How to use this plan
Read the day's passage in your own Bible or a Bible app. Read the short note, then pray in your own words. If you miss a day, just pick up with today's reading; there's nothing to catch up on.
The plan walks through Luke 1:1 to 2:20 in order: the promise to Zechariah, the angel's visit to Mary, two songs of praise, and the birth of Jesus on the last days before Christmas. Each week follows one Advent theme, the same order as our four-week Advent Bible study, so a family or small group can use both.
References only. Any translation works. Day titles are our own short summaries; where a title uses the Bible's words, they're from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB). Churches order the candle themes differently, so if yours does too, follow your church. When Advent starts and what the candles mean.
Week 1 · to
Week 1: Hope
Luke 1:1-25. An old priest and his wife have prayed for a child for years. God hears them. Hope in the Bible isn't wishful thinking; it's trusting God to keep His word.
- Day 1
Luke 1:1-4 · Written so you can be sure
Luke checked the facts carefully so his reader could know the truth. Hope starts with what God has really done.
- Day 2
Luke 1:5-7 · Faithful, and still waiting
Zechariah and Elizabeth walked faithfully with God, and still had no children. What have you been praying about for a long time?
- Day 3
Luke 1:8-12 · An ordinary day in the temple
God met Zechariah in the middle of his usual work. Where might God meet you this week?
- Day 4
Luke 1:13-14 · A long prayer is heard
The angel tells Zechariah his prayer has been heard. God had not forgotten him, and He hasn't forgotten you.
- Day 5
Luke 1:15-17 · Getting people ready
John will turn many back to God and prepare them for the Lord. How could you make room for Jesus this Advent?
- Day 6
Luke 1:18-22 · When the promise sounds too good
Zechariah asks how he can be sure, and is left without words. Bring your doubts honestly; God's word still comes true.
- Day 7
Luke 1:23-25 · The Lord has done this
Elizabeth sees God's kindness in her own life. Thank Him today for one thing He has done for you.
Week 2 · to
Week 2: Peace
Luke 1:26-45. An angel visits Mary in Nazareth, and his greeting tells her the Lord is with her. Mary's peace doesn't come from having every answer. It comes from trusting God.
- Day 8
Luke 1:26-29 · The Lord is with you
Gabriel's greeting tells Mary the Lord is with her, and she is troubled. Before God asks anything of her, He tells her He is near.
- Day 9
Luke 1:30-31 · Do not be afraid
Mary has found favor with God, and her son will be named Jesus. Name one fear you can hand to God today.
- Day 10
Luke 1:32-33 · His kingdom will never end
Jesus will reign forever. Whatever feels shaky this month, His kingdom won't.
- Day 11
Luke 1:34-35 · How can this be?
Mary asks an honest question, and God answers it. You can bring Him your questions too.
- Day 12
Luke 1:36-38 · No word from God will ever fail
Mary answers that she is the Lord's servant. Peace grows when we say yes to God.
- Day 13
Luke 1:39-41 · Mary hurries to Elizabeth
Mary hurries to Elizabeth, and Elizabeth's baby leaps. Who could you tell about what God is doing?
- Day 14
Luke 1:42-45 · Blessed is she who has believed
Elizabeth encourages Mary for trusting God. Send someone a word of encouragement today.
Week 3 · to
Week 3: Joy
Luke 1:46-80. Two songs fill this week: Mary's and Zechariah's. In between, John is born, and Elizabeth's neighbors and relatives rejoice. Joy is what happens when God keeps His promises.
- Day 15
Luke 1:46-49 · Mary's song
Mary's spirit rejoices in God her Savior. What great thing has God done for you?
- Day 16
Luke 1:50-53 · God lifts up the humble
His mercy reaches those who fear Him in every generation. He fills the hungry and lifts up the humble.
- Day 17
Luke 1:54-56 · God remembers His mercy
God keeps the promise He made to Abraham long ago. He keeps His promises to you too.
- Day 18
Luke 1:57-61 · John is born
Neighbors and relatives rejoice with Elizabeth. Rejoice with someone who has good news this week.
- Day 19
Luke 1:62-66 · His name is John
Zechariah's first words after months of silence are praise to God.
- Day 20
Luke 1:67-75 · Zechariah's song
God has come to save His people, so they can serve Him without fear. Thank Him for that freedom.
- Day 21
Luke 1:76-80 · The Dawn will visit us
Light is coming to people in darkness, to guide our feet into the path of peace.
Week 4 · to
Week 4: Love
Luke 2:1-20. The waiting is over. God's love arrives as a baby in a manger, and the news goes first to shepherds working the night shift.
- Day 22
Luke 2:1-3 · A decree from Caesar
An emperor's census moves a whole empire. God is at work even in the plans of the powerful.
- Day 23
Luke 2:4-7 · No room for them in the inn
Jesus is born and laid in a manger. God's love came small and low, close enough to touch.
- Day 24
Luke 2:8-12 · Good news for shepherds
The first to hear are ordinary workers in a field. This good news is for all the people, you included.
- Day 25
Luke 2:13-14 · Glory to God in the highest
Heaven breaks into praise. Spend a minute praising God for sending His Son.
- Day 26
Luke 2:15-20 · Come and see
The shepherds hurry to see, then tell everyone, and Mary treasures it all. Tonight, read Luke 2:1-20 aloud with someone.
Christmas Day and after
On Christmas Day, read Luke 2:1-20 again with the people you love. In the days after, finish Luke 2: Simeon and Anna meet the baby Jesus in the temple (Luke 2:21-40), and Jesus at twelve stays behind in His Father's house (Luke 2:41-52).
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Advent 2026 runs 26 days, from Sunday, November 29 through Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24. From Jesus Group, the team behind @Jesus · jesusgroup.net/resources/advent-reading-plan-2026