Advent 2026 · Nov 29 – Dec 24
Advent Readings 2026
Advent begins Sunday, November 29, 2026. Here are the Sunday lectionary readings for each week, a simple 24-day plan for December, and ideas for reading together at home.
Advent 2026 at a glance
- Starts: Sunday, November 29, 2026
- Ends: Thursday, December 24, 2026 (Christmas Eve)
- Christmas Day: Friday, December 25, 2026
- Lectionary year: Year B (Gospel of Mark)
Sunday readings for Advent 2026
First Sunday of Advent — Hope
Sunday, November 29, 2026
- Isaiah 64:1-9
- Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
- Mark 13:24-37
Keep awake. Advent begins by looking ahead to Christ's return, not just back to Bethlehem.
Second Sunday of Advent — Peace
Sunday, December 6, 2026
- Isaiah 40:1-11
- Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
- 2 Peter 3:8-15a
- Mark 1:1-8
“Comfort, comfort my people.” John the Baptist prepares the way in the wilderness.
Third Sunday of Advent — Joy (Gaudete)
Sunday, December 13, 2026
- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
- Psalm 126 or Luke 1:46b-55
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
- John 1:6-8, 19-28
“Rejoice always.” The pink candle — the waiting is half over.
Fourth Sunday of Advent — Love
Sunday, December 20, 2026
- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
- Luke 1:46b-55 or Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
- Romans 16:25-27
- Luke 1:26-38
The angel comes to Mary. God's promise to David finds its fulfillment.
Readings follow the Revised Common Lectionary. Catholic parishes use a very similar set — check your parish bulletin for exact verses.
Daily Advent reading plan (December 1–24)
One short passage a day, moving from the prophets' promises to the night in Bethlehem.
Key Advent verses
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.”
Isaiah 9:2
The heart of Advent: light breaking into a dark world.
“A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord.””
Isaiah 40:3
Read on the second Sunday, fulfilled in John the Baptist.
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah... out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel.”
Micah 5:2
““I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.””
Luke 1:38
Fourth Sunday — Mary's yes.
Reading Advent with family or a small group
Light one candle per week, read the day's passage, and pray one sentence each. For a group, use the Sunday Gospel as your discussion text — our beginner's Bible study guide has simple questions that work for any passage. Looking for gifts to open on Christmas morning? See our Christian Christmas gift guides, then finish the season with Christmas Bible verses.
Frequently asked questions
When does Advent start in 2026?
Advent 2026 begins on Sunday, November 29, 2026, and runs through Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24. Christmas Day falls on a Friday.
What are the Advent Sunday readings for 2026?
Advent 2026 begins Year B of the Revised Common Lectionary (also used, with small differences, in the Catholic lectionary). The Gospels come mostly from Mark, with John the Baptist on the second and third Sundays and the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38) on the fourth.
What do the four Advent candles mean?
Many churches name them Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Three are purple or blue; the third, lit on Gaudete (Joy) Sunday, is pink. A white Christ candle in the center is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
How do I do Advent readings as a family?
Light the candles at dinner, read one short passage from the daily plan, and ask one question: “What does this tell us about who Jesus is?” Ten minutes is enough.
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Keep an Advent prayer journalMore: all guides, free tools, verse of the day, or search the site.
