There’s something special about opening your Bible during Advent.

Maybe it's the quiet of the morning.

A cup of coffee beside you.

Christmas lights glowing in the background.

And for a few minutes, the noise of the season seems to settle down.

Advent gives us an opportunity to pause.

To remember.

To wait.

To prepare our hearts for Jesus.

The Christmas season can easily become focused on everything happening around us—the shopping, decorating, cooking, gatherings, gifts, traditions, and endless lists.

But underneath all of it is a beautiful story.

A promise.

A Savior.

A baby in a manger.

God coming near.

And Scripture helps us slow down enough to remember what Christmas is really about.

If you're looking for Bible verses to read during Advent, I've gathered 25 passages that will help you walk through themes of promise, hope, preparation, faith, joy, peace, love, and the coming of Jesus.

You don't have to read all 25 in one sitting.

In fact, I would encourage you not to.

Take one passage at a time.

Read it slowly.

Ask God what He wants you to notice.

Let the Christmas story become personal again.

1. Isaiah 7:14 — The Promise of Immanuel

Isaiah points forward to the coming of a child who would be called Immanuel, meaning “God with us.”

What a beautiful truth to carry through Advent.

God did not remain distant.

He came near.

Reflect: Where do you need to remember that God is with you right now?

2. Isaiah 9:2 — Light in the Darkness

Isaiah speaks of people walking in darkness who would see a great light.

Christmas reminds us that Jesus came into a world that desperately needed light.

And He is still our light today.

Reflect: Where do you need the light of Jesus in your life?

3. Isaiah 9:6 — The Promised Child

This familiar passage describes the coming child as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

Jesus wasn't simply a baby born in Bethlehem.

He is our King.

Reflect: Which name of Jesus speaks most deeply to your heart this Advent?

4. Isaiah 11:1–2 — A Shoot from Jesse

Isaiah describes new growth coming from what appeared to be a cut-down tree.

There's hope in that picture.

God can bring new life from places that look finished.

Reflect: Where are you trusting God to bring new life?

5. Micah 5:2 — Bethlehem

Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, Scripture pointed toward Bethlehem as the place where the ruler of Israel would come.

God's promises may take time.

But He is faithful.

Reflect: Is there something you're waiting for God to fulfill?

6. Matthew 1:18–23 — The Birth of Jesus Foretold

Matthew tells us about Joseph learning that Mary would give birth to Jesus.

And again we hear the name Immanuel—God with us.

Reflect: What does “God with us” mean for the season you're walking through?

7. Matthew 1:21 — Jesus Came to Save

The angel tells Joseph that the child would be named Jesus because He would save His people from their sins.

This is at the heart of Christmas.

Jesus came to save.

Reflect: Take a moment to thank Jesus for the salvation He offers.

8. Luke 1:26–33 — The Angel Visits Mary

Mary receives the extraordinary news that she will give birth to the Son of God.

Her circumstances must have been overwhelming.

Yet she was willing to trust God's plan.

Reflect: Where might God be asking you to trust Him even when you don't understand everything?

9. Luke 1:35 — Nothing Is Impossible with God

The angel explains God's work in Mary's life and points to His power.

Advent reminds us that God's ways are often bigger than what we can understand.

Reflect: What situation do you need to place in God's hands?

10. Luke 1:38 — Mary's Surrender

Mary responds to God's announcement with a posture of willingness and surrender.

She didn't have every detail.

She simply trusted God.

Reflect: What would it look like to say, “Lord, I trust You,” even without knowing everything ahead?

11. Luke 1:46–49 — Mary's Song of Praise

Mary responds to what God is doing with worship.

Her circumstances weren't necessarily easy, but she recognized God's goodness.

Reflect: What can you praise God for today?

12. Luke 1:68–79 — Zechariah's Prophecy

Zechariah praises God for His faithfulness and speaks about the coming salvation.

God was moving.

The long-awaited promise was unfolding.

Reflect: Where have you seen God's faithfulness in your own story?

13. Matthew 1:24–25 — Joseph Obeys

Joseph chooses obedience even when God's plan is not what he expected.

His obedience becomes part of the Christmas story.

Reflect: Is there an area where God is inviting you to take a step of obedience?

14. Luke 2:1–7 — Jesus Is Born

The promised Savior enters the world.

Not in a palace.

Not surrounded by wealth.

But in humble circumstances.

The King comes quietly.

Reflect: What does the humility of Jesus teach you about God's heart?

15. Luke 2:8–14 — Good News of Great Joy

The angels announce Jesus' birth to shepherds.

Their message is described as good news of great joy.

Christmas is good news.

Jesus is good news.

Reflect: What does the arrival of Jesus mean for you personally?

16. Luke 2:15–20 — The Shepherds Go and Tell

The shepherds don't simply hear the news.

They go see Jesus.

Then they tell others what they have experienced.

Reflect: Who could you encourage with the good news of Jesus this Christmas?

17. Matthew 2:1–2 — The Wise Men Seek Jesus

The wise men travel because they want to find the newborn King.

Their story reminds us that Jesus is worth seeking.

Reflect: What would it look like to intentionally seek Jesus this Advent?

18. Matthew 2:10–11 — Worship at the Feet of Jesus

When the wise men find Jesus, they respond with worship and bring gifts.

They recognize His worth.

Reflect: What can you offer Jesus this Christmas—not as a way to earn His love, but as a response to the love He has already given you?

19. John 1:1–5 — The Word Became Flesh

John takes us beyond Bethlehem and reminds us who Jesus truly is.

The One who came as a baby is the eternal Word.

He was with God.

He was God.

And He came as the light of the world.

Reflect: Slow down and consider who Jesus is—not simply what He came to do.

20. John 1:14 — God Came Near

John tells us that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

This is one of the most beautiful truths of Christmas.

God came near.

He entered our world.

He made Himself known.

Reflect: How does knowing that God came near change the way you approach Him?

21. John 3:16 — The Love Behind Christmas

We often hear this verse throughout the year, but Advent gives it a special place.

Jesus came because of God's great love.

The manger points toward the cross.

Christmas is part of God's story of redemption.

Reflect: Take a few quiet moments simply thanking God for His love.

22. Galatians 4:4–5 — Jesus Came at the Right Time

Paul reminds us that Jesus came when the fullness of time had arrived.

God wasn't late.

He wasn't surprised.

Jesus came according to God's perfect timing.

Reflect: Where do you need to trust God's timing in your own life?

23. Philippians 2:5–8 — The Humility of Christ

Paul describes Jesus choosing humility and taking the form of a servant.

The One who deserves all glory willingly humbled Himself for us.

Reflect: How can you practice Christlike humility during the Christmas season?

24. Titus 2:11–14 — The Grace of God Has Appeared

This passage points us toward God's grace appearing and teaches us to live differently because of it.

Christmas isn't only something we remember.

It changes how we live.

Reflect: How can the grace of Jesus shape the way you treat people this Christmas?

25. Revelation 21:3–4 — God With Us Forever

It's fitting to end our Advent reading list by looking ahead.

The story doesn't end in Bethlehem.

Scripture points toward a future where God will dwell with His people and suffering and death will be no more.

The God who came near at Christmas will ultimately make all things new.

Reflect: How does the promise of God's eternal presence give you hope today?

How to Use These 25 Advent Scriptures

You don't need to turn this list into another item on your Christmas to-do list.

That's important.

Advent isn't about accomplishing more.

It's about making room.

You could read one passage each day for 25 days.

Or you could choose one Scripture each week and spend several days sitting with it.

There is no perfect way to do this.

Here is a simple rhythm you might try:

Read

Read the passage slowly.

Don't worry about finishing quickly.

Notice

What word or phrase catches your attention?

What stands out?

What do you notice about God?

Reflect

Ask yourself:

What does this Scripture show me about Jesus?

Then ask:

What might God be showing me about my own heart?

Pray

Turn what you've read into a conversation with God.

If the Scripture talks about God's faithfulness, thank Him for His faithfulness.

If it reminds you of His peace, ask Him to help you trust Him.

If it points toward hope, bring your disappointments to Him.

Rest

Don't feel like you need to immediately move on.

Sometimes the best thing we can do after reading Scripture is simply sit quietly with what we've read.

Let it settle.

Let God speak.

Read the Christmas Story Slowly

One of the simplest things you can do during Advent is read the Christmas story slowly.

We can become so familiar with Luke 2 that we almost stop noticing it.

But try reading it as though you've never heard it before.

Imagine Mary.

Imagine Joseph.

Imagine the shepherds.

Imagine the angelic announcement.

Imagine the night Jesus was born.

Then pause.

What does this show us about God?

He keeps His promises.

He comes near.

He works through ordinary people.

He enters humble places.

He brings hope into darkness.

He offers salvation.

He is worthy of worship.

That's the story we're preparing our hearts to celebrate.

Don't Let Advent Become Another Checklist

I want to encourage you with this.

If you miss a day, you haven't failed.

If you don't finish all 25 passages, that's okay.

If your quiet time gets interrupted because someone needs you, Jesus isn't disappointed.

If December becomes messy, God is still present.

The purpose isn't to check every box.

The purpose is to draw near to Jesus.

One verse can be enough for an entire morning.

One truth can stay with you all day.

One prayer can change the way you walk through a difficult moment.

Sometimes less is more.

So give yourself permission to slow down.

Questions for Your Advent Journal

As you read these Scriptures, consider writing your thoughts in a journal.

Here are a few questions to help you begin:

• What am I learning about Jesus through this passage?
• What does this Scripture reveal about God's character?
• Where do I need hope right now?
• Where do I need God's peace?
• What am I waiting for?
• What promise of God do I need to remember?
• What am I thankful for this Christmas season?
• Is there something I need to surrender to Jesus?
• Who can I encourage with the hope of Christ?
• What does “God with us” mean in my current season?
• How can I make more room for Jesus this Christmas?

Don't rush through your answers.

Let them become prayers.

A Prayer for Advent

Jesus,

Thank You for coming near.

Thank You for being the fulfillment of God's promises and for entering our world so that we could know You.

As I walk through Advent, help me slow down.

Help me put aside the pressure to make everything perfect.

Help me remember what Christmas is really about.

You.

Give me hope when I am waiting.

Give me peace when my heart is anxious.

Give me joy when life feels heavy.

And remind me of Your love when I feel forgotten.

Help me see You in the familiar Christmas story.

Help me notice things I may have overlooked before.

Give me a heart that listens.

A heart that worships.

A heart that trusts.

And as I read Your Word, help me not simply read words on a page.

Help me know You more.

Prepare my heart for Christmas.

Prepare my heart to receive You again with wonder.

Thank You for being Immanuel.

God with us.

Amen.

Make Space for Jesus This Advent

Christmas will come whether we feel ready or not.

The decorations will go up.

The music will play.

The gifts will be opened.

The meals will be shared.

But before all of that happens, take some time to prepare your heart.

Open your Bible.

Read slowly.

Pray honestly.

Remember the promises.

Look toward Jesus.

These 25 Scriptures are not meant to give you one more thing to accomplish.

They're an invitation.

An invitation to pause.

An invitation to remember.

An invitation to worship.

An invitation to make room.

And perhaps, as you move through these passages, you'll find that the greatest gift of Advent isn't simply remembering that Jesus came.

It's remembering that Jesus is still with you.

He is with you in the waiting.

He is with you in the celebration.

He is with you in the quiet mornings.

He is with you in the difficult moments.

He is with you when the season feels joyful.

And He is with you when it doesn't.

So don't rush through Advent.

Stay with Jesus.

One Scripture at a time.

One prayer at a time.

One day at a time.

Start Your Advent Prayer Journey

If these Scriptures inspire you to spend more intentional time in prayer, the Autumn Bible Verse Freebie Journal is a simple way to continue creating space for God.

Use it alongside your Advent Bible reading.

Write down what you're learning.

Bring your questions to God.

Record the prayers you're praying.

And take time to notice His faithfulness.

You don't need a complicated routine.

Just a willing heart and a little space to meet with Jesus.

Let this Advent be less about doing more and more about drawing near.

Keep Growing Beyond Christmas

And as Advent reminds us that God is faithful through every season, I also want to invite you into the Campfire Experience 2027.

It's an opportunity to continue making space for faith, reflection, connection, and growing deeper with God.

Because our relationship with Jesus doesn't end when the Christmas decorations come down.

The hope we celebrate at Advent carries into January.

The peace Jesus gives us carries into ordinary days.

The joy of knowing Him carries into difficult seasons.

And His love continues to meet us again and again.

So take these 25 Scriptures with you.

Read them slowly.

Pray through them.

Write down what God is showing you.

And as Christmas draws near, remember the heart of the entire Advent story:

Jesus came.

Jesus is with us.

Jesus is coming again.

That is our hope.

That is our peace.

That is our joy.

And that is the love we celebrate at Christmas.