Advent Devotional Reading Guide

A Small Taste Of The Glory Of Christ

God’s presence brings joy to His people (Psalm 16:11). This devotional guide gives you a small taste of the glory of Christ found in God’s Word. Don’t be surprised if you plan to spend 15 minutes and end up enjoying an hour with God! We were created for this. Our sole purpose in life is to worship and enjoy God forever.

How To Use This Guide

The goal is not to just get through the reading for the day and check the box (wait, there is no box!). Pick a time, pick a place, and maybe pick some people to read with. Early birds, get up and have your coffee with the Lord. Night owls, ditch Netflix and enjoy time with Christ. 

As you read, I recommend the following basic steps (ARMY):

1. Ask God to prepare your heart and mind to receive the Word with humility.
2. Read the passage with a pen or pencil in hand. Underline key words and phrases. Take brief notes in the margin or in a notebook, but remember that this is not an in-depth Bible study.
3. Meditate on a passage or truth from your reading throughout the day. Ask three questions: How does this reading lead me to love God more? How does this reading lead me to love my neighbor more? How does the passage show my need for God's grace to love God and my neighbor?
4. Yield to God’s will by praying for transforming grace to obey His Word. Confess your sin, trust in the death and resurrection of Jesus, and consider specific ways to apply the teaching of the passages to your life.

To be honest, you may not feel like doing this some days. Find a believer to read and meditate with. You can keep each other encouraged and accountable as you use this as an opportunity to spur on discipleship for next year!

Before You Get Started

Before you get started with this Advent guide, I want you to take 5 minutes to ask yourself a few questions. I know, I know, you don’t have time to stop and wait, right? But seriously stop and ask yourself these questions:
Why am I doing this? Will God love me less if I fail? Will He love me more if I do well? Is this just something I’m doing to look more spiritual?

If you decide to wake up earlier, stay up later, or give up some time during your lunch break to spend time with Christ, don’t just go through the motions. Remind yourself that the blessed saints are the ones who meditate day and night (Psalm 1). Abiding in Christ will lead to fullness of joy (John 15:1-11). The God of the universe is worth more than any gift you will receive this Christmas.

For a printable version of the guide, click here.

Reading Guide

Jesus, The Eternal Son Of God
December 1: Jesus, the Creator (Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-3)
December 2: Jesus, the Eternal Word (John 1:1-18)
December 3: Jesus, the Foreknown Savior (Acts 2:23; Acts 3:18; 1 Peter 1:17-21)
December 4: Jesus, the Son of God (John 1:29-34; Luke 1:35; Matthew 14:33)
December 5: Jesus, the Bread of Life (John 6:22-56)

Sinners In Need Of A Savior
December 6: The Fall of Man (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-19)
December 7: The Effects of Sin (Genesis 6:1-8; Psalm 14:1-3; Psalm 53:1-3)
December 8: The Wages of Sin (Romans 6:23; Psalm 49:7; Romans 3:23)
December 9: The Requirement of Justice (Proverbs 24:12; Job 34:10-15)
December 10: The Forgiveness That Counts (Mark 2:7; Matthew 9:1-8)

Prophecies Of The Messiah
December 11: Jesus, the Headcrusher (Genesis 3:14-15; Romans 16:20; Hebrews 2:14-18)
December 12: Jesus, the King (Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 2; John 18:33-38)
December 13: Jesus, the Forsaken (Psalm 22:1; Psalm 22:14-18; Matthew 27:45-56)
December 14: Jesus, the Risen (Psalm 16:8-11; Acts 2:24-32)
December 15: Jesus, the Light of the Nations (Isaiah 49:6; Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8)

Themes Of Immanuel
December 16: Joy in Christ (Romans 15:13; Philippians 4:4-7; 1 Peter 1:8-9)
December 17: Hope in Christ (Psalm 39:7; 1 Peter 1:3-5)
December 18: Peace in Christ (Isaiah 9:6; Philippians 4:4-7; Ephesians 2:11-22)
December 19: The Sacrifice of Christ (John 15:12-13; 1 John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 8:9)
December 20: The Presence of Christ (Matthew 1:23; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Revelation 21:3)

Unto Us A Child Is Born
December 21: Mary, the Virgin Mother (Luke 1:26-38)
December 22: Mary, the Joyful Mother (Luke 1:39-56)
December 23: Joseph, the Obedient Earthly Father (Matthew 1:18-25)
December 24: John, the Forerunner (Luke 1:67-80)
December 25: Jesus, the Savior, Is Born (Luke 2:1-38)

For a printable version of this guide, click here.