Reflect with us through Advent 2025 with this set of Scripture readings. The readings on Sundays follow the lectionary Gospel readings from Matthew, but otherwise we will be meditating on the Gospel of Mark (chapters 1-13).
Our podcast will feature weekly reflections on these readings by four brothers. Episodes will be released each Saturday during Advent and can be found in our Podcast List. Add the podcast to iTunes or other Podcast apps by searching for “Words From the Brothers” or clicking the links below:
Week One
The meditations for the first week center on the restoration and blessing of God’s people.
Sunday, 11/30 — Matthew 24:37–44
The opening reading for Advent points us to the second coming of the Lord, calling us to be watchful and alert for His glorious advent.
Monday, 12/1 — Mark 1:1–28
The opening of the Gospel and the initial events: John the Baptist, Jesus’ baptism, the testing in the desert, the opening of public ministry, and the calling of the first disciples. In Jesus, the kingdom of God has come.
Tuesday, 12/2 — Mark 1:29–45
Jesus begins his threefold ministry of teaching (vv. 21–22), deliverance (vv. 23–28), and healing (vv. 29–34). This ministry spreads throughout Galilee.
Wednesday, 12/3 — Mark 2:1–28
The healing of the paralytic shows Jesus’ power and divinity. The call of Levi reveals the orientation of His ministry to sinners. His divine authority is manifested.
Thursday, 12/4 — Mark 3:1–34
Jesus’ ministry expands and encounters new opposition. The calling of the twelve and teaching about true family reconfigures life in God’s kingdom.
Friday, 12/5 — Mark 4:1–20
The parable of the sower reveals how the kingdom of God enters the world and is received in various ways.
Saturday, 12/6 — Mark 4:21–41
Three parables show the kingdom growing in a hidden way, advancing from small to great. The calming of the sea tests the disciples’ active faith.
Week Two
The meditations for the second week focus on John the Baptist’s message about the coming kingdom.
Sunday, 12/7 — Matthew 3:1–12
John the Baptist as the herald of the Lord’s coming. He sums up all Old Testament prophets, witnessing to one greater than himself.
Monday, 12/8 — Mark 5:1–43
Three works of power: the first shows the Lord’s mercy and power; the second and third show his power to heal and raise the dead.
Tuesday, 12/9 — Mark 6:1–29
The mission expands: Jesus is rejected at home, sends out the twelve, and John’s death marks a new phase.
Wednesday, 12/10 — Mark 6:30–56
Jesus’ wonders point to His divinity and saving mission: feeding the 5,000 and walking on stormy water.
Thursday, 12/11 — Mark 7:1–37
Jesus is challenged on purity, and the mission extends to Gentile lands (Tyre and Sidon).
Friday, 12/12 — Mark 8:1–21
Jesus as the bread of life: feeding the 4,000 and discussing true bread.
Saturday, 12/13 — Mark 8:22–9:1
After healing the blind man, Jesus reveals His identity and the call to radical discipleship.
Week Three
This week’s meditations consider how God’s promises are fulfilled in Christ.
Sunday, 12/14 — Matthew 11:2–11
John the Baptist as the greatest yet; but greater still are those within God’s kingdom brought by Christ.
Monday, 12/15 — Mark 9:2–29
The Transfiguration reveals Christ’s power and His sacrifice for us. The deliverance of the possessed boy calls us to faith and witnesses Jesus’ transforming power.
Tuesday, 12/16 — Mark 9:30–50
Jesus predicts His death again, teaches on true greatness, and calls for radical discipleship.
Wednesday, 12/17 — Mark 10:1–16
Jesus’ teaching on marriage and the call to enter God’s kingdom with childlike faith.
Thursday, 12/18 — Mark 10:17–52
Events before entering Jerusalem: the rich man, another prediction of the Passion, what greatness means, and the healing of Bartimaeus.
Friday, 12/19 — Mark 11:1–33
Jesus’ triumphal entry and the growing conflict with religious leaders.
Saturday, 12/20 — Mark 12:1–27
Teaching amidst opposition: controversies with Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees. Faithful service and watching for the master’s return.
Week Four
Sunday, 12/21 — Matthew 1:18–24
The coming of the Word made flesh: Joseph learns Mary will bear a son conceived by the Holy Spirit—Emmanuel, “God with us.”
Monday, 12/22 — Isaiah 7:14
The two great commandments of love; the coming Messiah as David’s greater son; life in the kingdom through sacrificial giving (the poor widow).
Tuesday, 12/23 — Mark 9:30–50
Signs of the Son of Man’s coming: a call to take heed and not to be led astray.
Wednesday, 12/24 — Mark 10:1–16
The urgent call to watch and prepare for Christ our Lord and Master in every season.
