Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to Matthew 2:18

You know, it’s funny. When we read Bible stories, we tend to view the characters as supernatural beings – heroes at the least and almost perfect people close to deities at the most. Neither is probably true. Oh sure, they accomplished heroic deeds and are worthy of admiration, but the truth is they were humans, just like us, with all our foibles and failures, fears, and worries. Maybe it’s time to see them for who they really are and experience what it might have been like to witness firsthand the true Christmas miracle.

Advent is a church tradition to help believers across the globe prepare their hearts for the arrival of Jesus. Over four weeks, we’ll look at themes of hope, peace, joy, and love in the biblical narrative leading up to Jesus’ birth, and how these themes can be applied to our Christmas season this year.

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.

Don't lose your focus for the reason of the Christmas season—Jesus. Celebrating Advent is a beautiful way to keep Christ central in the holiday and in this reading plan, you'll take a journey through Scripture to worship our King with daily Bible readings and devotions.

Don't lose your focus for the reason of the Christmas season—Jesus. Celebrating Advent is a beautiful way to keep Christ central in the holiday and in this reading plan, you'll take a journey through Scripture to worship our King with daily Bible readings and devotions.

Don't lose your focus for the reason of the Christmas season—Jesus. Celebrating Advent is a beautiful way to keep Christ central in the holiday and in this reading plan, you'll take a journey through Scripture to worship our King with daily Bible readings and devotions.

Matthew’s Gospel opens the New Testament by brilliantly introducing the culmination of the entire Old Testament story. After thousands of years and dozens of generations, Jesus had come “to save his people from their sins” (Mathew 1:21). Matthew focuses on Jesus as King of Kings, who had come to reign on the throne of David forever.

Find hope in Jesus by exploring the opening chapters of Matthew’s Gospel. These chapters reveal who Jesus is: fully human, fully divine, Immanuel—God with us. He is the beloved Son of God, fulfilling the promises made to Abraham and David. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus not only shows us how to live in the kingdom of God but also makes a way for us to enter it. As His ministry begins with the call to repentance, we see the long-awaited kingdom finally breaking into the world. Hope is here!

Christmas and Easter—two meaningful seasons help us celebrate Jesus’ birth and resurrection. Now make the days in between special, too, with One on One: 100 Days with Jesus. Walk with Jesus in Advent (30 days), in His Ministry (35 days), in His Passion (35 days). Begin during Advent—finish around Easter. Be inspired every day to know and love Jesus more as He connects with people, one on one.

This twelve-part plan can be read alone, with a group, or with your family! Each month, you will dive into a new part of the unified story that leads to Jesus discovering the heart of God for the whole world. This month, we'll explore Biblical texts from Daniel all the way to the Gospels! Let's dive into Part eight of twelve!