Story of Jesus in 24 Days: A December Reading Challenge Through The Gospel of Luke
With Christmas drawing near, trees are decorated with lights and ornaments, the smell of sweet baked goods fills the kitchen, and families gather together to enjoy holiday movies.
While I love all of this, and it truly gets me in the holiday spirit, it’s important to remember the story behind this holiday—the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
To stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas, every December I take on the Gospel of Luke Reading Challenge. The Gospel of Luke provides the full story of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection in 24 chapters. I begin on December 1st and read one chapter each day, finishing on Christmas Eve. It’s a meaningful and wonderful way to reflect on the story of Jesus and remember who we celebrate and why.
If you’ve never done the challenge or would like to know more, here are a few commonly asked questions and tips that helped me when I started. Hopefully, they guide you as well.
Who Is Luke and What Is His Significance in the Bible?
If you’re unfamiliar with Luke, he was a second-generation Christian and a companion of the Apostle Paul. He learned of Jesus through eyewitness accounts. He wrote both the Gospel of Luke and Acts, using information gathered from those present during Jesus’ life. His gospel shares who Jesus was, what He did, and His mission, beginning in Galilee and finishing in Jerusalem.
Where can I find a Bible?
There are several ways to access a Bible. I have the KJV Holy Bible, which I purchased on Amazon. You can also check your local bookstore if you’d like to buy one. Local libraries often have Bibles you can borrow at no cost, and I’d also recommend asking friends or family if they have one you can use.
Additionally, there are many websites that offer Scripture for free—you can find them with a simple Google search. I haven’t used Bible.com personally, but I found it through that same simple search, which proves how easy it is to access Scripture online for free. From what I can see, it doesn’t require any in-app purchases (at least currently—though that could always change).
Which Bible Version do I Use?
There are several Bible versions, so whichever one you choose is completely up to you! You do not need a specific one. As I mentioned above, I use the KJV Holy Bible. It comes in large print, which is easier for me to read, and it includes space to take notes as I reflect on passages.
The ESV (English Standard Version) is very popular because it’s commonly used in churches. The New International Version (NIV) and Christian Standard Bible (CSB) are also favored for their readability. You can compare translations online or ask friends, family, or your church community which version they prefer and why.
Tip: Consider using a Study Guide for Assistance
To help you understand important events, Scripture meanings, and notable figures in the Gospel of Luke, I recommend having a Bible study resource. Again, a simple Google search will bring up websites that offer free online guides and tools. You can also use AI, like ChatGPT, to find resources or ask specific questions, and it will provide answers based on available information.
I have The Complete Guide to the Bible by Stephen M. Miller, which a friend recommended to me. It helps not only with the Gospel of Luke but with the Bible as a whole. Because the Bible is lengthy—with 66 books and stories full of deep meaning—having a study guide on hand is incredibly helpful. This guide is a smooth, straightforward read with explanations of each book, helpful cross-references, and photos and maps that provide context and help me visualize biblical events.
Moving Forward: Bible in a Year
This year, I followed a Bible-in-a-Year reading plan that split readings between the Old and New Testaments. I found it challenging because I was jumping between life before Jesus, His life, and life after Jesus. It became a bit confusing, and for those reasons, I stopped reading in September. Honestly, I think reading the Bible straight through from front to back might be easier, and I may try that in the future.
Since I didn’t finish the Bible-in-a-Year plan this year, on January 5, 2026, I’ll be participating in Erika Kirk’s BIBLEin365, a plan to read through the entire Bible in 12 months. I want to give this a try since, as I mentioned above, the plan I followed this year wasn’t the best fit for me. On the BIBLEin365 website, each day includes readings from the Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalms/Proverbs. The plan follows both chronological order and thematic connections, linking the Old and New Testaments, including major and minor prophets. I think it will help me better understand the flow of Scripture and the meaning behind events.
What’s also helpful is that you can receive daily readings by email, text, or through the BIBLEin365 app. The app lets you customize your experience and connect with the community. There’s also a monthly livestream with Erika and Pastor James Kaddis to help with understanding Scripture. It’s a wonderful way to strengthen your understanding of Christian beliefs.
Final Thoughts: Gospel of Luke in 24 Days
As a Christian, I encourage all followers of Christ to consider the tradition of reading one chapter a day from the Gospel of Luke starting December 1. It reminds us of the true reason for the season and encourages us to reflect on our Savior’s life.
