Walk with God - Christmas 2026 - Female American Reader

Walk with God

Introduction

This year’s Christmas readings are gathered around the theme, “Walk with God.” This theme appears in the book of Micah: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (6:8). We read in the book of Isaiah: “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we will walk in His paths.” (Isaiah 2:3)

This theme also appears throughout the Christmas story, where there is a lot of movement, either figuratively or in actual fact. Zacharias and Elizabeth walked in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. Mary traveled to see Elizabeth. Joseph and Mary went to be registered. The shepherds traveled to Bethlehem. The wise men followed a star to worship the Savior.

All of these movements in the Christmas story tell us about our own walk with the Lord. “Walking” in the Word can symbolize living. In this context it means “acknowledging, obeying, acting, and living from Him and with Him” (Apocalypse Explained 768.1, 864.1). The Lord came into the world to save the human race and show us the way to spiritual life, and He still invites us to walk with Him. We can freely choose to follow the truths He gives us and receive His help along our path.

Where have you come from spiritually on your own walk? How has the Lord been present with you along the way? And where might He be leading you from here? At times that way may feel joyful and clear. At other times we may feel tired or confused. But wherever we go, the Lord is with us.

Each daily reading in this series features part of the Christmas story, followed by quotations from the Heavenly Doctrine, works written by Emanuel Swedenborg, providing a New Church perspective. Each day includes reflections on the ways the story of the Lord’s birth can teach us about our own spiritual renewal and life with Him. There are twenty-six readings in all, designed to carry you from December 1 through Christmas Day, with one extra for the day after, looking toward the new year. Our hope is that these readings will provide a spiritual foundation and sense of hope this season as you continue to walk with the Lord.

About Christmas Readings

Christmas Readings is produced by the General Church of the New Jerusalem. Scripture readings are based on the New King James Version (NKJV). Selections from the theological writings of Emanuel Swedenborg use translations available through NewChristianBibleStudy.org. Original reflections were written and compiled by our Christmas Readings team. Audio narration is computer-generated using Spoken.

We'd love to hear your thoughts: https://NewChurch.org/contact

Support Christmas Readings: https://NewChurch.org/donate