonder of the Christmas story with fresh eyes - looking deeper at the tough experiences, challenging settings, and real people it's made up of. At its heart, the Nativity isn't a cute kids' play: it's the gritty, wondrous story of Jesus entering the mess and madness of the human world.

In this 4-part devotional, Pastor Dylan Dodson asks, “what if some of the big promises in Scripture are actually true?” This plan will encourage you as you see that Scripture is a unified story that finds its fulfillment in Jesus.

As we enter the Advent season and celebrate Christmas, it's an opportune time to shift our focus from the humble cradle of Christ's first coming to the glorious crown of His second coming. Let's dive into the significance of this shift and what it means for us today. Reflecting on Christ's First Coming: Begin by reflecting on the profound impact of Christ's first coming as a humble child.

Ever thought much about Joseph of Nazareth? Jesus had to be conceived by the Holy Spirit but raised to manhood by an earthly father. Joseph’s purpose was to raise Jesus and make a man of the Son of God. Let’s learn from the man who raised our eternal Hope. Let’s reflect on how we as men can also raise hope for generations to come by being selfless and intentional mentors.

We will look at Luke’s version of the Christmas story, with historical insights from Kenneth Bailey’s "Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes" (IVP, 2008). We will discover in it the surprising ways God was at work in the world. Then, we will ask God to open our eyes and ears so that we may not miss His work in our world today.

The Bible teaches to “honour your father and mother” and Mother’s Day is a time to do just that. We can honour our grandmothers, aunties, sisters, teachers, and friends. Whoever the special women are in your life, honour them. Learn about some famous mothers in the Bible, from Eve and Sarah to Hannah and Mary, and that we are all part of a much bigger family, God’s family.

We give gifts to each other on Christmas morning. But, on the very first Christmas morning, we were given the greatest gift ever – Jesus. Over the next four days, we will learn how Jesus is the heart of the true story of God’s love for us. In the Lightgliders virtual world for kids, we call this the “Far Greater Story.”

The military life can often impede on Christmas traditions and family gatherings, leaving our attitudes misaligned. This quick read 4-day devotional, designed for military families but applicable to any family traveling or in transition, reminds us how our Savior's humble beginnings, can transform our attitudes towards His hope and peace.