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An Advent Devotional for Families: 24 Days of Scripture Together

December has a way of filling up fast. Parties, school programs, shopping lists, and travel plans can crowd out the very thing the season is about. An Advent devotional for families is a simple way to make room again, a few minutes each evening to open the Bible together and remember why we celebrate.

You don't need a perfect setup or a long lesson. You need a Bible, a regular time, and a willingness to start small. Below you'll find practical tips and a 24-day reading plan you can begin on December 1.

What Is Advent?

Advent means "coming" or "arrival." For centuries, Christians have used the weeks before Christmas to prepare their hearts for the celebration of Jesus' birth. It's a season of waiting, hoping, and remembering the promises God made long before that night in Bethlehem.

For families, Advent is a natural way to walk through the whole story: the promise of a Saviour in the Old Testament, the angel's visits, the journey to Bethlehem, and the shepherds who came running.

Why Read Advent Bible Readings as a Family?

There's something special about hearing the Christmas story slowly, one piece at a time, instead of all at once on Christmas Eve. Children start to see how the pieces fit together. Adults often notice details they've skimmed past for years.

Scripture also reminds us that passing faith to the next generation is part of our calling:

"One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts." (Psalms 145:4, KJV)

A short daily reading is one gentle, steady way to do just that.

How to Set Up a Simple Family Advent Time

Pick a consistent moment

After dinner, before bedtime, or at breakfast all work well. Choose the time your family is most likely to be together and least likely to be rushed.

Keep it short

For younger children, 10 minutes is plenty. Read the passage, ask one question, and pray. Older kids and teens can handle a little more discussion.

Let everyone take part

Take turns reading aloud. Let a child light a candle, turn the page on a calendar, or choose the closing song. Participation keeps little ones engaged.

Use a few simple questions

You don't need a script. Try one or two of these after each reading:

  • Who is in this passage, and what happened?
  • What does this show us about God?
  • How do you think the people in the story felt?
  • What can we thank God for today?

End with prayer

Keep it simple. One person can pray, or each family member can share one sentence. An Advent prayer journal can be a lovely way to record those prayers, so you can look back next year and see how God answered.

A 24-Day Advent Reading Plan (KJV)

Here is a simple family reading list for December 1 through 24. It begins with God's early promises and moves through the birth of Jesus. All references are from the King James Version.

  1. December 1: Genesis 3:15 (the first promise)
  2. December 2: Genesis 12:1-3 (a blessing for all families)
  3. December 3: Isaiah 7:14 (a sign from God)
  4. December 4: Isaiah 9:2-7 (a great light)
  5. December 5: Isaiah 11:1-5 (a branch from Jesse)
  6. December 6: Micah 5:2 (little Bethlehem)
  7. December 7: Isaiah 40:1-5 (comfort ye my people)
  8. December 8: Malachi 3:1 (a messenger is coming)
  9. December 9: Luke 1:5-17 (an angel visits Zacharias)
  10. December 10: Luke 1:18-25 (Zacharias waits in silence)
  11. December 11: Luke 1:26-38 (Gabriel visits Mary)
  12. December 12: Luke 1:39-45 (Mary visits Elisabeth)
  13. December 13: Luke 1:46-56 (Mary's song of praise)
  14. December 14: Luke 1:57-66 (John is born)
  15. December 15: Luke 1:67-80 (Zacharias praises God)
  16. December 16: Matthew 1:18-25 (Joseph's dream)
  17. December 17: Luke 2:1-7 (the journey to Bethlehem)
  18. December 18: Luke 2:8-14 (the angels and the shepherds)
  19. December 19: Luke 2:15-20 (the shepherds go to see)
  20. December 20: Luke 2:22-35 (Simeon meets Jesus)
  21. December 21: Luke 2:36-40 (Anna gives thanks)
  22. December 22: Matthew 2:1-12 (the wise men)
  23. December 23: John 1:1-14 (the Word was made flesh)
  24. December 24: Luke 2:1-20 (the whole Christmas story)

If you miss a day, don't worry about catching up. Simply read the next one, or read two together on a quieter night.

Christmas Scripture for Kids: Making It Stick

Children remember what they repeat. Choose one short verse to memorize together during December. Luke 2:11 is a wonderful choice because it holds the heart of the whole season:

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11, KJV)

A few more ideas for helping Christmas Scripture for families come alive:

  • Act it out. Use a nativity set or simple costumes for the Luke 2 readings.
  • Draw it. Let kids sketch one scene from the day's reading.
  • Write it down. Older children can copy the memory verse in their own handwriting.
  • Ask "why." Why did God choose a stable? Why shepherds? Let the questions lead to good conversations.

Keeping It Joyful, Not Stressful

Advent isn't one more thing to get right. Some nights the kids will be wiggly, someone will be tired, and the reading will feel rushed. That's normal. Showing up imperfectly still plants seeds. What children often remember most is simply that the family stopped, sat together, and opened God's Word.

Resources to Help Your Family This Advent

If you'd like a little structure for your own quiet time this season, our free 7-Day Prayer Starter is a gentle place to begin praying with Scripture each day.

For December itself, our Advent Prayer Journal walks from the prophets to the manger, December 1 to Christmas, with one short KJV passage, a reflection question, and space to pray each day. It works well around the table with your family. If you'd like to carry the season further, The Christmas Faith Set pairs that journal with twelve Christmas Scripture prints for your home and a 2027 Prayer Planner for the new year.

However you choose to celebrate, may this Advent be a season of quiet hearts and real joy as you remember the Saviour who came.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should we start our Advent devotional?

Many families start on December 1 and read through December 24, like the plan above. Traditional Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas, so you can also start then and add a few extra readings.

How long should a family Advent devotional take each day?

Ten to fifteen minutes is enough for most families. Read the passage, ask a question or two, and close in prayer. With very young children, even five minutes is a good start.

Is the King James Version too hard for kids?

Some words may be new, but children often enjoy the rhythm of the KJV, especially in the Christmas story. Read slowly, pause to explain unfamiliar words, and let older kids help younger ones.

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