Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to Matthew 1:23

Christmas is a time to celebrate the greatest gift of all, Jesus. Looking at the story of Christ's anticipated arrival at Christmas reminds us that Jesus came to be the fulfillment of God's promises and faithfulness. All our hopes and prayers are answered in the presence of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us.

At Christmastime, Advent calendars serve as tangible reminders of expectation slowly moving toward fulfillment. Likewise, the Old Testament records how the failures and weaknesses of God’s people created a longing and a need for a perfect King to come. This four-day plan reminds us that Jesus’ birth wasn’t an isolated event but the fulfillment of God’s promise to establish His kingdom forever. In Christ alone we find our long-expected, perfect King.

A four-day Christmas-themed devotional with Chris Tomlin, based around four songs off his project, ‘Emmanuel: Christmas Songs of Worship.'

The Bible tells the wonderful story of Jesus' birth – but what was happening behind the scenes? Have we added to the story? Believed things that aren't true? Let’s take a look at scholars’ further scrutiny of God’s Word and into the customs of the times to learn even more about the cast of characters and our Savior’s entrance into the world on that amazing night.

Discover the wonder of the Christmas story with fresh eyes - looking deeper at the tough experiences, challenging settings, and real people it's made up of. At its heart, the Nativity isn't a cute kids' play: it's the gritty, wondrous story of Jesus entering the mess and madness of the human world.

In this 4-part devotional, Pastor Dylan Dodson asks, “what if some of the big promises in Scripture are actually true?” This plan will encourage you as you see that Scripture is a unified story that finds its fulfillment in Jesus.

Game systems… new clothes… snacks that are honestly kind of gross but we eat them because it’s tradition… We are talking about GIFTS! Over the next few days, we will be focusing in on the greatest gift we could ever hope to receive: the Savior of the world… Jesus!

As we approach the Christmas season, let us intentionally choose to honor Christ in our festive celebrations, keeping our hearts and minds focused on the true spirit of this joyous occasion. Here, we delve into the transformative power of Christmas traditions, emphasizing the need to shift our focus from consumerism to deep spiritual intimacy with Jesus, the heart of the season.

From Compassion UK to you: Give yourself a moment at the start of each week in Advent to pause in wonder at the Lord Jesus Christ coming to Earth as a human baby. We pray that by doing so, you will experience the true and lasting joy of knowing the fullness of God’s love for you this Christmas and always.

Ever thought much about Joseph of Nazareth? Jesus had to be conceived by the Holy Spirit but raised to manhood by an earthly father. Joseph’s purpose was to raise Jesus and make a man of the Son of God. Let’s learn from the man who raised our eternal Hope. Let’s reflect on how we as men can also raise hope for generations to come by being selfless and intentional mentors.

Life around the holidays is filled with endless to-do's and expectation for perfect traditions for our kids. For military families, add on a deployment or PCS, and the stress piles on. This 4-day devotional, designed for military families but applicable to any family, teaches parents how to re-focus their families on the Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace during this Christmas season.

Explore the reasons behind your choice to follow Christ. This isn't about converting others, but as Christians, we must articulate our faith logically, clearly, and rooted in the Bible. The scripture urges us to defend our faith and honor Him. Join this concise four-day study to equip yourself in defending the hope found in Jesus, our Lord, and Savior.

Fear can loom over our lives, especially during important times. The first Christmas was no exception, as key people were told not to fear. Over four days, this devotional will look at reasons we can overcome fear using the stories of Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. We will see how God's message to them still apply to us today.

Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and reflection on the incredible gift of Jesus Christ. Over four days, we will explore Matthew 1:18-25 and the precious gifts that Jesus offers us: himself, his pardon, his promises, and his presence. As we unwrap these gifts, let us open our hearts to receive his love and grace, and let it transform our lives.

Understand who Jesus is by knowing his relationship with himself. Jesus is fully God and fully man and the amazing truth leads to an amazing God; that this God came to be with us. Join us on a four-day-long excursion to understand the concept that Jesus is Emmanuel.

Christmas isn’t just about a manger, it’s about a mission. From the garden to the cross, God has been unfolding a rescue plan to redeem what was lost. In this 4-day journey, discover how Christmas fulfills ancient promises, confronts our deepest needs, and invites you into the story. Don’t just celebrate the season, respond to the Savior.

Immanuel in My Story is a 4-day Christmas devotional that helps you see the birth of Jesus as more than a distant event. Through the lives of Joseph and Mary (primarily based on Matthew 1), you will explore God-given dreams, carrying purpose, and trusting a story He has already written. By the end of these four days, you will be clearer about your part in God’s Christmas plan and the next step of obedience He is calling you to take.

Every good story has a plot twist—an unexpected moment that changes everything. One of the biggest plot twists in the Bible is the Christmas story. Over the next five days, we’ll explore how this one event changed the world and how it can change your life today.

This five-day family devotional focuses on the events leading up to the first Christmas. Each day, there will be the option to play the compelling free biblical game app Guardians of Ancora. As you read the Bible and talk with God, you will be encouraged to explore this exciting way to meet with God and discover stories about Jesus. Enjoy sharing your family adventures together.

Prepare yourself to celebrate the real reason for the season—Jesus! Enjoy 5 Advent devotions to start the month of December off right. These short, engaging reflections focused on hope, combined with the beauty and relevance of The Passion Translation—a fresh, faithful translation of the Bible—provide the inspiration you need to celebrate the true reason for the season.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but also very busy.  Come away for a few moments of rest and worship that will sustain you throughout the merry labors of the season. Based on the book Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional , this 5-day devotional reading plan will guide you to receive Jesus’ rest this Christmas by taking moments to remember His goodness, express your neediness, seek His stillness, and trust His faithfulness.

Though Christmas bears the name of Jesus Christ, it’s becoming more rare to hear his name in public. But December doesn’t bring just another holiday, it brings a celebration of the advent of hope and joy—the birth of the Savior of the world. This Christmas season, let the wonder of Christ’s love stir you to Make Room for him with Mark Hall From Casting Crowns.

Feeling burned out, weary, worn to the bone? These are signs something isn't quite right, especially if you've been feeling this way for awhile. Are you shouldering the right burdens? Are you chasing the right goals, leaning in to the right relationships? Through this plan, invite God to show you the work he's designed for you and ask Him to relieve you of the weights you weren't designed to carry.

You’re made for a purpose. As Jesus Christ dwells with you and lives in you, He also equips you to fully embrace your life's purpose. In this plan, you'll discover what the Bible says about how God intends to work through you—and how He wants to use you to shine His life into a world desperate for what can only be found in Him.

If we want to share Jesus with others, we’ve got to live like Him, love like Him, and listen like Him. In this 5-day Plan, we’ll take a closer look at the life of Jesus to discover how we should live our lives.