Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to Matthew 1:23

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.

We all want to hear from God. But sometimes, it’s hard to know what that means or how to listen. In the Christmas story, God spoke to ordinary people through dreams, angels, Scripture, and the quiet stirrings of the Spirit. Each one had to decide how to respond. Over five days, we’ll look at how Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and others heard from God, and what that can teach us about hearing and following him in our everyday lives today.

Advent is the season when we prepare our hearts for the arrival of Jesus - the Word made flesh, full of grace and truth. In these five reflections, we’ll look at how Jesus reveals the fullness of God’s love and challenges us to live in that same balance of mercy and conviction. Each week offers a Scripture reading, a short devotional, and questions for reflection to help you draw closer to Christ. As you read, may you come to know that God’s grace meets you in truth, and His truth always leads you back to grace.

This devotional explores the heart of Christmas: Hope In Darkness. Set against the real struggles of the first century, it reminds us that Jesus didn’t arrive in comfort or power, but in hardship, humility, and waiting—just like many of us experience today. Through the story of shepherds, Mary, and the birth of Jesus, we’re invited to see that God notices the overlooked, meets us in our brokenness, and brings hope when it’s needed most. This plan invites you to slow down, reflect, and rediscover Jesus as living hope, not just for Christmas, but for everyday life.

The story of Christ's birth is central to our celebration of Christmas. This reading plan chronicles the humble beginnings of a Savior the world had been anticipating for centuries. This short collection of readings connects us to the arrival of Emmanuel, a God who is with us.

Join us on this journey to deepen your relationship with Jesus. This is part one of eight in the "Jesus, I Need You" series by Thistlebend Ministries. See also Jesus, I Need You (companion prayer).

Matthew writes to God’s people and walks them on a journey that will take them from where they are to be Disciple Makers. This is the 1st of 27 devotional plans walking us through the book of Matthew. How does the journey start? It brings in the stories of many people – you might even see yourself in these people. Each played an important part in the birth of Jesus.

He’s with you through the pain. He comforts you in the waiting. When you’re anxious about your future, He gives you courage. As you climb the mountain, He keeps you safe in His arms. In every moment, you are not alone. Start this Life.Church Bible Plan to accompany Pastor Craig Groeschel’s series, God With Us .

God prepared the world for Jesus the Messiah right from the very beginning.  He made sure His world knew ahead of time that the Messiah was coming.  This is the first of three devotionals that give the prophetic pronouncements of the Messiah – and how they were fulfilled.  This devotional shows the prophecies of the lineage of Jesus starting from the garden of Eden right to Mary.

Journey to a Manger is a six-day plan that helps you discover the deeper story of Christmas. Each day contains a short (1–2 minute) audio message that ties into the journey theme. It was not an easy path. You will see how God used surprise encounters and even quiet shepherds to bring His Son into the world. These lessons connect to real-life stories to show how we can follow God today. No matter what you’re facing, Christmas reminds us that God is near, working in big and small ways. Let this journey draw you closer to Jesus.