Updated for 2016: Check out the 2016 Advent guide here!

Advent is a term originally derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival". Advent is a season in the Christian calendar where the church worldwide remembers Jesus' first coming and joyfully anticipates His second.

The story of Jesus doesn't begin with His birth. For centuries, the Jewish Law, Prophets, and Writings spoke about Him and what He would do. As the author of Hebrews says: "Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him." (Hebrews 9:28 ESV)

For a day will come when the lowly baby in the feed trough will arise to rule over the nations from Jerusalem. We do well to remember His first coming and to heed the words of the Prophets, as Peter said: "And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises." (2 Peter 1:19 NIV)

This year, Advent runs from Sunday, November 29th through Thursday, December 24th.

A couple of years ago I published a brief guide and reading schedule that included short episodes from my Opening Up the Gospels video series to help fellow believers remember Jesus during Advent. I've updated the guide for 2015, which you can download below. The reading schedule includes both Old Testament and New Testament readings and returns to the story of Jesus' birth each Sunday. Short videos about the story of His birth are on the schedule for you to view throughout the week.

I hope you find this guide helpful as we ponder and anticipate Jesus' coming together.

Download the 2015 Advent Guide (668 KB)

If you'd prefer a different reading schedule, check out these YouVersion Advent Bible reading reading plans. Also, check out Good News of Great Joy from Desiring God for more Advent devotional readings.