advent

As we move into the Christmas season, it’s easy for our lives to fill up with activity—shopping, schedules, family plans, pressures, and expectations. But long before Christmas became a busy season, the church set aside a period called Advent. It marks the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. 

The word “Advent” comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” For believers, that word instantly points us to Jesus. Advent is a time to slow down and reflect on both of His comings:

  • His first coming as the humble Savior born in Bethlehem, and

  • His second coming as the victorious King who will make all things new.

Advent isn’t about ritual or religious formality. It’s about refocusing our hearts on the reality that Jesus came for us and that He is coming again. It’s a season of expectation, worship, and realignment—anchoring our lives back in the hope of the gospel.

Reading plan


Each week highlights a theme tied to Christ’s coming:

  1. Hope – God keeps His promises.

  2. Peace – Jesus brings peace to troubled hearts.

  3. Joy – Salvation produces joy in every season.

  4. Love – The Father revealed His love by sending His Son.

Every day you’ll read:

  • Old Testament prophecies pointing forward to Jesus,

  • New Testament passages showing the fulfillment of His first coming, and

  • Second Coming Scriptures reminding us to live in anticipation of His return.

In other words, the plan helps us look backward with gratitude and forward with expectation—keeping Jesus at the center of the season.


Weeks 1 - 4

WEEK 1 — HOPE

Theme: Jesus the Promised Messiah
Focus: God keeps His promises. Christ’s first coming proves He will keep His promises about His return.

Daily Readings

Day 1: Genesis 3:14–15 — The first promise of a Savior
Day 2: Isaiah 9:1–7 — A child given, a kingdom coming
Day 3: Micah 5:2–5 — The Messiah’s birthplace and eternal rule
Day 4: Luke 1:26–38 — The announcement to Mary
Day 5: Matthew 1:18–25 — Jesus: “God with us”
Day 6: Titus 2:11–14 — Our blessed hope
Day 7: 1 Peter 1:3–13 — Hope that rests on Christ’s appearing


Reflection:

Where do I need to renew my hope in God’s promises this season?







WEEK 2 — PEACE

Theme: Jesus the Prince of Peace
Focus: Peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Christ—now and when He comes again.

Daily Readings

Day 1: Isaiah 26:1–4 — Perfect peace for those who trust
Day 2: Isaiah 53:1–6 — Peace secured through His sacrifice
Day 3: Luke 2:8–14 — Peace announced at Christ’s birth
Day 4: John 14:25–31 — Jesus gives His peace
Day 5: Philippians 4:4–9 — Guarded by God’s peace
Day 6: Romans 5:1–11 — Peace with God through Christ
Day 7: Revelation 21:1–5 — Perfect peace in the new creation


Reflection:

Am I letting the peace of Christ rule my heart this week?







WEEK 3 — JOY

Theme: Joy that flows from salvation
Focus: Joy came with Christ’s first coming and will be fulfilled completely when He returns.

Daily Readings

Day 1: Isaiah 35:1–10 — Joy in God’s coming redemption
Day 2: Luke 1:39–56 — Mary’s song of joy
Day 3: Luke 2:15–20 — Joy of the shepherds
Day 4: Matthew 2:1–12 — Joy of the wise men
Day 5: John 15:1–11 — Fullness of joy in Christ
Day 6: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 — Joyful hope at His coming
Day 7: Jude 24–25 — Joy in God’s keeping power


Reflection:

What steals my joy—and how does the gospel restore it?







WEEK 4 — LOVE

Theme: God’s love revealed in Christ
Focus: Christ’s first coming displays God’s love; His second coming completes His redeeming love forever.

Daily Readings

Day 1: Deuteronomy 7:7–9 — God’s faithful covenant love
Day 2: John 1:1–18 — Love made flesh
Day 3: John 3:16–21 — God so loved the world
Day 4: Romans 8:31–39 — Nothing can separate us
Day 5: 1 John 4:7–19 — God is love
Day 6: Ephesians 2:1–10 — Love that saves by grace
Day 7: Revelation 19:6–9 — Love consummated at the marriage supper of the Lamb


Reflection:

How can I walk in Christlike love toward others this Christmas season?