Scripture Readings for Advent & Christmas
Each week includes Old Testament, New Testament and Gospel readings taken from the Book of Common Prayer. The readings will connect with that week’s theme and the Sunday sermon will be based on the Gospel reading. If you would like different daily readings for Advent and Christmas, download this simple guide to the Daily Office which includes readings and prayers.
You can work through the passages however you choose. Consider setting aside 20-30 minutes in the morning to study the passage. Use your Bible and a notebook or journal for notes and prayers. We recommend reading through the passages using the SOAP approach:
S - Scripture. Take a few moments in silence to acknowledge and thank God for his presence. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to speak as you read through the passage several times.
O - Observe. Make some notes based on questions like: What does the passage say? Who is this about? What is the context? What does this reveal about God? About humanity?
A - Apply. Consider what you have learned from the passage. How is God speaking? How might it change the way you think? act? feel? Why is it important in your life? for the church? for your neighbors? for the world?
P - Pray. Thank God for his word, ask him to help you understand all he is revealing, and ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to live in light of it.
Advent Week One (Nov 28)
OT: Zech 14:(1-2)3-9
Psalm 50:1-6
NT: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Gospel: Luke 21:25-33
Advent Week Two (Dec 5)
OT: Mal 3:1-5
Psalm 126
NT 1 Corinthians 4:1-21
Gospel: Luke 3:1-6
Advent Week Three (Dec 12)
OT: Zeph 3:14-20
Psalm 85
NT: Phil 4:4-9
Gospel: Luke 3:7-20
Advent Four (Dec 19)
OT: Mic 5:2-5
Psalm 80:1-7
NT: Hebrews 10:1-10
Gospel: Luke 1:39-56
Christmas Day (Dec 25)
OT: Isa 9:1-7
Psalm 96
NT: Titus 2:11-14
Gospel: Luke 2:1-14(15-20)
First Sunday in Christmas (Dec 26)
OT: Isa 61:10-62:5
Psalm 147:12-20v
NT: Gal 3:23-4:7
Gospel: John 1:1-18
Second Sunday in Christmas (Jan 2)
OT: Jer 31:7-14
Psalm 84
NT: Eph 1:3-14
Gospel: Luke 2:22-40