Each daily email in this program features a scriptural passage from the Christmas story, followed by readings touching on some aspect of the passage. At the end of the readings for each day is a set of reflections, together with some questions for consideration. There are twenty-five readings in all, designed to carry you from December 1st through Christmas day.
Subscribe below
After submitting your email address below, you’ll receive an email asking you to confirm that you want to participate. Once you have confirmed, your subscription is complete.
Program Details
This year’s Christmas readings are gathered around the theme, “Walk with God.” We read in Micah: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (6:8). And in Isaiah: “He will teach us His ways, and we will walk in His paths.” (2:3)
This theme also appears throughout the Christmas story. Zacharias and Elizabeth walked in the commandments of the Lord. Mary traveled to see Elizabeth. Joseph and Mary went to be registered. The shepherds traveled to Bethlehem. The wise men followed a star to worship the Savior.
All of these movements can tell us something about our own walk with the Lord. “Walking” in the Word can symbolize living. In this context it means “acknowledging, obeying, acting, and living from Him and with Him.” The Lord came into the world to save the human race and show us the way to spiritual life, and He still invites us to walk with Him.
Each daily reading features part of the Christmas story, followed by quotations from the Heavenly Doctrine, works written by Emanuel Swedenborg, providing a New Church perspective. Each day also includes a reflection on what the story of the Lord’s birth can teach us about our own spiritual renewal and life with Him.
There are twenty-six readings in all, beginning December 1 and continuing through Christmas Day, with one extra reading for the day after. Our hope is that these readings will provide a spiritual foundation and sense of hope this season as you continue to walk with the Lord.
Optional Discussion Groups
We also offer online discussion groups for those who enjoy a weekly discussion of the readings.
New Church groups typically involve an opening prayer, reflection, discussion, and the sharing of thoughts and ideas from participants. No prior experience is required and all are welcome, although typically groups are for adults (18+) unless otherwise specified.
These groups will meet once a week for 4 weeks, at the same day and time each week. Groups usually use Zoom, but your group leader will contact you with specific login information for their group meetings.
Testimonials
This program is loved by many. See what others have said about the Christmas Readings emails.
“The daily readings have become an integral part of our Christmas season. They
help us to focus on the Lord's birth and its broader meaning amidst an array of
potential distractions.”
“Every day the readings were easy to read, very applicable and didn’t leaving me
feeling like I had to journal for hours. We need joy and these readings provided
that!”
“I looked forward to receiving them everyday, they were inspirational and very
reflective. I actually miss receiving them presently.”
“I enjoyed the Christmas readings, it was like a pocket bible study “
“The daily readings are uplifting, comforting, and make the Christmas story come
alive.”
“I loved them! They were just what I needed. Not too long. The readings from the
Word were precious and the explanations from the Writings were right on! Loved
the tasks suggested as well. Thank You!"
“Just as in past years, I found the readings to be a great help in mindfully preparing
for the coming events and celebrations, putting my focus, daily, on the real "reason
for the season". It was also a wonderful way of being able to do a daily reading from
the Word if I wasn't able to do anything more that that.”
“All about love and peace.”
“the readings and reflections really added to the sense of celebration, of the
significance of the Christmas season—the Lord’s birth in our hearts and minds.
Thank you for offering them.”
“I really appreciated the richness and depth of the commentaries and reflection
questions that accompanied each piece of Scripture.”
“Bible + Writings + a reflection = a deep, digestible, soul-nourishing bite of Spiritual
food to start my days. Thank you.“
“I love the daily readings. They help to put a focus on the season that doesn’t
involve craziness.”
“These readings enrich my Christmas celebrations by keeping me in touch with
others. They brighten each day of the Advent season with the Word. They are an
essential help for the homebound.”
“Really liked getting these. Just the right balance of readings and thoughts for
practical application.”
“Best selections ever. I need these readings.”