The countdown to Christmas can either quicken our pace or steady it with purpose. Throughout the season of Advent, we encourage you to use these daily scripture readings to prepare your heart for the coming of Christ.
WHAT IS ADVENT?
Advent is a period of roughly 4 weeks leading up to Christmas. If you’re unfamiliar with Advent, it is a season of anticipation. (Think “adventure,” which actually comes from the same latin root.) During Advent, we prepare for Christ’s arrival. We remind ourselves that all is not right in the world, and what we need most is not a thing but a person. We need a savior. Not presents. Presence.
WHAT CHRIST BRINGS
Many families observe the four weeks of Advent by lighting candles. Typically 4 candles are arranged in a circle or wreath. These symbolize four great gifts Christ brings us: hope, love, joy, and peace. Inside the circle, a fifth candle is placed to symbolize Christ. Below, the Sunday readings focus on the four gifts of Christ’s coming, if you wish to incorporate these readings with the lighting of the candles.
DEC 3 – HOPE (Click any scripture to open in new window.)
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Sun. – 1 Peter 1:3-9
Mon. – Luke 1:26-38
Tue. – Isaiah 40:1-9
Wed. – Isaiah 40:28-31
Thu. – Titus 2:11-14
Fri. – 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Sat. – Psalm 85:7-13
DEC 10 – LOVE (Click any scripture to open in new window.)
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Sun. – 1 John 4:7-12
Mon. – 1 John 4:13-21
Tue. – Matthew 1:18-25
Wed. – Isaiah 9:2-7
Thu. – Philippians 2:1-11
Fri. – Titus 3:4-7
Sat. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
DEC 17 – JOY (Click any scripture to open in new window.)
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Sun. – Psalm 126:1-3
Mon. – Psalm 30:1-5 and 30:11-12
Tue. – Luke 1:39-56
Wed. – Luke 1:57-79
Thu. – Psalm 51:1-2 and 51:7-12
Fri. – Psalm 96:1-13
Sat. – Isaiah 11:1-9
DEC 24 – PEACE (Click scripture to open in new window.)
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Sun. – Luke 2:1-20
DEC 25 – CHRIST (Click scripture to open in new window.)
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Mon. – John 3:16-17