Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to Matthew 1:18

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 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.

What does it mean to be a Christian? Faith in God is so much more than a checklist of spiritual behaviors. This 5-day Plan explores what it looks like to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and includes practical steps toward a genuine and healthy faith centered in love.

Family is more than shared DNA—it is built on love, commitment, and the willingness to say, “I choose you.” Throughout the Bible, we see powerful examples of children raised outside their biological families—yet they are loved, nurtured, and called by God for a purpose. Scripture shows us that family is not just about birth, but about choice. For those considering foster care, adoption, or other forms of family care, this devotional explores how God’s heart for chosen families is woven into His plan of redemption—and how we are called to care for children in need of family.

Most of us have experienced hospitality and welcome in homes and hotels. Yet hospitality goes beyond the walls of where we are and moves towards others. Hospitality is the work of welcome and is a posture we carry with us wherever we go. This reading plan walks through the times in the life of Jesus where he was vulnerable and rejected, when he received hospitality and repaired through it, and how he expands the space of welcome.

From the Garden of Eden to the manger in Bethlehem, God’s people have always been a waiting people. During Advent, we enter that waiting, looking back with gratitude for Christ’s first coming and forward with longing for His return. In this five-day journey, rediscover the hope, peace, joy, and love that are born in the waiting, and learn how to wait well—for the God who came near and will come again to make all things new.

Join us in this Advent devotional journey as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and look forward with hope to His promised return. Over these readings, we will reflect on the wonder of Christ’s first coming, God made flesh to dwell among us, and the assurance of His second coming, when He will make all things new. Each day will include a passage from the Christmas narrative, an Old Testament passage fulfilled or alluded to in Christ’s birth, and a passage from Revelation to help us look ahead to His coming kingdom.

The winter holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, but if we’re honest, they can feel overwhelming. Between the busyness of traditions and the stress of finishing a year, it’s easy to miss the heart of it all. If you feel anxious about the upcoming holidays, this five-day devotional is for you. Take a moment to slow down and remember what the season is really about: the gift of Jesus.