Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to Luke 1:11

Luke’s Gospel is a beautiful and powerful telling of the life of Jesus. Luke focuses on Jesus as the Son of Man, the foretold Messiah who came to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). This Gospel shows us the “Upside-Down Kingdom” - that God uses what the world deems foolish and weak to shame the wise and strong.

Christmas is a time when we should all expect heaven’s entrance into our dusty, dirty worlds. Christmas is a time that reminds us all that miracles really do happen, prayers are actually answered and that heaven is just one response away. Through the experiences of Mary, Joseph, Zecharias and Elizabeth, the shepherd and the wise men, this devotional explores the significance of the first Christmas and how it intersects with each of our lives today.

The shame of barrenness. Diviners. Village obscurity. A child’s naming ceremony. A king’s shocking bloodline. Supernatural dreams. This advent season, fresh African insights illuminate the Bible’s timeless tale. Learn from the continent’s cultures, early theologians, and today’s Christian leaders. Journey through the whole Christmas story, from prophecies about Christ through Matthew, John, and Luke’s nativities. You won’t see the Christmas story the same way again.

As the Christmas season begins, we usually find ourselves more stretched for time than the rest of the year. We get caught up in the frenzy – and forget to focus on what’s truly important. This devotional will help you clear the clutter so you can make more room for Christ this Christmas.

Rahab and Ruth never expected to be in the lineage of the Son of God. Zechariah was simply showing up for his turn in the temple when an angel showed up too, announcing old Zechariah and old wife would have a baby! Augustus Caesar sent out a decree to tax the world, and ended up fulfilling a prophecy. Yet God was at work in all of these people and situations.

This devotional is written to be used in the 25 days leading to Christmas. Commonly referred to as “Advent,” meaning “coming,” these readings look at the arrival of the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, and anticipate his coming again.

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!

It was the most significant birth in the history of the world. The longed-for Messiah, the Savior, had come. And He was wrapped in cloths lying in a manger. Helping you reflect on these glorious truths is the goal of this Advent reading plan. Each day offers a Scripture reading, a brief reflection and summary of the passage, and a suggestion for prayer.

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.

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.