Christmas and Advent Plans

When you think of Christmas, you undoubtedly think of gifts—gifts to check off your list for family, friends, coworkers, charities—gifts to buy and gifts to wrap. During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, have you ever stopped to consider the gift list that matters most—the list of gifts God wants to give you and what you might give him in return? Take time to pause during the next 7 days to really consider the gifts that matter most this Christmas and see if it doesn’t change your pace, your focus, and even your heart. 

The Gift List That Matters

What does it mean that Jesus came and lived among us? In John’s Gospel, we see Jesus reveal his mission through real encounters with ordinary people. At a wedding in Cana, he gave new life to what was empty. In a nighttime conversation with Nicodemus, he invited anyone who would believe into God’s Kingdom. At a well in Samaria, he offered living water that never runs out. This 3-day plan walks through these stories with Scripture, reflection, and prayer to help you see who Jesus is, what he offers, and how to follow him today.

He Dwelt Among Us

The birth of Jesus is the best news ever!
His birth brought great joy in Heaven and on Earth, a joy that still remains today since that special day.
Why not take the time to discover or rediscover this good news and share in this great joy?

CHRISTMAS - ADVENT - Good News, Great Joy - Jean-Luc Trachsel

In this 19th installment, Who Do You Say I Am? explores how Scripture answers Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?” Through Job, we wrestle with God’s wisdom amid suffering. 1–3 John and Jude call us to love, discernment, and faithfulness, while Revelation points to Christ’s ultimate victory. During Advent, weekly readings from the nativity story draw our hearts to the wonder of Christ’s coming. May the Spirit strengthen our faith, deepen our hope, and lead us to boldly confess: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Who Do You Say? Reading With the People of God #19

This Christmas season, we pause to remember the angel’s announcement: “Good news that will bring great joy to all people.” Through every reading, we discover again the wonder of Jesus, our Saviour, Redeemer, and Hope. As you journey from the manger toward a new year, may His presence fill you with peace, purpose, and unshakable joy. Emmanuel, God is with us.

Horizon Church December Bible Reading Plan - Christmas Advent: Good News, Great Joy!

Advent isn’t passive waiting—it’s an invitation to meet Jesus in ways that transform us. In this seven-day devotional, you’ll explore how encounters with Christ—from Mary and the shepherds to Zacchaeus and Simeon—rewrite stories and renew hearts. Live this season with active faith, renewed hope, and worship that responds to the God who still changes lives.

Advent in Action: Encounters That Change Your Story

Christmas is more than just a story about a child born in a manger. It’s also a story about a man who, in silence, trusted God even though everything around him was screaming that it was impossible. 
Joseph, a simple carpenter from Nazareth, became a man to whom God entrusted the most precious – His Son.

The Carpenter God Entrusted

In the Christmas special “Holy Night,” the creators of The Chosen have told the Story of the first Christmas really well. And this 6-day reading plan lets you peek in on some of the most powerful moments from “Holy Night,” setting the stage for deep reflection as you prepare room in your heart for the arrival of Jesus this Christmas.          

Christmas With the Chosen

This 9-day devotional invites you to rediscover the miracle of Christmas through the lens of Heaven's gift. From Mary’s surrender to the Magi’s pursuit, from the shepherds’ awe to the wonder of incarnation itself, each reflection reveals how Jesus—Emmanuel—is with us in our waiting, our weakness, our worship, and our wonder. Written by Jemima Gleeson this devotional is rooted in Scripture and pastoral insight. 'Gift of Heaven' offers a fresh perspective on the Christmas story and a renewed invitation to draw near to the God who first drew near to us.

Gift of Heaven: A Christmas Devotional Series

An Audacious Advent: Setting the Table invites you to look at the story of Jesus’ coming through the lens of equity, welcome, and belonging. Each day explores a different facet of God’s heart for inclusion and what it means to make room for others, just as He made room for us. This five-day journey challenges us to prepare differently this season—to open our hearts, homes, and communities to reflect the Kingdom table Jesus came to set.

An Audacious Advent: Setting the Table

This Christmas, join a global community for an epic journey through the Bible’s original Christmas story—and a tradition that goes back seventeen centuries: Advent. Each Sunday you’ll light a candle as a powerful ten-minute audio guide walks you through the beautiful stories leading up to Jesus’s birth. Weekdays we’ll walk chapter-by-chapter through Jesus’s full story in Mark. Gather the family or just listen on the go. Subscribe now—starts Nov 29.

Advent Through the Word 2025

Designed to make your heart sing, these Advent devotions by Tim Chester dwell on the song Mary sang at the first Christmas. They will help you to pause and marvel at Jesus’ birth and to praise him with all your heart, soul, and voice.

5 Reflections on Mary's Song for Advent

Christmas is more than a celebration—it’s a reminder that God brought light, closeness, and hope into our lives through Jesus. This three-day devotional invites you to rediscover the heart of Christmas with simple reflections, personal questions, and clear biblical foundations. Take a few minutes each day to return to the essence of this season and allow its message to transform your heart and your relationships. Perfect for sharing with anyone who needs a reminder of the true light that brings life.

Christmas

The lead-up to Christmas can quickly fill up with things to do, errands to run, and things to plan. Before we know it, Christmas has come and gone, and we're left wondering, "Did I even focus on the real reason behind the season?"

This 12-day plan is written to help you slow down and reflect on the deep significance and lasting impact of Christ's arrival. From prophesies foretold thousands of years ago, to testimonies of those whose God's glory was first revealed, this plan will help grow gratitude in your heart for God's great gift to us. 

Countdown to Christmas: 12 Days to Prepare Your Heart

Biola University's Center for Christianity, Culture & the Arts is pleased to share the annual 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.

And He Shall Be Called: Advent Devotionals, Week 2

Advent is a season of waiting—a time to slow down and sharpen our awareness of what we're waiting for and how we're waiting for it. This plan, from Practicing the Way, explores the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love through the lens of the Christmas story. Featuring reflections from Gemma Ryan, John Mark Comer, Ken Shigematsu, and Bethany Allen, this four-day devotional invites us to discover how God's coming changed everything and continues to transform us today.

Advent Meditations

A Christian Christmas is a devotional that helps you refocus your heart on the true meaning of the season. Each reflection invites you to pause, give thanks, and remember the incredible love behind Christ’s birth.

Through Scripture and thoughtful insight, it explores the promise of His coming, the gift of salvation, and the peace that only Jesus can bring. More than a holiday tradition, this devotional reminds us that Christmas is the beginning of hope — a gift meant to be carried in our hearts all year long.


A Christian Christmas

These 29 daily devotionals, created by Dr. Walt Larimore, are structured around the four traditional pre-Christmas Advent candles—Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love and one final devotion for the penultimate Christ candle. Each of the first four weeks focuses on one candle, with seven daily devotions exploring a specific aspect of that theme through Bible verses, a reflection, and a prayer prompt—then, of course, the final Christmas Eve or Christmas Day devotion. All Bible verses are quoted from the NIV, 2011.

What the Bible Says About Advent - 29 Days of Advent Meditations

In the birth of Christ, every single promise of God that the world was waiting for came into alignment. His holy purpose was happening in real time through that baby boy born in the manger. This week, we will look at some of those precious promises that Jesus fulfilled, and through them, learn how to be men who, like Jesus, live out what God wants us to be. Written by Chris Walker


Promises Fulfilled: A Men's Devotional on Christmas

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. 

Following Jesus Through the First Christmas: 25 Days of Advent Truths

This reading plan serves as a guide through the Advent season, traditionally celebrated during the four weeks leading up to Christmas. We’ll explore the biblical themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, diving deeper into human longings for healing and restoration—our anticipation for God’s new world.  

Anticipating Christmas: An Advent Overview

And He Shall Be Called: Advent Devotionals, Week 1

As Christmas approaches, the sights, sounds, and smells of the season fill the air, reminding us of childhood wonder and the excitement of gifts beneath the tree. 

Yet as we grow older, we discover a deeper joy: Christmas is not about presents, but presence, the presence of Christ, “God with us.” 

Amid the busyness, we’re invited to slow down, reflect, and make His presence the centerpiece of our celebration. As you journey through this devotional, may each moment of reflection draw you closer to the true gift of Christmas, Jesus Himself, whose presence transforms every ordinary day.


In Search of CHRISTmas Presence

Advent is often described as a season of joy—but what if you feel anything but joyful? 

O Come All Ye Faithless offers an honest journey through the stories of Scripture for those who feel hopeless, joyless, anxious, or lonely. Over twenty-five days, you're invited to slow down, reflect, and encounter the God who meets us where faith feels thin. Each day includes Scripture, a reflection, and a prayer to help you discover that hope grows in silence, joy emerges through surrender, peace is born in trust, and love is revealed in presence—the true invitation of Christmas.

Come All Ye Faithless

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 Gifts of Advent

Advent

This year and last year have felt chaotic, stressful, uncertain, but God (I love those two words!) is unchanging, faithful, and our source of peace. Christmas is a time of remembrance, to reflect on what our God really did when Jesus was born in a manger. Follow along as we meditate on Christmas, joy, peace, love, and hope this Advent season. -Matthew West

We Need Christmas With Matthew West 

What if this Christmas, we were to remember the miracles that Jesus performed in the lives of those who came to Him? This Advent season, I pray you enjoy these 25 compelling stories based on the New Testament characters from The Chosen series. May their diverse, powerful testimonies inspire you to experience and become a miracle of God for others! Are you ready? You are a Miracle! Christian Misch

Chosen to Be a Miracle! Advent Plan Based on “The Chosen"

In a brand new devotional series titled, The Reason for the Season, Pastor Jim Cymbala provides fresh insight into the Christmas story. As he addresses the unspoken sadness that many carry at this time of the year, Pastor Jim Cymbala challenges us to think about what would mean the most to Jesus this holiday season.

The Reason for the Season

In Isaiah 9:6, we see that Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. In this 5-Day Plan, we'll celebrate the arrival of Jesus by learning about His different names, and how they apply to our lives today.

Unto Us: Celebrating the Arrival of Jesus

Is it really possible to experience peace when life is painful? The short answer: yes, but not in our own power. In a year that has left us feeling overwhelmed, many of us are left with questions. In this 7-day Bible Plan, accompanying Pastor Craig Groeschel’s message series, we’ll discover how to find the Missing Peace we all crave.

Missing Peace

The Greatest Gift will take you through the Christmas story in ten days, reminding you of the reason why you can have hope, joy, and peace in a world filled with turmoil and despair. 

The Greatest Gift

One of the things that is vital for us during the Christmas season is to make sure we really understand the impact of Jesus' coming, His advent in our lives. This devotional will help you to focus on God’s greatest gift of all, Jesus, and the true meaning of His birth for our present lives and for all eternity. Walk with us through this 14-Day Christmas Devotional and experience your best Christmas yet!

14 Days Christmas Devotional

The celebration of Jesus' birth during Christmas time is about much more than a single event. Long before the Son of God took His first breath here on earth, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit determined a plan that would provide the greatest gift to all humanity: Jesus, the perfect sacrificial Lamb of God. Join us in this 5-day devotional as we celebrate the Gift That’s Freely Given.

The Gift That's Freely Given

One Baby For The World takes you on an unforgettable Advent journey seen through the eyes of missions. Author Shari Tvrdik offers a unique perspective through Advent. She connects the powerful story of the nativity to her experiences with life among the suffering poor of Mongolia's ger district. Adapted from the book, One Baby For The World.


One Baby for the World: 24 Days of Advent From a Missions Perspective 

In all the holiday hustle and bustle, it can be easy to lose sight of why we’re celebrating. In this 5-day advent plan, we’ll dive into the promises fulfilled by the birth of Jesus and the hope we have for the future. As we learn more about who God is, we’ll discover how to live through the holiday season with hope, faith, joy, and peace.

Living Changed: At Christmas

When was the last time you did a really deep dive into the Christmas story? From King Herod to the shepherds, Mary and Joseph, to the wise men and Zechariah, there is much to learn from the events surrounding the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Over the next 10 days, we’ll look at truths from the Christmas story we should live all year long. 

10 Days of Christmas Truths to Live All Year

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but we often find ourselves hustling through the holidays. This Christmas, what if we reclaimed wonder? In this 5-day Bible Plan accompanying Pastor Craig Groeschel’s series, The Gift, we’ll discover how the three gifts the wise men gave Jesus can lead us to a place of wonder and worship today.

The Gift

In Our Christmas Stories, dozens of women share memories of past Christmases. From inspiring to bittersweet, these personal stories may have different details, but they all ultimately reveal the same story of Advent, of waiting for the “good news of great joy” of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:10). Janet Denison also provides short devotional thoughts with each story, ensuring that the greatest story of Christmas is never just a memory.


Our Christmas Stories: A 26-Day Advent Devotional

In "The Songs Tell the Story," Janet Denison covers 25 carols in 25 days, leading you to marvel at the gift God gave us at Christmas. Each devotional tells an origin story and features an insightful spiritual reflection. You’ll sing these timeless carols with new life, knowing that the God who inspired their words still meets us in the miracle of Christmas.

The Songs Tell the Story: A 25-Day Advent Devotional

Jim Cymbala’s five-day Christmas devotional series, Sent by God, digs deeper into the reason why Jesus was sent to a world that desperately needed him. This series will encourage your heart, no matter what difficult situation you may be facing in this holiday season. 

Sent by God

The first coming of Jesus Christ produced many different responses from those who heard the news. In this devotional, we will reflect on the five reactions of those who were the first to hear of the arrival of the Messiah and prepare our hearts as we celebrate and remember the first coming of our Lord and Saviour.

And When They Heard — A Christmas Devotional

In this 7-Day video Plan, Kevin Olusola from Pentatonix shares how Jesus’ arrival paved the way for all things to become new. So if you’re looking for rest or longing for change—discover what new thing God wants to do in you. Come for some encouragement, and stay for Kevin’s exclusive musical performances.

All Things New With Kevin Olusola of Pentatonix

“All generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me,” Mary sang. And she was right. She became the mother of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God! This gives her a unique position in God’s salvation plan. This reading plan is about Mary, a humble and blessed woman with great faith.

Mary, Did You Know?

Stories of the nativity are important, but the story of why Jesus came should involve so much more than a manger scene. Focusing on one chapter a day through the book of John will reveal the beauty of who Christ is and why His birth was so important. In the flurry of Christmas, keep 
your eyes on Him. Come and see why Jesus is our greatest gift.

Come and See

Stevie Wonder wrote a popular song for Christmas called "That’s What Christmas Means to Me.” In it, he talks about all these things (and more!) that represent Christmas to him. What about you? Have you ever asked yourself what Christmas means to YOU? The world will tell us all sorts of things about Christmas but what do WE believe about Christmas?

That's What Christmas Means to Me...

The Christmas story is found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. An Angel visits Mary to tell her that she would give birth to the Son of God. Jesus is born in Bethlehem. The shepherds come to see him, and the Magi from the east follow a star to Jesus.

Christmas Story: 5 Days on the Birth of Jesus

Your life might be crazy right now, but Jesus comes into the middle of the crazy to be with you.

Jesus and the Craziness of Christmas

Jesus Christ came to earth for a purpose. His coming was a conscious decision. During the years in which He traveled around the land of Israel and made God's Kingdom known, He also explained why He came to earth. Several times, we read in the Gospels: “I have come to...”. This reading plan aims to trace some of those statements to make us aware of Jesus’ mission.

What Was Jesus' Mission on Earth?

In these devotionals, I pray you’ll discover the true Cost of Christmas. On Christmas Day, when we’re surrounded by
family, the tree lighted and the gifts scattered around the
living room, give thanks to the One who gave Himself for you. -Jack Graham

Cost Of Christmas

The false gods invented by humankind to give definition to a god they knew must exist, were, unsurprisingly, very much like humankind. They had to be cajoled and bribed by acts of devotion to take notice of us. 
But the one true God has taken the initiative and seeks us out––to rescue us back to himself. And that is the Christmas story.


CHRISTMAS: God's Rescue Plan Realised

Christmas Plans

This 5-day devotional explores the hope, peace, joy, love, and light found in Jesus. Use it daily or as an Advent guide for the four Sundays before Christmas and Christmas Eve. This Christmas, don’t just celebrate a season — spend some time with the Savior who stepped into our story. Once distant, now among us, God came near so we could draw near. 

Light of the World

Christmas isn’t simply about celebrating what God did thousands of years ago but what He is doing for you when you trust His Son. Jesus is Immanuel, God-With-You, right here and now. Embark on this journey to unwrap the greatest gift. 

Christmas: The Greatest Gift

What have we missed about the Christmas story?
Through brand new Salt + Gold artwork, scripture, and real-life stories, explore the people, interactions, moments, and objects often unnoticed within the familiar Christmas story. From messy mangers to wild dreams, come and see the things you may have missed about Emmanuel - and the God who never misses you.

Christmas: The Things We May Have Missed

When hope feels distant—buried in silence, barrenness, or delay—Jesus is quietly at work, bringing life where we least expect it. 

In this five-day Advent journey, uncover fierce hope: hope that waits with expectation, trusts God’s work in the silence, chooses joy in uncertainty, believes against all odds, and prepares Him room. 

Each day offers Scripture, a short devotion, and a prayer to steady your heart with fierce hope this Advent season.

Fierce Hope: An Advent Journey of Waiting and Wonder

Christmas is not just a date on the calendar—it’s the story of God’s perfect plan to redeem humanity through His Son, Jesus Christ.
This 7-day devotional journey explores the prophecies, preparations, and promises that culminated in the birth of Christ. Each day will help you rediscover the wonder of Christmas and renew your faith in the Savior who came for you.

The Indescribable Gift – a 7-Day Christmas Journey

The Christmas story is more than a moment in history. It is a living message for every season of life. In this 28-day devotional, journey through faith, humility, obedience, and hope as revealed in the birth of Christ. Discover timeless lessons that strengthen your walk with God, renew your worship, and inspire you to live out the true meaning of Christmas every day.

A Lesson From the Christmas Story

Christmas is more than a birth story; it’s the launch of a rescue mission. This 20-day plan explores why Jesus came, what He accomplished, and how His arrival invites us to participate in His world-changing purpose today.

Beyond the Stable: Christ's Mission on Earth

The disciples didn’t expect a God they would call by name, a God who would sleep beside them in the night to keep warm, a God susceptible to lice and heat rash. In this 5-day plan, the Gospel Writer Matthew shares the surprises and meaning of seeing the Messiah up close.

Brought to you by Unveil Studios' Andrew Kooman, unveil fresh revelation and wonder this Christmas by experiencing Advent through Matthew's eyes.