This Advent plan offers one short reading each day from Sunday, November 29, to Christmas Day 2026. It moves from the prophets’ promises to the birth of Jesus, grouped by the four Advent themes of hope, peace, joy and love, so you can watch God’s promise unfold. (See our Wonderful Counselor devotional.)
Key Takeaways
- Advent 2026 begins on November 29.
- Each week follows a classic Advent theme.
- Readings move from prophecy to fulfillment.
- A few minutes a day is enough.
Why Read the Bible During Advent?
Advent means coming. For four weeks Christians remember how long God’s people waited for the Messiah, celebrate his birth, and look ahead to his return. New to the season? Start with our What Is Advent? guide. Reading Scripture is the simplest way to keep Christ at the center of a busy December. The prophets’ promises make the manger make sense, and the Gospels show God keeping every word. As Paul wrote, the Scriptures were written to teach us, so that through endurance and encouragement we would have hope (Romans 15:4).
How to Use This Plan
- Pick a time. Morning coffee, the dinner table, or bedtime.
- Read the passage, then the one-line focus.
- Ask one question: What does this show me about God’s promise in Jesus?
- Pray briefly, turning the reading into thanks.
- Light a candle on Sundays if you use an Advent wreath.
If you miss a day, read today’s passage and keep going. Grace, not a perfect streak, is the point.
Week 1: Hope (November 29 – December 5)
Hope begins in the dark. Before Jesus came, God’s people waited centuries for the promised Savior. These readings trace that promise from Eden to the prophets.
| Date | Reading | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Nov 29 | Isaiah 9:2-7 | Light for people in darkness |
| Mon Nov 30 | Genesis 3:8-15 | The first promise of a Savior |
| Tue Dec 1 | Genesis 12:1-3 | All nations blessed through Abraham |
| Wed Dec 2 | Isaiah 40:1-11 | Comfort, and a voice in the wilderness |
| Thu Dec 3 | Jeremiah 33:14-16 | A righteous Branch from David |
| Fri Dec 4 | Psalm 130 | Waiting for the Lord |
| Sat Dec 5 | Romans 15:4-13 | The God of hope |
Isaiah wrote to a nation facing invasion, promising that people living in darkness would see a great light (Isaiah 9:2). Psalm 130 gives us words for waiting: the psalmist waits for the LORD with his whole soul and puts his hope in God’s word (Psalm 130:5). Biblical hope is not wishful thinking. It is confidence in a God who keeps his word.
Reflect: Where do you need God’s light this week?
Week 2: Peace (December 6 – 12)
Peace in Scripture is more than calm. It is a restored relationship with God. This week the prophets point to a ruler from Bethlehem, and the story of John the Baptist begins.
| Date | Reading | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Dec 6 | Isaiah 11:1-10 | The peaceful kingdom of Jesse’s son |
| Mon Dec 7 | Micah 5:2-5a | A ruler from Bethlehem who will be his people’s peace |
| Tue Dec 8 | Isaiah 7:10-14 | Immanuel, God with us |
| Wed Dec 9 | Malachi 3:1-4; 4:5-6 | The messenger who prepares the way |
| Thu Dec 10 | Luke 1:5-25 | Zechariah and the promise of John |
| Fri Dec 11 | Luke 1:67-80 | Zechariah’s song: the way of peace |
| Sat Dec 12 | John 14:27 | Jesus’ gift of peace |
Micah names the town hundreds of years in advance and says the coming king will himself be his people’s peace (Micah 5:5). Isaiah promises a sign: a virgin will conceive and give birth to a son named Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14). Then Zechariah, silent for months, finally sings of the dawn that will guide our steps into peace (Luke 1:79).
Reflect: What worry can you hand to the Prince of Peace today?
Week 3: Joy (December 13 – 19)
Joy fills the Gospel pages this week. An angel visits Mary, Elizabeth’s baby leaps, and Joseph obeys. Many churches light a pink candle on this third Sunday.
| Date | Reading | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Dec 13 | Isaiah 35:1-10 | The desert rejoices |
| Mon Dec 14 | Luke 1:26-38 | The angel visits Mary |
| Tue Dec 15 | Luke 1:39-45 | Elizabeth and John leap for joy |
| Wed Dec 16 | Luke 1:46-56 | Mary’s song (the Magnificat) |
| Thu Dec 17 | Zephaniah 3:14-17 | God rejoices over his people |
| Fri Dec 18 | Matthew 1:1-17 | The family line of the Messiah |
| Sat Dec 19 | Matthew 1:18-25 | Joseph’s obedience |
Gabriel tells Mary that nothing is impossible for God (Luke 1:37). Mary answers in song, praising the Lord and rejoicing in God her Savior (Luke 1:46-47). Zephaniah shows the flip side of that joy: God himself delights over his people with gladness (Zephaniah 3:17).
Reflect: How does God’s delight in you change how you see this season?
Week 4: Love (December 20 – 25)
The last week shows the reason for it all: God’s love sending his Son. It ends at the manger, with the magi, and with the Word made flesh.
| Date | Reading | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Dec 20 | John 3:16-17 | God’s love for the world |
| Mon Dec 21 | 1 John 4:7-12 | Love made visible in the Son |
| Tue Dec 22 | Luke 2:1-7 | Born in Bethlehem |
| Wed Dec 23 | Luke 2:8-20 | Good news for shepherds |
| Thu Dec 24 (Christmas Eve) | Matthew 2:1-12 | The Magi worship the King |
| Fri Dec 25 (Christmas Day) | John 1:1-14 | The Word became flesh |
John puts it plainly: God showed his love by sending his one and only Son among us (1 John 4:9). To the shepherds the angel announces joyful good news meant for everyone (Luke 2:10). On Christmas Day the plan ends with the heart of it all: the Word became a human being and lived among us (John 1:14).
Reflect: Who could you share this love with before Christmas?
Going Deeper
- Read the birth narratives slowly with our Birth of Jesus: Luke 2 Bible Study and Matthew 1 Genealogy Explained.
- On Christmas Eve, learn more about the magi in Who Were the Wise Men?
- On Christmas Day, use our Christmas Bible Study on John 1:14.
- For a full overview, see our Christmas Story Bible Study.
- Pair each reading with an Advent devotional for each day.
- Want a short daily devotional too? Start with Advent Devotional Day 1 or Immanuel: A Christmas Devotional.
For Families
Read the Gospel passages aloud and let children retell the story. On the Old Testament days, ask what God promised. On the Gospel days, ask how God kept his promise.
A few simple ideas:
- Light the wreath on Sundays and read that week’s opening passage together.
- Let kids act it out. Luke 1 and Luke 2 are full of characters: Mary, Elizabeth, the shepherds, the angels.
- Keep a promise chain. Add a paper link each day with one word from the reading.
- End with one sentence of prayer from each person.
Keep it short. Five minutes of the Bible at the table each night can shape a child’s Christmas memories for life.
After Christmas
The story doesn’t stop on December 25. Keep reading Luke 2:21-40 for Simeon and Anna, two faithful people who waited their whole lives to see the Messiah, then Matthew 2:13-23 for the flight to Egypt. Then begin the Gospel of John with our Gospel of John study and get to know the child of Bethlehem as the Savior the whole world needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Advent start in 2026?
Advent 2026 begins on Sunday, November 29, the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and ends on Christmas Eve, December 24. This plan includes Christmas Day so you finish with John 1:14, where the Word becomes human and lives among us.
What should I read during Advent?
Many Christians read Old Testament promises of the Messiah (such as Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6, and Micah 5:2) and then the birth accounts in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. Isaiah 9:6 promises a child born and a son given to us. This plan combines both.
What are the four themes of Advent?
The four weeks are commonly themed hope, peace, joy, and love, often marked by candles on an Advent wreath. Traditions vary; some churches use prophets, Bethlehem, shepherds, and angels. All point to Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
How long does each Advent reading take?
Most readings are 5 to 15 verses and take about five minutes. You can add a short prayer or a reflection question. The goal is a steady daily rhythm, like Mary, who kept all these things and thought about them deeply in her heart (Luke 2:19).
Can I start the Advent reading plan late?
Yes. Start with today’s reading and keep going, or catch up by reading two passages a day. Advent is about preparing your heart for Jesus, not keeping a perfect streak. God’s grace has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone (Titus 2:11).
A Prayer for Advent
Lord, as I read your word this Advent, prepare my heart for Jesus. Thank you for keeping every promise, from Genesis to Bethlehem. Fill me with hope, peace, joy, and love, and help me treasure Christ like Mary did. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved.