Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to Matthew 2:9

Does your family have a nativity set? Nativities can be more than toys or decorations—they can teach our children about the people God invited to join heaven in celebrating Jesus' birth. Join us for this six-day Advent plan for families featuring devotions from the CSB One Big Story Bible. Each day will focus on a key person at the nativity and a key truth we learn about God from them.

Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas Day. During this time, the Church universal is invited to become more intentional: 1) to look back in thankfulness for Jesus’ birth; and 2) to look forward in the hope of full restoration when He comes again. These reflections are designed to help you engage and embrace this season.

Do you ever feel small and insignificant? “…but thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall come forth…” Join me in a journey to discover the amazing history of the little town with a big impact the prophet Micah spoke about. See how this little town has changed the world and how it can change your life too.

What would Christmas be without carols to sing? This 6-day series tells the stories behind many of our most beloved Christmas carols and links them with Scripture lessons to illuminate the messages they have for you today. Modeled after the traditional Christmas service of Carols and Lessons, this series takes you through the story of Jesus using Bible readings and songs.

Deeper into Scripture is a methodology of scripture reading that instructs, encourages and equips people to read God’s Word daily and deeply. We have created a unique four-fold method of bible reading that directs the individual to read a short passage of scripture four times. Each reading is done with a different question, instruction or objective to be considered. This repetitive reading and instruction takes us deeply into the Word of God and draws us closer to Him.

There’s something special about Christmas that tends to bring out the best in all of us. We’re usually kinder, more generous, and spend more time with those we love. But what if it didn’t have to end in December? What if we could celebrate Christmas every day?

Christmas is supposed to be a season of joy –– but what exactly is joy and how do you choose it when the world is filled with hurt and hardship? Discover what “joy to the world” really means by immersing yourself in the Christmas story with this special, 7-day Christmas Plan.

The Christmas story is one surprise after another. But sometimes the details become so familiar that they lose their impact. These short prayer devotionals help you to dwell deeply on the most unexpected and significant event in history: that God himself became one of us. Each prayer is written by David Mathis, executive editor for desiringGod.org and pastor at Cities Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

It seems we’re all in need of a good hug, real connection, and something delightful to celebrate right now. Our prayer is that this Advent devotional will offer you and your family a way to connect, learn about the real Christmas story, and celebrate Jesus’s birth with new traditions, dinnertime stories, bedtime conversations, and family activities. We hope this Christmas “hug” brings beautiful memories to your home this Advent season!

Much more than a simple reading plan, this is a real challenge it help you enter into a life as a disciple of Christ. To be disciple is to walk with Jesus, to let Him teach us, to transform us and to learn to do what He does. And it's like Him walking in victory.

The Magi’s role in the Christmas narrative resonates across the centuries. However, their spiritual and historical significance reaches far beyond the decorative mangers and religious portrayal as the “three wise men.” In looking at the way God used the Magi as part of His redemptive plan, you will see their story with new eyes.

Jesus is more than a role model or powerful historical figure. He is our hope and our joy. Our rock and our crown. In this plan, best-selling author Ray Comfort shares devotions from My Comfort Is Jesus to help you commit your day to the light of the world.

Discover the heart of Jesus this Christmas season as we follow the star in this seven-day devotional! The star led the Magi as they followed that glowing light for many days before it finally stopped over the place Jesus was, and there they worshipped Him. Discovering Jesus' heart means shining the light of His love this Christmas season, so others can follow that glow and find Him, too.

April Snook gives a special glance at the holiday season with Inside Christmas: Life With Emmanuel, God With Us. The 7-day devotional reading plan shares 7 inside (spirit, soul and body) applications from inside the Christmas story. From no room at the inn to making room within and becoming the INKeeper of your own heart, learn to do life with God, Emmanuel, God with us.

In Charles Wesley’s famous Christmas hymn, “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus,” we sing that Jesus is the joy of every longing heart. This Advent, discover how the divine orchestration of human events and various responses to his coming, exposes the longing of our hearts. From kings and rulers to shepherds and expectant virgins, Jesus’ advent reveals what we treasure. Find him the joy of your heart this Christmas.

Hope has come into the world! It’s Jesus—God with us! At this time of the year, we celebrate the greatest Miracle ever. It came in a small package and had an eternal impact on you and me. Will you come and spend some time reflecting and preparing your heart for this amazing Emmanuel—God who is with us?

The One Year Pray for the Family Bible invites us to deepen our relationships with God and the families he has given us. Daily prayer prompts focus on some of the most pressing issues facing families today. Each day’s Scripture reading helps us discover answers and guidance in God’s Word. This is a one week reading plan taken from the One Year Pray for the Family Bible.

Have confidence in the knowledge that we know how Christmas ends. It is glorious… and so FULL of love. (Jesus Is Born - Natalie Bennett). This Plan looks at the story of how Jesus came to earth.

Jesus' earthly parents did not have to wonder over the Name they would give to the Child Mary was expecting. God Himself told them what they should name this Child: Jesus. But He bore other names as well. This reading plan helps you discover what Jesus' names reveal about Himself.

In Jesus, God came down to be "with us," which we celebrate every Christmas. This week, we will examine Luke’s Gospel, which provides a detailed account of the Incarnation. Through this lens, we’ll identify some insights and simple practices that can help us experience the presence of Immanuel this Christmas! Written by Dean Brenton of Impactus

This Christmas devotional traces the "whispers" of the Old Testament prophets about the miraculous birth of Jesus centuries in advance. From the Davidic lineage to the specific birthplace of Bethlehem, God's plan for the Messiah's arrival echoes subtly throughout the Scriptures. This study considers these prophetic hints and the profound ways they were fulfilled in the Christmas story.

Come sing with us through the Christmas season as we take a look at 7 well-known Christmas songs and examine their meaning for deeper, more meaningful worship.

When we think of the Christmas story, often our minds go to Jesus first. While he is the main figure of Christmas, who are all of the people who were part of the story? What can we learn about them, and how do their individual stories point to a bigger picture?

In this Advent devotional for men, we look at the Nativity story, focusing on the different men involved in the birth of Christ and what we can learn about being godly men from their examples! Written by J.R. Hudberg.

Biola University's Center for Christianity, Culture & the Arts is pleased to share the 2024 Advent Project, a daily devotional series celebrating the beauty and meaning of the Advent season through art, music, poetry, prayer, Scripture, and written devotions. The project starts on the first day of Advent and continues through Epiphany. Our goal is to help individuals quiet their hearts and enter into a daily routine of worship and reflection during this meaningful but often hectic season. Our prayer is that the project will help ground you in the unsurpassable beauty, mystery and miracle of the Word made flesh.