25 Daily Bible Readings for Advent 2023 (Free Printable Plan)
The Advent season is such a busy time, and it’s hard to think about fitting in one more thing. But taking time to read God’s Word each day during the month of December with help you focus on the true meaning of Christmas with your family. Use this free printable Advent Bible reading plan to remember Jesus’ birth during the holiday season.
I grew up reading the Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke with my family every Christmas Eve. Reading about the birth of Christ on Christmas Day so many years ago is a great way to remind us what Christmas is all about.
But for an even more special season this year, I’m making a plan to read a part of the true story of Christmas every day beginning on December 1st. The daily Scripture readings don’t need to be long to be powerful.
In fact trying to add long daily readings in the busyness of the season is a sure way to make sure it doesn’t happen! Instead, these Advent Bible readings are short–some just a verse or two that draw our attention to the beauty of Christ’s birth.
Start a new family tradition this year by reading this Advent reading plan during your personal devotional time, or sharing with your whole family.
This post contains affiliate links. I earn from qualifying purchases.
What is Advent?
You’ve probably seen an advent calendar, and maybe even included one in your traditions. But the tradition of Advent is far more than chocolate or cheeses. We can use the month of December as a season of spiritual preparation to prepare our hearts to celebrate the Christmas season.
Advent is a four-week period before Christmas when we focus on Jesus’ coming to earth. The word advent comes from a Latin word that means “arrival” and during this time, we focus on Jesus’ arrival here on earth.
Traditionally, the season of Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas. In 2023, it will begin on December 3rd and continue through December 24. The Sundays of Advent each focus on a different aspect of the season, including hope, peace, joy, and love.
The different themes also coordinate with the weekly candles.
- Hope–the prophecy candle
- Peace–the Bethlehem candle
- Joy–the shepherd’s candle
- Love–the angel’s candle
As a Baptist, I was not raised with the Advent wreath or candles. However, when I was introduced to the practice of daily Advent readings as an adult, I fell in love with it.
I always feel like I get lost in the busyness of the Christmas season. Taking time for daily Bible readings helps me to center my mind on God’s promises and how He always does what He says.
What to Read on Each Sunday of Advent
If you want to make this season extra special, gather your family around the Christmas tree each Sunday during Advent. Light the Advent candles together and read this Sunday’s Advent plan.
Week 1–Hope: Prophecy Candle (purple): Isaiah 7:14
Week 2–Peace: Bethlehem Candle (purple): Micah 5:2
Week 3–Joy: Shepherd’s Candle (pink): Psalm 80:1
Week 4–Love: Angel’s Candle (purple): Psalm 148:1-2
As you reflect on these passages each week, encourage your family to discuss what they mean, and how these prophecies were fulfilled.
What Part of the Bible to Read During Advent
There are so many amazing Bible verses to read for Advent. Of course, you can always read the birth story of Jesus found in Luke 2. But to gain a deeper meaning of the Scriptures, I recommend a mix of readings from the Old Testament and New Testament.
As you read these verses, remember the years before Jesus came, when the world lay in darkness. They looked forward with hope to the day when the Light of the World would come.
Then, see the miraculous prophecies fulfilled when the baby Jesus was born. We have eternal life and can live in Heaven forever because of God’s greatest gift to us.
25-Day Advent Bible Reading Plan | December 1-25
This Advent journey celebrates all the beautiful things that bring the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. This Advent Scripture reading plan helps us to see the prophecies surrounding the promised Messiah and how it was fulfilled at the arrival of Jesus.
You can use this plan every year, beginning on December 1, and reading up until Christmas Day.
Isaiah 7:14 – “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Matthew 1:21 – “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
Luke 2:10-11 – “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
Micah 5:2 – “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”
John 1:14 – “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
Matthew 2:2 – “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”
Luke 2:13 – “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying…”
Luke 2:14 – “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Isaiah 9:6 – “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Matthew 2:11 – “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”
Isaiah 11:1 – “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots”
Luke 2:20 – “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”
Matthew 1:23 – “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
Luke 1:30-31 – “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.”
Isaiah 40:3 – “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Luke 2:8 – “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.”
Matthew 2:9 – “When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.”
Isaiah 60:3 – “And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.”
Luke 1:46-47 – “And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.”
Matthew 2:10 – “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”
Isaiah 9:2 – “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”
Galatians 4:4-5 – “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”
Isaiah 7:14 – “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Luke 2:11-12 – “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
2023 Advent Bible Reading Plan | December 3-24
The days of Advent vary a little every year since it begins four Sundays before Christmas. In 2023 it begins on Sunday, December 3, and ends on Sunday, December 24. If you are lighting candles, you’ll light a new one each Sunday.
December 3–Isaiah 9:2-7 (Prophecy Candle)
December 4–Isaiah 7:14
December 5–Jeremiah 23:5-6
December 6–Isaiah 11:1
December 7–Isaiah 61:1-3
December 8–Jeremiah 33:14-16
December 9–Malachi 3:1
December 10–Micah 5:1-4 (Bethlehem Candle)
December 11–Matthew 2:1-4
December 12–Matthew 2:5-13
December 13–Luke 2:4-7
December 14–Luke 2:8-9
December 15–Luke 2:15-16
December 16–Matthew 2:9-11
December 17–Psalm 80:1 (Shepherd’s Candle)
December 18–Isaiah 40:11
December 19–Psalm 23
December 20–John 10:11
December 21–Ezekiel 34:11-12
December 22–Matthew 18:12-14
December 23–Psalm 95:7
December 24–Psalm 89:5 (Angel’s Candle)
Bonus Angel Verses: Here are a few more angel verses you may want to read on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
- Luke 2:8-14
- Matthew 1:20-21
- Matthew 2:13
- Luke 1:26-38
- Psalm 34:7
- Psalm 91:11-12
Put It Into Action
It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the busy season and forget that the birth of Jesus was God’s plan to redeem us back to Him. These days of readings from the Bible are perfect for individuals, or families. Even younger kids can benefit from these Christmas Bible verses.
Print out these free Bible reading plans to use in your family devotions, or as your personal daily reading during December. Advent Bible reading will help you to remember the true reason Jesus came to earth–to die for our sins.
It only takes a few minutes to read each passage, but taking a few minutes to ponder and meditate on the verses will draw you closer to the Lord during the holiday season.
You can also use these verses in Scripture journaling as you ponder on the coming Messiah and the promise of eternal life.
No matter how you use the Advent Bible Reading Plan, I hope it brings peace and joy into your heart this Christmas season as you celebrate the arrival of the Savior!
