Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to Matthew 1:21

Christmas is one of the most refreshing and enjoyable times of the year yet so often, we get lost in the marketing maze of buying more and having the newest. This small Christmas devotional plan is designed to refocus us on the meaning of the season—the love of a Father, the gift of a Son, and the advent of a heavenly Kingdom in our midst.

As we look towards Christmas, can you feel that festive feeling building on the inside? This devotional is an advent based devotional, as we look with anticipation towards the birth of Christ. All of the Christmas festivities we know and treasure are founded on our expectation and hope in Christ, and what joy it is to celebrate his coming on Christmas Day!

Advent fills us with anticipation leading up to Jesus' miraculous birth. In this plan, discover how the need for a Savior was part of God's "perfect plan" all along. We find hope in the lineage of Jesus, recognize that God is our perfect Father, understand the need for humility, and take full confidence that the Peace of Christ goes with us this Christmas season and beyond.

As you rediscover Christmas in these devotions, you will find your heart opening to the wider field of God’s Love, empowering you to participate in the new Creation Story launched at Christmas and extending far beyond the Christmas season.

The Christmas season serves as a time to remember the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. Usually, when our calendar flips to December, our first reaction is to start listening to our favorite classic Christmas carols. But have any of us stopped to think about the depth of the lyrics that we’ve been singing every year since we were little? Join us as we adventure through “Melodies of Hope,” a series of Christmas carols that dive deep into the scriptures that inspired them.

Celebrating Christmas is a tradition many of us look forward to all year. We play music, decorate trees, and throw parties all through December. This Advent reading plan aims to help in those celebrations by exploring the themes of the Christmas story. This plan can be read with friends or as a family (kids too!). Use the “Application Questions” for groups to center the conversation on Jesus. And, for families, use “Next Steps”, to find creative ways to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

This Advent season, anticipate the celebration of Christmas with oral Bible stories. Listen to a story based on Scripture, reflect on its themes and journal with the Lord. May you be encouraged as you prepare your heart to celebrate the birth of our King Jesus!

This Advent, spend time in the opening verses of John’s Gospel reflecting on what these verses reveal to us about who Jesus is.

This five-day plan explores various angelic encounters that announced the arrival of the Messiah. We’ll consider Zechariah's doubt, Mary's humility, Joseph's obedience, and the shepherds' exuberance. Angels should not be worshiped, but they model true worship when they sing, “Glory to God in the highest!” This Christmas, marvel with the angels at the Savior born in the city of David who is Christ the Lord.

Wondering if your Christmas could get any better or struggling through this season? Join us in digging into the timeless wisdom of the Bible to discover what makes Christmas not just merry, but also, truly meaningful.