Top 7 Free Advent Devotionals

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“Jesus is the Reason for the Season”

We’ve all heard that phrase many many times! But as we approach Christmas this year, let’s have that really sink in and take root in our hearts. It’s so easy to fall prey to all the media hype and “I wants” on everyone’e list.  I’m certainly guilty of this. But as we head into the celebration of Christ’s birth, let’s be intentional about reflecting more fully on that phrase and the scripture that backs it up. Christmas is such a deeply spiritual time, so pause with me ever so briefly to read and choose from my list of the Top 7 Free Advent Devotionals. I’ve included a free download of my own for 25 advent scriptures. Just scroll to the bottom:)

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These are in no particular order. Each is uniquely written by one or more authors along with scripture that has been neatly compiled. So, choose the one that fits you best, and enjoy!

1) “Arrival: Preparing to Celebrate Christ’s Birth”

This is a wonderful devotional guide written by Billy Graham. In it, he gives us an excerpt written for each week along with scripture passages to read through. His thoughts are always rich, to the point and, of course, offer a life application point at the end. I could ruminate for weeks just on the names of the Lord that he shares in Week One. Since this one is laid out with something to reflect on for a week, this one is low on time commitment, but rich in content. Check it out here for the free download.

2) “Keep Christ at the center of your family’s Christmas this year.”

Directly from Awana’s website:

“Our Family Advent Guide will help you weave the miraculous story of Christ’s coming into your family’s holiday traditions.

Sign up for the Friday Family Email here to receive our Advent guide immediately, plus easy-to-use family discipleship ideas delivered every week — during Advent and all year long!”

Awana is such a great ministry for kids! I highly recommend their Advent guide to make this season special for your family:)

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3) “Good News of Great Joy”

Published in 2013 by John Piper of DesiringGod.org, this little devotional guide is intended to help you keep your focus on Jesus and spend time in adoration during the advent season. It’s laid out with a daily scripture reading accompanied with thoughts compiled from John Piper’s writings. By the time you reach Day 25 I think you will be richly blessed! Here’s the website for this wonderful resource.

4) “Meet Him at the Manger”

“In this 25-day Advent reading plan, the Briscoes encourage you to consider the true joy of Christmas. With heartwarming stories, inspirational verse, and biblical teaching, they cut through distractions to the real miracle of Christmas: God with us; Immanuel in the manger.” This is a gem of a resource! Get it here.

MANGER

5) “Advent, The Whole Story”

Written by Paul David Tripp, this advent devotional focuses on four main points: The Need, The Promise, The Announcement and The Plan.  Here’s an excerpt:

“This resource includes four short Advent devotionals, accompanied by Reflection Questions that can be used personally, for your family devotion time, or with a small group or Bible Study. A fifth bonus devotional is included – entitled 10,000 Little Moments – to help you think biblically about the New Year and the resolutions that come with it.”

This one really walks through Biblical truth in an evangelistic way and is great for individuals or a group. The author takes you deeper and helps you examine your heart and respond. Download it here and share it with someone you love.

6) “Crosswalk.com” Christmas Devotionals

Subscribe to their daily newsletter and you will receive a devotional written by a different well-known author each day throughout the Advent season.  If you’d rather not download a pdf or read in a book format, this blog will do quite nicely. They also have a good post titled “12 Christmas Prayers–Experience Joy”, with prayers such as “A Prayer to Keep Christmas Simple,” or “A Christmas Prayer for Peace.” 

7) “Advent Devotional” from Cru

Considering what strain we’ve been under the last few years, I think this devotional will touch your hearts and bring sweet release to pent up grief and sorrow.

From Cru:

How Can a Weary World Rejoice? An Advent Journey Through Luke

You may be entering this Advent season weary from this year or the past few years. Maybe you or those around you are holding grief or loss in the aftermath of personal, national or international tragedies, as well as the global uncertainty of a lingering pandemic. Or you may be experiencing a range of emotions heading into this time of year — from anxiety and sadness to a sense of excitement or joy.

Regardless of where you are in your journey, Advent provides us all with an opportunity to re-examine the life of Christ, why He came and how He loves us. Unless we see and understand who He really is, the weariness of the world can easily overwhelm us, and we can become hopeless.

Look at who the Savior is this season and renew and restore your hope with this great devotional.









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8) A Bonus–“Advent Resource from Inspired and Refreshed”

Last but not least is a daily scripture reading compiled by me. Each passage chosen helps you to reflect on the fulfillment of prophecy for Christ’s coming, the beauty in which it was accomplished and our great need for redemption. I hope you will enjoy each day as December 25th draws near. 

In this additional article, I’ve put together the Top 10 Advent Activities for families. There are some awesome ideas as well as a free downloadable template to make 18 ornaments for your tree.

Please leave me a comment or two as you read. It will not only encourage me, but others who read this. I leave you with a simple, beautiful poem and wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Sally

The Christmas Story

By Leanne Guenther

Once upon a time,
A long, long time ago.
Begins the story of a baby,
That most of you should know.

His daddy’s name was Joseph,
And Mary was His mom,
This babe was very special
He was God’s only Son.

Some angels came from heaven,
And they began to sing.

To the shepherds in the fields below,
“Glad tidings do we bring!”

A bright star lit the heavens,
To light the magi’s way,
To the baby in the manger
Who was born on Christmas day.

And all who gathered round Him,
Rejoiced and praised His birth.
For the babe, the King, named Jesus,
Is our Saviour here on earth!