Advent

As Bible teacher Dr. R.C. Sproul observes, the Christmas story is so familiar to many that “the words just slip over us.” 

These profound Advent readings, taken from Sproul's sermons, delve into the details of the first Christmas and reflect on how they impact our lives now, combining scholarly detail with heartwarming application.

Each day includes a prayer written by a well-known Bible teacher of our own day.

The Advent of Glory by R.C. Sproul: 5 Days Exploring the First Christmas

With all that noise telling us what Christmas should be about, it can be difficult to get to the point—to the heart of Christmas. That’s why, in this devotional, we’ll work to cut through the noise and discover the real meaning behind the season. We’ll look at what brings real joy and purpose in this holiday. We’ll unpack the incredible story behind the birth of Jesus Himself to understand what the purpose of Christmas really is.

The Purpose of Christmas

Exploring the four angelic appearances found in the Christmas story and what they can teach us about our own call this Advent season.

Angels We Have Heard on High

In this special 10-day devotional, we'll look at the story of Christmas, starting back in Genesis 1 leading all the way to the birth of Jesus. Together, we'll see how through of all history, God was moving the pieces into place to bring His plan of redemption to fruition. 

Christmas: The Lord Has Come

This Advent, spend time in the opening verses of John’s Gospel reflecting on what these verses reveal to us about who Jesus is. 

Who Is Jesus?

Spark awe and recapture the wonder of Christ’s birth in this 4-day Plan. Join Bible teacher Jen Weaver and explore Isaiah’s ancient prophecies, revealing the beauty and majesty of Jesus nearly 700 years before His arrival. Let these timeless truths inspire worship in your heart and draw you closer to Christ.

In Awe of Jesus: Christmas Foretold in Isaiah

No trips on donkeys. No angels singing. Not even a baby in a manger. Yet, there are still 25 gifts God wants to give you for Christmas. We can find them in a little, six-chapter book halfway through the New Testament. These are The Greatest Gifts, as revealed in Ephesians. Along the way, you'll find the gift of love, the gift of salvation, the gift of unity, and many more. Prepare your heart in a special way this Christmas season by receiving, and giving, God's greatest gifts.

The Greatest Gifts

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

To help prepare our hearts for the Christmas season, you can start December 1st and spend the next twenty-four days journeying through the Gospel of Luke together. Each day, you will read a chapter, reflect on devotional materials written by members of the Beijing International Christian community, answer questions relevant to your life, and spend time in prayer.

We hope this devotional reminds you of the true reason we celebrate Christmas and becomes something you can share with family, friends, or co-workers as you gather to study God’s Word together.