Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to Matthew 2:13

We will reflect on Scripture in both the Old and New Testaments that all point towards the coming of Christ. As we look at the story of Christ’s anticipated arrival over this Christmas season, our prayer at New Life Church is that you would remember that Jesus came to be the embodiment of God’s promises for salvation and redemption.

In this devotional written from the perspective of Jesus' mother, Mary vulnerably and honestly details the intimate moments of her experience as a mom. In each compelling scene, Mary treasures a small token to remember it by. Little does she know the divine significance each item will play in the ultimate purpose of her son’s role on earth.

A 24-day spiritual audio journey of scripture, reflection, and prayer to prepare your heart and mind to celebrate the birth and coming of Christ into the world.

As the month of Christmas begins, you can begin the journey towards the Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counsellor, and Mighty God. From the book of Isaiah to the gospel accounts of the birth of Jesus - Give space for the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to the reality of Jesus Christ, who was, is, and is to come. The King is here!

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.

What could be better than fully experiencing the holidays with Jesus? Each day of this special plan will help you celebrate Jesus and enjoy the Christmas season as we prepare our hearts for His birthday! Perfect for individuals, couples, families, small groups – or anyone who may feel alone this Christmas. Are you ready to experience Jesus and the holidays like never before?

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.

Christmas is truly the greatest story ever told: one of God’s perfect faithfulness, power, salvation, and unfailing love. Let’s take a journey over the next 25 days to discover God’s intricate plan to save the world from sin and the promises fulfilled in the birth of His Son.

Amidst all the hustling to get stuff done during the Christmas season, we invite you to pause daily and meet 25 Bible Characters (some well-known, some not-so-well-known) that Jesus brought healing to. Just as He has brought healing into the lives of those in the Bible, He is ready to bring healing to you today.

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.

During a season that often feels busy and stretched thin, we invite you to pause and remember what matters most: following Jesus. The birth of Christ is more than a story we tell in December. It's the beginning of our Savior's life on earth — and the pattern for our own life with Him. Our prayer is that these 25 days prepare your heart to celebrate His birth, deepen your walk with Him today, and stir your hope for His return. We’ve also created a companion worship playlist – search “Following Jesus Through the First Christmas” on Spotify to listen.

Join us this Christmas Season by diving into God's word each day as we celebrate the birth of Jesus!

Advent is a season of anticipation for our coming Savior. Enjoy a weekly video devotional and daily Scripture readings through the month of December, leading up to Christmas and the birth of Jesus!

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.

“God loves you, and He has a plan for your life.” This is a popular statement among Christians, and it is true. But God’s ways are not always easy! They may include suffering to transform us; we may go through deep valleys before reaching the heights of God’s promises. Joseph’s life story, as recorded in the book of Genesis, is a good example of this.

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.

At the end of each year, we have the chance to reflect on everything that's happened and all of the people around us. There’s so much we can be thankful for every year — even if things didn’t work exactly how we planned. God has given us so much, and the birth of Jesus is a great way to focus on all of the gifts we’ve received this year.

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.

Want to learn leadership from the leaders of the world’s fastest growing Christian population? Gain hope in hard times from people who have suffered and persevered? Explore the Trinity with the theologians who first grasped this doctrine? Understand biblical customs through the lens of similar African traditions? From the priest Phinehas to Augustine, believers in Africa have led God’s people to deeper discipleship. Here’s your chance to join the journey.