Advent Family Reading Plan: 25 Days to Christmas
By Benny Yu, Bible with Life · Free to print and share, no sign-up
Advent is the four weeks of waiting before Christmas. This plan walks a family through the story in 25 short readings, one for each day from December 1 to Christmas Day: first the prophets' promises, then the angel's visit to Mary, and finally the night in Bethlehem.
Each reading takes about five minutes. Read the passage aloud from your Bible, talk about the question together, and close with the short prayer. Younger children can listen and answer the question; older children can take turns reading.
How to use it
- Pick one time each day: breakfast, the drive to school, or bedtime.
- Read the passage aloud. The references follow the King James Version, but any translation works.
- Ask the question and let everyone answer, the youngest first.
- Pray the one-line prayer together, or in your own words.
December 1: A great light
Read: Isaiah 9:1–2
Talk: When has a light helped you in the dark? What does a light do that nothing else can?
Pray: Lord, shine your light into our home this Advent.
December 2: Prepare ye the way of the LORD
Read: Isaiah 40:1–5
Talk: How do we get ready when someone special is coming? How can we get ready for Jesus?
Pray: God, help us make room for you this month.
December 3: Lift up your heads, O ye gates
Read: Psalm 24:1–10
Talk: Who is the King of glory? What would it look like to welcome him?
Pray: King of glory, come in and be welcome here.
December 4: A righteous Branch
Read: Jeremiah 23:5–6
Talk: God promised a King who would be fair and do what is right. Why do people need a King like that?
Pray: Thank you for keeping your promises, Lord.
December 5: Bethlehem, little among the thousands
Read: Micah 5:2–5
Talk: God chose a small town for a great promise. Why do you think he chose somewhere small?
Pray: Use our small lives for your great purposes, God.
December 6: Immanuel: God with us
Read: Isaiah 7:10–14
Talk: Immanuel means "God with us." Where do you need God to be with you this week?
Pray: Thank you that you are with us, God, always.
December 7: The Sun of righteousness
Read: Malachi 4:1–2
Talk: What does the sun do for plants, animals and people? How is Jesus like the sun?
Pray: Bring your warmth and healing to us, Lord.
December 8: Arise, shine
Read: Isaiah 60:1–3
Talk: How could we shine God's light for someone else this week?
Pray: Help us shine your light where we go today.
December 9: Unto us a child is born
Read: Isaiah 9:6–7
Talk: Which of the names in verse 6 means the most to you, and why?
Pray: Wonderful, Counsellor, Prince of Peace: we worship you.
December 10: Fear not, Mary
Read: Luke 1:26–30
Talk: The angel's first words were "Fear not." What makes you afraid, and what would God say to you?
Pray: When we are afraid, remind us that you are near.
December 11: Thou shalt call his name JESUS
Read: Luke 1:31–33
Talk: The angel said his kingdom would have no end. What lasts forever, and what doesn't?
Pray: Jesus, be King of our family.
December 12: With God nothing shall be impossible
Read: Luke 1:34–37
Talk: What seems impossible to us right now that we can pray about together?
Pray: Nothing is too hard for you, Lord. We trust you with it.
December 13: Mary says yes
Read: Luke 1:38
Talk: Mary said yes to God even before she understood everything. What does saying yes to God look like for us?
Pray: Give us hearts that say yes to you.
December 14: Blessed is she that believed
Read: Luke 1:39–45
Talk: Elisabeth was overjoyed to see Mary. Who could we encourage this week?
Pray: Help us cheer on the people around us.
December 15: My soul doth magnify the Lord
Read: Luke 1:46–55
Talk: Mary sang about what God had done. What has God done that makes you glad?
Pray: We praise you for all you have done for us.
December 16: He shall save his people
Read: Matthew 1:18–25
Talk: Joseph trusted God and did what the angel said. Why is "Jesus" the right name for him (verse 21)?
Pray: Jesus, thank you for coming to save us.
December 17: No room for them in the inn
Read: Luke 2:1–7
Talk: There was no room for Mary and Joseph. How can we make room for Jesus, and for others, this Christmas?
Pray: Lord, there is room for you in our home.
December 18: Shepherds abiding in the field
Read: Luke 2:8–9
Talk: Why might God have told ordinary shepherds the news first?
Pray: Thank you that your good news is for everyone.
December 19: Good tidings of great joy
Read: Luke 2:10–12
Talk: Who could we share good news with this week?
Pray: Fill us with your joy, and help us share it.
December 20: Glory to God in the highest
Read: Luke 2:13–14
Talk: The angels praised God together. How could our family praise God today?
Pray: Glory to you, God, and peace on earth.
December 21: Mary kept all these things
Read: Luke 2:15–20
Talk: What from this Advent do you want to keep in your heart?
Pray: Help us remember what you have shown us.
December 22: When they saw the star
Read: Matthew 2:1–11
Talk: The wise men brought gifts. What could we give to Jesus?
Pray: We give you our hearts, Lord Jesus.
December 23: The light shineth in darkness
Read: John 1:1–5
Talk: Darkness could not put out the light. What does that tell us about Jesus?
Pray: Jesus, light of the world, shine in us.
December 24: The Word was made flesh
Read: John 1:14
Talk: God came as a real baby. Why does it matter that Jesus became one of us?
Pray: Thank you for coming close to us, Jesus.
December 25: Unto you is born this day
Read: Luke 2:1–20
Talk: Read the whole Christmas story together. What part of it stands out to you this year?
Pray: Happy birthday, Jesus. Thank you for coming.
Each reading has a free Advent verse card at Bible with Life, opened on its day.