Yours Free: 25-Day Advent Family Reading Plan
I love reading the Bible. It’s a love story from God to his children – us. From beginning to end He shows us how much He loves us. This love is best demonstrated in sending His Son to Earth to point the way to Heaven.
When we celebrate Christmas we are celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. If you are not a Christian, now is an easy time to learn about what Jesus is all about. If you are a Christian, this is an easy time to talk about Jesus with others.
INTRODUCTION
The Christmas season is a beautiful season filled with family traditions, warm lights, and familiar carols—but most of all, it’s a time to slow down and remember the true meaning of Christmas.
As we walk through the month of December, many of us long for a simple plan to help our entire family stay rooted in God’s Word. That’s why this Advent Reading Plan is designed to lead you through the story of God, from the Old Testament promises to the Christmas story recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke.
Each day’s passage points to the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, the Prince of Peace, and the One who brings good news of great joy. Whether you read these passages around the tree, at the table, or while you light candles on your Advent wreath, these daily Bible readings will help your family keep an open heart toward the Word of God during this special season.
Along the way, I’ll offer a short reflection to guide your thoughts—much like the reflections inside my 25-Day Christmas Marriage Devotional—but this post keeps the spotlight on Scripture.
Dear friend, my prayer is that these readings will fill your home with anticipation, hope, and worship as you journey toward Christmas Day and celebrate the story of Jesus. I really want you to take this time to open your Bible (or follow the links provided) and explore the Bible for yourself, as a couple, or as a family.
25-Day Advent Family Reading Plan + Daily Thoughts
For each day I’ve included a link where you can read the verses online, if you’d like. I use BibleHub – it’s a free website to read and study Scripture. It also has over 10 different translations at the top.
I’ve linked to the New International Version (NIV), but you can switch versions in the toolbar toward the top. If you don’t have a favorite, NIV is good. Many people who are new to Bible reading also like the New Living Translation (NLT). While there are many theological debates about the “best” Bible translation to read, I’m of the mind that the best one is the one you’ll read and understand. Try a few at BibleHub to discover which is best for you.
Old Testament – Origins of a Savior
Day 1 — Genesis 3:14–15
Thought: From the very beginning of the love story of God, He promised a Savior. Advent reminds us that God always keeps His promises.
Day 2 — Genesis 12:1–3
Thought: God’s plan to bless the whole world began with Abraham. God promised him descendants more numerous than the stars. YOU are one of those descendants!
Day 3 — Genesis 49:8–12
Thought: Long before the Christmas season, God promised a King from the line of Judah. Jesus is that forever King.
Day 4 — Exodus 12:1–13
Thought: The Passover lamb pointed forward to Jesus, the Lamb of God. The story of Jesus is woven all through the Old Testament.
Day 5 — Numbers 24:15–17
Thought: A star would rise from Jacob. Just as the wise men followed a star, we follow Jesus—the great light.
Day 6 — Deuteronomy 18:15–19
Thought: God promised a prophet like Moses. Jesus would come speaking God’s Word perfectly and powerfully.
Day 7 — 2 Samuel 7:8–16
Thought: God promised David a throne that would last forever. The birth of Jesus Christ fulfills that promise.
Day 8 — Isaiah 7:10–14
Thought: A virgin will conceive and bear a Son. Only God can write a story this miraculous.
Day 9 — Isaiah 9:1–7
Thought: Jesus is the Prince of Peace, bringing hope, joy, and light into darkness. He is the real reason we celebrate.
Day 10 — Isaiah 40:1–11
Thought: God comforts His people and prepares their hearts. Advent is a time to slow down and make room for Him in our day but also in our hearts.
Day 11 — Micah 5:1–5
Thought: Bethlehem may have been small, but God used it to do something big. God often works through humble places and open hearts.
New Testament — The Christmas Story
Day 12 — Luke 1:5–17
Thought: God prepared the way through John the Baptist. Just as he helped people get ready, Advent helps us prepare for Jesus.
Day 13 — Luke 1:26–38
Thought: Mary trusted God completely. Her “yes” reminds us to listen to the Holy Spirit and obey with faith. What is God calling you to say yes to?
Day 14 — Luke 1:46–55 (Mary’s Song)
Thought: Mary praised God for His mercy and power. Worship is a beautiful way to draw near to Christ in this special season. Here’s a beautiful song by Todd Agnew that puts Mary’s Song to music.
Day 15 — Matthew 1:18–25
Thought: Joseph chose obedience even when it was hard. Following Jesus shapes our families today.
Day 16 — Luke 2:1–7
Thought: Jesus was born in humble surroundings. The Christmas story shows God’s heart for the lowly and ordinary.
Day 17 — Luke 2:8–14
Thought: The angels announced good news of great joy for all people. Jesus came for the entire world—including your family.
Day 18 — Luke 2:15–20
Thought: The shepherds hurried to see Jesus. Let this time of year remind your family to run toward Christ.
Day 19 — Matthew 2:1–12
Thought: The wise men searched for Jesus with devotion. We seek Him today by reading God’s Word with an expectant heart.
Day 20 — Matthew 2:13–23
Thought: God protected His Son through every danger. He cares for your family with the same faithful love.
Day 21 — John 1:1–14
Thought: Jesus is the Light of the World and the eternal Word. When we read Scripture, we see the heart of God.
Advent Reflections Beyond the Manger
Day 22 — Galatians 4:4–7
Thought: Jesus came at just the right moment in history. Advent teaches us to trust God’s perfect timing.
Day 23 — Philippians 2:5–11
Thought: Jesus humbled Himself for us. This inspires us to love one another—especially in our homes.
Day 24 — Hebrews 1:1–4
Thought: Jesus is the full expression of God’s glory. The story of Christ is the center of all Scripture.
Day 25 — Revelation 21:22–27
Thought: One day, we will live in the light of the Lamb forever. Advent points us not only back to Jesus’ birth, but forward to His return.
CONCLUSION
As you walk through this Advent season, my hope is that these advent readings will draw your entire family closer to the story of Christ. He is the real reason we celebrate this time of year. When we slow down, gather for family time, and listen to the Word of God, we see how the story of Jesus is woven all throughout Scripture. He is present from the earliest Old Testament promises to the glorious announcement in the Christmas story.
Whether you use an advent calendar, your advent wreath, or your favorite children’s Bible like the Jesus Storybook Bible, I pray these advent reflections help you treasure God’s promises and welcome the light of the world with joy. May your hearts be filled with gratitude, wonder, and worship as you prepare for Christ’s birth.
And if you’d like to go deeper in your marriage during this special season, I invite you to explore my 25-Day Christmas Marriage Devotional—a gentle companion to this advent reading plan that focuses on connection, Scripture, and prayer for couples.
From my home to yours, Merry Christmas, dear friend. May the good news of great joy fill your life in every way this year.
Merry Christmas,
🌸 Andrea
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I am an author, speaker, and communication professor. My specialty is teaching people how to have successful, faith-based relationships. My passion is to teach people how to live out Scripture in healthy relationships, especially at home. I've been married for 29 years and have two boys - ages 19 and 15. I love to bake to show my love, so you'll sometimes see favorite recipes!
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