Advent means “arrival” and marks the weeks prior to Christmas for the Christian church throughout the world and history. Advent is a season of waiting and focusing on the first coming of Jesus our Savior. It is a reminder that we’re still now waiting for his second arrival.

This reading plan will help you keep Christ at the center of the Christmas season by drawing your attention to the Christmas story daily through Bible reading. As you sit down to read each day, begin with prayer asking Jesus to speak to, and reveal himself to you. Then take time to read through the daily passage twice. After reading, identify the one truth that stands out most to you and summarize it in a phrase or short sentence. Finally, take a few minutes to meditate on that truth and listen for what the Holy Spirit might desire to speak to you. This experience is most fruitful when done with a journal to write out your summaries and what you hear from the Holy Spirit.  

On the third Sunday of Advent, the pink (or rose) candle is lit. This Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is a Latin word meaning "rejoice." The change from purple to pink signifies the transition in season from repentance to celebration. The pink candle is called the "Shepherds Candle" and represents joy.