This month on the blog, we are focusing on Simplifying Christmas. Today’s post is about keeping things simple with Advent reading plans.
Dreams
I have an unrealistic idea of how I’d like the Christmas season to look: I spend mornings in warm cotton pajamas, snuggled with a lap blanket in a cozy wing backed chair, sipping coffee with my Bible in my lap. Sunbeams filter in and kiss my cheek while I meet with Jesus.
Later, the kids would join me, having their own quiet times. Then together, we’d talk about Jesus and what He’s done by bringing His joy to the world.
And I think maybe angels themselves would be singing in the background.
My day never looks like that. And honestly? That’s good!
Reality and Fulfillment
Usually my day is pretty far from it. Or maybe really far from it. But I think what I’m really craving when I imagine that scene is fulfillment— the Holy Spirit welling up in me, pouring out of me, then spilling over living water from my heart. I long for Jesus and will only be satisfied with Him.
And I have to remind myself that fulfillment won’t come from snuggly days lounging in pajamas, a quiet house, peaceful children, or fill-in-the-blank. (What is it for you? Having all the gifts bought? The items checked off your list? The perfect stocking stuffers? Cleaning till the house is company ready and Pinterest perfect? Decorating the most delicious cookies?)
Desiring good things isn’t bad. But they pale in comparison to Jesus. And they definitely won’t fulfill us in the same way He does!
So one thing I’m aiming for this Christmas is more time with Him. And it won’t be in that wing backed chair I don’t even own.
Likely, it will be in my very imperfect daily quiet times that aren’t always quiet or without interruption, found wherever I can snatch them. Since life happens, those times may be had in my bed before I rise, at my kitchen counter while breakfast simmers, or even at my desk with work piled around me an online Bible on my screen. Any of those plus talking to Jesus and listening for His guidance will suffice.
Why do I want more time with Him? Because when I meet with Him first, I’m better prepared for the rest of the day. Life takes on a new perspective when I view it in light of God’s truth and promises.
And Christmas becomes sweeter, holier, and more meaningful.
Advent Readings
A great way to get more time in with Jesus this Christmas season is to plan and do Advent readings. For years, my habit has been to wake before my family and have quiet time. But if that sounds unreasonable for you right now, there are other ways to “make time for quiet time.” (Or you can add these ideas into your normal routine for something new.)
- Try listening to the Christmas story on an audio Bible while driving or cleaning.
- How about making it a family event? While personal quiet time is great, some busy women just invite their children right in. A family devotion is a special thing!
- Center your Advent reading around something you already do. Have coffee every morning? Read or listen while you sip.
- Write one verse from an Advent passage on your mirror and read it every morning. Meditate on it throughout the day.
- Consider memorizing an Advent verse or passage and meditating on it. If you forget your Bible or don’t have an electronic device with you, you still can have a special Advent quiet time.
Looking for a Plan?
We have two DoNotDepart-original plans for Advent. One is a fourteen day plan, and the other is a short, five day plan. Both are organized chronologically. As of today, we have 19 days before Christmas, so you could actually do them both! Try the first and then the second, or even the other way around if you feel you need to warm up to the 14 day plan.
DoNotDepart 14 Day Chronological Timeline Advent Plan
Day 1: Luke 1:26-33
Day 2: Luke 1:34-38
Day 3: Matthew 1:18-25
Day 4: Luke 1:39-45
Day 5: Luke 2:1-7
Day 6: Luke 2:8-14
Day 7: Luke 2:15-21
Day 8: Luke 2:22-32
Day 9: Luke 2:33-38
Day 10: Matthew 2:1-6
Day 11: Matthew 2:7-12
Day 12: Matthew 2:13-15
Day 13: Matthew 2:16-18
Day 14: Matthew 2:19-23, Luke 2:39-40, and John 3:16
DoNotDepart 5 Day Chronological Simple Advent Plan
Day 1: Luke 2:1-7
Day 2: Luke 2:8-14
Day 3: Luke 2:15-21
Day 4: Matthew 2:1-6
Day 5: Matthew 2:7-12 and John 3:16
(These plans will be made available in printable format soon and shared in the DoNotDepart Facebook community group.)
Other Advent Plans and Ideas
If you’d like to try an audio Bible Advent plan, the Dwell app has two Advent reading plans that I’ve listened too. (They may have more.) Dwell is an awesome audio Bible app! I love that it has tons of playlists based on topic. Users can choose from four different readers and six different background music options, including one option for Christmas piano music. It’s beautiful! There’s also an option for no music which is great for people who are distracted by that.
The YouVersion app (also found online at Bible.com) has many Advent reading plans. You can choose a plan with only Scripture passages or with Scripture plus devotional readings. I just noticed that The Bible Project has a plan on YouVersion titled Advent that focuses on hope, peace, joy, and love. You can also find that series here online.
If you consider yourself a visual person and have a little time, you might try this series of videos on Youtube from the Ravi Zaccharias International Ministry. The series is designed to carry you through the entire month of December. (At the time of this writing, we are already six days in, but you could adjust the timeline to fit you, or pick and choose the ones you’d like to watch.)
Another option is this: HelloMornings has a great freebie vault that you can sign up for. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll have access to FREE reading plans for several of the Bible studies that we’ve written. (I say “we” because several of us on the DoNotDepart team also write for HelloMornings!) There are two Christmas study reading plans in the vault– Greatly to Be Praised and the current study the HelloMornings community is using, It Could Only Be Jesus. The free reading plan is simple: the daily reading is provided and one study question is given for each day. Easy!
Remember
We need to remember that this season isn’t about us finding or making the “perfect Christmas.” We can’t be disappointed when it doesn’t look exactly like we hoped. This season is about us remembering that we were created with a desire for something only God can fill with His Holy Spirit.
It’s why God sent His son, Jesus!
Let’s aim to keep Christmas “clutter” out of our hearts, stress less, and focus on Jesus more.
How does reading the Christmas story keep your heart focused on what’s most important? Share with us in the comments or in our DoNotDepart Facebook community group. Also, if you’d like a printable of the two DoNotDepart Advent reading plans, be on the lookout! I’ll share them in the Facebook community group in the next day or two.
Blessings!
Ali
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