In this post I will be sharing my Advent bible reading plan for personal prayer, families and groups.
Welcome to the liturgical season of Advent. The season of Advent is the perfect time to set aside worldly concerns, even for 15 minutes a day, and get into God’s word so you can truly prepare to experience the Christmas story.
In this Advent Bible reading plan, I have selected commonly used scriptures for each day of Advent. That means there are short daily bible readings for each day leading up to Christmas, to help us prepare our hearts for Christ’s Birth.
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What is Advent?
The season of Advent comes from a Latin word, adventus, which means “coming” or “arrival.” In the Christian tradition, Advent is the season of preparation and expectation leading up to Christmas, the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
During Advent, Christians focus on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, reflecting on the anticipation of Jesus’ arrival as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. It is a time of prayer and growing closer to Jesus as we await the coming of the Christ Child.
When is Advent?
Not everyone knows this, but Advent is not simply the day leading up to Christmas, or the month of December. The season of Advent is calculated each year based on the date of Christmas. There are always four Sundays of Advent.
That means that Advent can be a full 5 weeks long, if Christmas falls on a Sunday, or just a day over 4 weeks, if Christmas falls on a Monday!
To account for this, this Advent bible reading plan takes into account the longest Advent season. In a short year, you will need to omit some readings from the fourth week of Advent.
Another really great option for an Advent reading plan that changes each year is to read along with the daily Mass readings.
Who is this Advent Bible reading plan for?
This Advent bible reading plan can be used by the entire family, or as a personal bible devotion. You could even use this in small groups or with your women’s bible study group.
When should we do our daily Advent Bible readings?
In the midst of traditions and with the busyness of the Christmas season, it can be difficult to find time for daily scripture reading.
However, in this special season, gathering together by the Christmas tree or around the lit Advent wreath is a great way to calm the busyness of the season, to gather together as a family and allow the Holy Spirit to help you encounter the person of Jesus and the real reason for the holiday season.
In fact, this quiet time, with your lit Advent candles glowing and in the anticipation of Christmas day in your hearts, may truly become one of your favourite Advent family traditions.
Light a Candle
I always think it is extra special to prepare for the coming of the light of the world with a lit candle or lit Christmas tree.
It really helps make our family Bible time at this time of the year even more special. It also helps us have a physical reminder of the biblical meaning of hope.
Advent Bible Reading Plan
Advent is a special time for Catholics to prepare for the celebration of Christmas. Here’s a sample Advent Bible reading plan that includes bible verses from both the Old and New Testaments. There are 29 days of readings in total. I have attempted to pull together readings that tell the story of God and his people, and the true story of Christmas.
This reading plan ends on Christmas Day, but it is a great idea to continue reading Holy Scripture throughout the Christmas season.
Family Bible Time Suggestions
I recommend using this Bible plan by gathering together in song, taking some quiet time to calm down, then reading the readings. If anyone wants to journal or share about their personal Advent reflections, they can do so. Then close with another hymn, prayer, or personal intentions.
Advent Calendar Bible Reading Plan Printable
I have included a simple Advent Bible Reading Plan Printable that has each scripture verse on it to help you stay organized with the daily readings. Remember, God’s promises are for all his people, not just the organized ones who do the Advent season perfectly. When in doubt, read the beginning of the Gospel of Luke and you’ll be on track.
These daily scripture readings are taken from both the Old Testament and the New Testament of the Bible and aim to help the reader better comprehend the true meaning of Christmas.
Advent Bible Reading Plan
Subscribe below for a PDF version of the Advent Bible Reading Plan printable.
Week 1
- First Sunday of Advent: Jeremiah 33:14-16 – God’s Promise Will Be Fulfilled
- Monday: Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17 – Prophecy of Balaam
- Tuesday: Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 – The Lord is my Light
- Wednesday: Baruch 5:1-9 – Encouragement for Jerusalem
- Thursday: Jeremiah 23:5-8 – A Righteous Branch
- Friday: Matthew 1:1-17 – The Genealogy of Jesus
- Saturday: Matthew 1:18-25 – The Birth of Jesus
Week 2
- Second Sunday: John 3:16-17 – God’s Love for the World
- Monday: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 – The Anointing of David
- Tuesday: 2 Samuel 7:1-17 – The Davidic Covenant
- Wednesday: Isaiah 2:1-5 – A Vision of Peace
- Thursday: Isaiah 7:10-14 – The Sign of Immanuel
- Friday: Isaiah 9:1-7 – The Coming of the Prince of Peace
- Saturday: Luke 1:5-25 – The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
Week 3
- Third Sunday: Isaiah 11:1-10 – The Coming of the Messiah
- Monday: Isaiah 35:1-10 – Joy and Salvation
- Tuesday: Isaiah 40:1-11 – Comfort and Hope
- Wednesday: Isaiah 42:1-9 – The Servant of the Lord
- Thursday: Isaiah 53:1-12 – The Suffering Servant
- Friday: Isaiah 61:1-11 – Good News to the Poor
- Saturday: Luke 1:26-38 – The Annunciation to Mary
Week 4
- Fourth Sunday: Micah 5:1-5 – The Coming of the Messiah
- Monday: Luke 1:39-56 – The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth
- Tuesday: Malachi 3:1-5 – Refiner’s Fire
- Wednesday: Matthew 1:1-17 – The Genealogy of Jesus
- Thursday: Luke 1:67-79 – The Prophecy of Zechariah
- Friday: Isaiah 60:1-6 – Light in the Darkness
- Saturday: John 1:1-18 – The Word Became Flesh
Christmas Day:
- Luke 2:1-20 – The Birth of Jesus
Access the Printable
Other Advent Devotions
While you’re praying your way through Advent, check out these other Advent posts:
- Advent Activities Printable
- Jesse Tree
- O Antiphons
- Decluttering for a Peaceful Advent
I hope you have a blessed Advent and a very merry Christmas!
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