Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to Luke 2:8

We’re filled with anticipation as we lean into this season of celebration with the intention of tuning into the heart of God. Join us for 4 weeks as we: Behold Beauty, Break Barriers, Make Room, and are Surprised by God. Like all the best stuff in life, this journey is best taken with others—so grab a friend or two and your sense of wonder and roll into the Advent Season.

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.

Every year, during the Christmas season (and at times outside of the season), Christmas carols can be heard on high rotation in shopping centres, on the radio, in homes, and in churches. Songs that are so familiar that friends and family who are not Christians still know the lyrics and the melodies. These Christmas carols have become so familiar in society that sometimes it can seem like we are singing them by rote, forgetting the message of the Gospel that inspired the words we are singing. We hope in this plan, you have time to reflect on the lyrics of these songs that bring joy, hope, and life in Christ.

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 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.

You may have heard the Christmas story before, but what if there was more to this story than you realized? Why did Jesus come to earth as a baby? Why did He choose to live among His creation at all? This 5-day plan dives deep into the miraculous events of that holy night to reveal the real purpose of Christmas.

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.