Daily Scripture Readings for Advent

It's hard not to notice the excitement, the expectancy that's in the air at Christmas time. Children, they have an extra bounce in their step as they run around, looking at all the glittery, bright, and shiny Christmas items for sale everywhere. People are excitedly preparing to celebrate. They're shopping, baking and decorating; everything's leading up to that one day - Christmas. Stores start advertising weeks in advance, some start preparing even earlier with Christmas in July sales. Dance theaters, orchestras, and dramatic groups have all been practicing for the Christmas theater season. Movie companies, anticipating the surge of movie goers, prepare special holiday productions.
The anticipation, the excitement is everywhere; but something is missing. The day, Christmas day, comes and goes, people are let down. Things don't quite live up to what they're expecting. What's wrong? Has our excitement been misplaced; have we forgotten the reason, the why, behind the celebration?
As Christmas approaches, take time to remember why we celebrate. Daily Scripture Readings for Advent contains Scripture readings to take you through the Advent Season. Traditionally Advent begins on the 4th Sunday before Christmas and has 4 themes, Prophecy, Bethlehem, Shepherds and Angels. Advent is a time of preparation, not of food and gifts, but preparation of our hearts. This year let us prepare our hearts to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Over the next several weeks, let's take time to look at what the Bible says about the birth of Jesus so we can celebrate with understanding and joy.
And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. Nehemiah 8:12 ESV