reading isaiah
in advent

This December we are reading
Isaiah together. you’re invited to join!

Isaiah is a book of prophesy, originally for Israel and Judah who had turned away from God and were at risk from invasion by neighbouring nations. It speaks about exile and restoration of the nation and the temple in the 6th century BC as well as pointing forwards to the hope we now have in Jesus as our Messiah, Immanuel and King.

You can read online using the bible reading plan below (scroll down!), you can use our online advent calendar or you can download your own copy of the printable plan to tick off each day.

whatsapp group

There’s a whatsapp group to check in each day, share what God has been saying and encourage each other as we read and pray through Advent.

Please be aware that if you join the group, everyone else in the group (people you may not have met if you attend different services at Pattern Church) will be able to see your phone number and messages.

introductory videos

bible reading plan

December 1st

 o Isaiah 1.1-20  
Rebellion and an invitation to obedience and forgiveness
Isaiah was speaking to a rebellious people with imminent risk of God's judgement through first Assyrian and then Babylonian attack.
Where does this passage speak of God's call on your life this Advent?

December 2nd

 o Isaiah 2.1-5
The mountain of the Lord - a peaceful vision of the last days
This prophesy of Isaiah's is very different to the one we looked at yesterday - a beautiful vision of the last days.
Which phrase or image of the hope of heaven feels important to you today?

December 3rd

 o Isaiah 6.1-13
Isaiah's commission - a vision of heaven
Isaiah was called to speak God's truth in really tricky circumstances, but here God reassures him of his call to be his prophet.
Does any of Isaiah's experience here resonate with your own sense of God speaking to you or calling you to follow him?

December 4th

 o Isaiah 7.14
o Matthew 1:18-25
The sign of Immanuel - God with us
This prophesy would have had an expectation of fulfilment in the time original hearers, as well as the foretelling of Jesus' birth which Matthew highlights.
Where are you praying for Jesus to be your Immanuel, God with us, today?

December 5th

 o Isaiah 9.1-7
A great light, a child is born, a never-ending ruler on the throne
This section is a beautiful picture of a Jesus' rule and reign not just for the jews but for all people who are in darkness.
Which phrase or image shines a light on the darkness in your world?

December 6th

 o Isaiah 11.1 - 12.6
A branch from the stump of Jesse
Jesse was king David's father and directly in Jesus' ancestral line through his earthly father Joseph. This Messiah from the family of Jesse is good news for those with Jewish heritage and also for the Gentiles—those who are not Jewish.
What characteristics do you see of the Messiah in this passage, and which feel precious for you today?

December 7th

 o Isaiah 24.1-23
The destruction of the earth
Chapters 13-23 describe God's judgement on various nations and here in chapter 24 we see the ultimate destruction and judgement of the earth.
What do you notice about the Lord's character and actions here?

December 8th

 o Isaiah 25.1-12
A future banquet for all people
This passage is like a song of praise to God who is faithful: a refuge and a shelter.
Which verses would you like to echo as praises to God today?

December 9th

 o Isaiah 28.16-19
 o Matthew 21:33-46
A cornerstone in Zion
Jesus uses this image of the cornerstone to explain the parable of the tenants in the vineyard and people's rejection of Jesus as Messiah.
How has Jesus been a sure foundation for you? Where do you need him to step in today and calm panic?

December 10th

 o Isaiah 30.12-26
Repentance, compassion and healing
This is a passage of contrasts - the broken images of sin, the repentance and rest offered by God, weeping and crying in Jerusalem, and the provision of rain and streams of water.
What does repentance and rest for salvation look like for you today?

December 11th

 o Isaiah 31.1-9
 o 2 Kings 18:17-25
Warning against relying on strong nations
Judah sought help against the threat of the Assyrians from their strong neighbour Egypt under king Hezekiah (you can read the narrative in 2 Kings 18:17-25).
Where do you see yourself or others relying on human strength rather than God's help?

December 12th

 o Isaiah 35.1-10
A highway of holiness, joy and healing for those who are saved
This chapter describes the joy of God's righteous judgement and rule in the face of enemy oppression.
What does it mean to you to be walking on the Way of Holiness today?

December 13th

 o Isaiah 40.1-31
Comfort and strength for God's people
This is the longest reading of the month so far! A beautiful picture of God's salvation, comfort and hope.
Which words or images are familiar to you? Which feel new today?

December 14th

 o Isaiah 42.1-9
The servant of the Lord
This prophesy foresees a servant if the Lord who will have God's own Spirit, bring justice, be a light for the Gentiles and bring freedom and new things, now realised for us in Jesus Christ.
What aspects of Jesus’ humility (v2), faithfulness (v3), and righteousness (v6) would you like to see more in yourself?

December 15th

 o Isaiah 43.1-13
A saviour for Israel
This is a reassuring passage speaking of God's presence and faithfulness and his uniting and redeeming work for all nations.
What do you notice about God's promises here?

December 16th

 o Isaiah 49.1-7
 o Luke 2:25-32
A light for the Gentiles
Here the servant of the Lord is the redeemer and Holy One of Israel, but also the light for the Gentiles (those not of Jewish heritage) and the nations, recognised in the young boy Jesus by Simeon in the temple.
This Advent, what difference would it make for you and the people around you to have Jesus as a light for all people?

December 17th

 o Isaiah 51.1-16
Everlasting salvation for God's people
This passage speaks about God's everlasting presence and power - from Abraham, all through the story of Israel, to last forever and never fail (v6).
What do you notice about how salvation is described in this passage?

December 18th

 o Isaiah 52. 7-10
 o Romans 10:14-15
The beautiful feet of the bringers of Good News
Even the weary, dirty, well-travelled feet of travelling prophets bringing God's Good News are beautiful because of the joy and salvation contained within - not just in Old Testament or New Testament times but now too.
What Good News from this short passage (or elsewhere in Isaiah) might you share with someone today?

December 19th

 o Isaiah 53.1-12
A suffering servant
This prophesy of a suffering servant has many parallels in Jesus' trial and death. It can feel funny jumping to Good Friday when we're getting ready to welcome Jesus as a baby, but the cross makes all of the rest of the Advent joy possible.
As you read the description of the suffering servant, and remember Jesus’ death for you, what are you thankful for?

December 20th

 o Isaiah 55.1-13
An invitation to the thirsty
Today's passage contains an invitation for us from God in our thirst and our need for forgiveness.
Which images of God's mercy and forgiveness feel like good news to you today?

December 21st

 o Isaiah 60.1-22
Light, restoration and salvation
This passage contains many elements of what life living in the light and reign of Jesus is like.
Which places and situations could you pray for the Lord's glory and everlasting light to shine into?

December 22nd

 o Isaiah 61.1-4
 o Luke 4:14-21
Good news, the oaks of righteousness
Isaiah has good news for the poor- healing and freedom so that they will become the future oaks of righteousness, and Jesus later uses this passage to describe his messianic mission.
In which ways can you see the good news of Jesus growing a steady 'planting of the Lord' in your heart and life?

December 23rd

 o Isaiah 65.17-25
 o Revelation 21.1-4
New heavens and a new earth
The Advent hope of final judgement, a new heaven and a new earth is described first by Isaiah and then built on in a vision of John in Revelation.
Which of the descriptions of heaven spark your curiosity?

December 24th

 o Isaiah 66.12-24
Peace and comfort for all nations
The end of the book of Isaiah continues with the vision of the new heaven with the nations experiencing peace, flourishing, enduring forever.
Where have you grown in your expectation and hope of Jesus as Messiah, Immanuel and King this month? What deeper meaning have you found in the Christmas story?