The OT & the Birth Narratives
An Advent Reading Plan

This reading plan reflects much of what the Lord has taught me over the last several years regarding the significance of understanding the OT in order that we might properly appreciate the fullness of the NT. These readings are intended to function together and so the greatest benefit will be derived from considering how they relate to one another. This may come in recognizing an echo of or allusion to the OT passage in the NT or perhaps in terms comparing or contrasting the individuals or events found within the passages. It is my prayer for us that as we read and meditate on God’s Word during this Advent season our hearts will be drawn to adore the Son of God who took on flesh that He might become as we are in order to rescue and redeem us!

-Thomas

The Background Story of the OT
Dec. 1—The Creation of All Things—Gen. 1:1-25 (John 1:1-5)
Dec. 2—The Creation of Man in God’s Image—Gen. 1:26-31; 2:4-9, 15-25 (1 Cor. 15:42-49)
Dec. 3—The Fall of Man & the Promised Seed—Gen. 3:1-15, 4:1, 5:28-29, 22:1-18 (John 3:16-21)
Dec. 4—God’s Promises to Abraham—Gen. 12:1-3, 15:1-21 (Gal. 3:7-14)
Dec. 5—The Establishment of Israel and their Call to Holiness—Exod. 19:1-9; Deut. 10:12-22 (John 1:9-13)
Dec. 6—God’s Dwelling Among His People in the Temple—1 Kings 8:1-66 (John 1:14-18)
Dec. 7—The Failure of Israel to Live as God’s People—1 Kings 9:1-9; 2 Kings 17:6-23; 25:1-30 (Mark 1:1-8)

The Birth Narratives & the OT Background, Allusions, & Echoes
Dec. 8—The Introduction to Jesus’ Genealogy—Matt. 1:1 (Gen. 17:1-8)
Dec. 9—The Genealogy from Abraham to David—Matt. 2:2-6— (Ruth 4:13-23)
Dec. 10—The Genealogy from David to Joseph—Matt. 2:7-16 (2 Sam. 7:1-17)
Dec. 11—The Genealogy Summarized— Matt. 2:17 (Gen. 49:8-12)
Dec. 12—The Introduction to Zechariah & Elizabeth— Luke 1:5-7 (1 Sam. 1:1-28)
Dec. 13—The Priestly Duties of Zechariah and the Angel’s Appearance—Luke 1:8-23 (Exod. 29:1-9, 38-46; Malachi 4:1-6)
Dec. 14—Elizabeth Conceives & Gives Thanks— Luke 1:24-25 (1 Sam. 2:1-10)
Dec. 15—The Annunciation—Luke 1:26-38 (Isa. 7:14; 9:1-7)
Dec. 16—The Visit to see Elizabeth and the blessing of Mary—Luke 1:39-45 (Deut. 28:1-6; Judges 5:24-27)
Dec. 17— Mary’s Song—Luke 1:46-56 (Psa. 34:1-10; Isa. 41:8-10, 55:1-5)
Dec. 18—The Angel’s Announcement to Joseph—Matt. 1:18-25 (Isa. 11:1-5, 53:1-6)
Dec. 19—The Birth of John the Baptist— Luke 1:57-66 (Jer. 1:4-10)
Dec. 20—Zechariah’s Song—Luke 1:67-80 (Isa. 40:1-8)
Dec. 21— The Historical Setting of Jesus’ Birth—Luke 2:1-7 (Dan. 2:20-22; Micah 5:1-5:5a)
Dec. 22—The Announcement to the Shepherds—Luke 2:8-20 (Isa. 40:9-11; Haggai 2:4-9)
Dec. 23—The Visit of the Magi—Matt. 2:1-12 (Psa. 72:10-20; Isa. 60:1-6)
Dec. 24—Jesus’ Family in the Temple and the Song of Simeon—Luke 2:21-35 (Isa. 42:1-9, 52:9-10)
Dec. 25—The Adoration of Jesus & God’s Favor upon Him—Luke 2:36-40 (Psa. 92:12-15; Isa. 49:1-7)