Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to Matthew 2:16

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.

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.

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.

The story of Christmas does not begin with Mary and Joseph in Israel and it does not end a few chapters later when Jesus begins his public ministry. The story of Christmas stretches from Genesis to Revelation; from cover to cover. In this 25-day advent devotional, you’ll discover the Christmas story from one end of the Bible to the other.

As we enter the Christmas season, we are all eager to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the point in history where God descended into humanity to bring life to a broken world. Each day leading up to Christmas, we will provide an overview of the biblical significance of a location in Israel, along with a devotional prompt that will connect that location with the life of Jesus in Scripture.

The true intention behind Advent was a way of preparing one’s heart for Christmas. It was a way to create a posture like Simeon: “Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him” (Luke 2:25). This devotional by Dan Stanford is designed to help us do that.

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.

Christmas Viewpoint, is a unique Advent resource that places you in the story- specifically, the story of the birth of the Messiah. These daily devotionals ask you to put yourself in the story as if you were one of the Advent characters. Take time to read the daily thought, take on the perspective of a familiar character, and experience the Christmas story again- for the very first time.

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.

Plan Description: Join Dr. Ken Boa as he guides you through the season of Advent. This 25-day plan walks you through the Scriptures, which will offer the “thrill of hope” that has come, because of which a “weary world rejoices.”

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.

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.

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.

This twelve-part plan can be read alone, with a group, or with your family! Each month, you will dive into a new part of the unified story that leads to Jesus discovering the heart of God for the whole world. This month, we'll explore Biblical texts from Daniel all the way to the Gospels! Let's dive into Part eight of twelve!

The Light of the World shines from the dawn of Creation to the End of Days. From the beginning of time to the one bright and shining Star of Bethlehem, God, in his vast love for us, has made a way. He made a way for us to clearly see and follow one light, one way, one truth. Jesus.

Journey through the Gospel of Matthew with this 30-day Bible Plan—including a devotional to help you grow in faith. This Gospel is written by Matthew to prove that Jesus is the Messiah, the eternal King. Sign up and let God’s Word transform your heart.

There are billions of ways to see and enjoy the infinite Jesus. In this 30-day plan, we’ll explore thirty of the Bible’s most sweeping and beautiful pictures of who he is—like the Lamb, the King, the Priest, and the Temple. Each day traces a picture of Jesus from Genesis to Revelation, showing how the whole story of Scripture points to him.

NASB 2020 a faithful rendition in music. Instructions: If you go to the NASB 2020 translation and switch the audio narrator to Music Bible the entire Bible audio will switch to the Music Bible Audio. Experience the life, teachings, miracles, and love of Jesus in The Gospels in just 30 days through word-for-word Scripture songs. Each day, listen to passages from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John that bring the story of Christ to life—brought to life through music. Whether you’re working, traveling, or resting, let the melodies help these powerful truths settle deeply in your heart.