🤔What is Advent and Why Does it Matter?
In a culture that starts playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving and puts up decorations in October, the season of Advent offers something countercultural: waiting. Advent, derived from the Latin word "adventus" meaning "coming" or "arrival," encompasses the four Sundays before Christmas Day. According to Christianity Today's history resources, it's a season of anticipation, preparation, and hope as we remember the first coming of Christ and look forward to His second coming.
For families with children, Advent provides a framework for slowing down during the busy Christmas season and intentionally preparing hearts for the celebration of Jesus's birth. Rather than rushing headlong into Christmas, Advent invites us to savor the journey, teaching our children that waiting with expectation can be as meaningful as the celebration itself.
💡Understanding the Four Weeks of Advent
Each week of Advent carries its own theme, traditionally represented by candles on an Advent wreath. Understanding these themes helps structure your family's devotional time and gives children a framework for the season.
✨Week 1: Hope (First Sunday of Advent)
The first week focuses on the hope of Christ's coming. We remember the Old Testament prophecies foretelling a Messiah and celebrate that Jesus is the fulfillment of those promises.
Candle Color: Purple (representing royalty and repentance)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 9:2-7, Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2-5
Discussion Theme: What does it mean to have hope? How is Jesus our hope?
✨Week 2: Peace (Second Sunday of Advent)
The second week centers on the peace that Jesus brings—peace with God, peace within ourselves, and peace with others.
Candle Color: Purple
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 11:1-10, Luke 1:67-79, John 14:27
Discussion Theme: What does it mean that Jesus is the Prince of Peace? How can we experience His peace?
✨Week 3: Joy (Third Sunday of Advent)
The third week celebrates the joy that comes with Jesus's birth. This is sometimes called "Gaudete Sunday" (from the Latin word for "rejoice").
Candle Color: Pink/Rose (representing joy breaking through the solemnity)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 35:1-10, Luke 1:46-55 (Mary's Magnificat), Philippians 4:4-7
Discussion Theme: What brings us joy? How is joy different from happiness?
✨Week 4: Love (Fourth Sunday of Advent)
The final week before Christmas focuses on God's extraordinary love displayed through sending Jesus to earth.
Candle Color: Purple
Scripture Focus: Luke 1:26-38, John 3:16-17, 1 John 4:9-11
Discussion Theme: How did God show His love through Jesus? How should we respond to that love?
✨Christmas Day: Christ (Center Candle)
On Christmas Day, the white Christ candle (or fifth candle) is lit, representing Jesus as the light of the world.
Candle Color: White (representing purity and light)
Scripture Focus: Luke 2:1-20, John 1:1-14
Discussion Theme: Jesus is here! What does His birth mean for us?
🎯Creating Your Advent Wreath Tradition
The Advent wreath serves as a beautiful centerpiece for family devotions during the season. You can purchase one ready-made or create your own with children involved in the process.
✨DIY Advent Wreath Instructions
Materials Needed:
Circular wreath base (grapevine, evergreen, or even a foam ring)
Fresh or artificial evergreen branches (if using plain base)
Five candles: three purple, one pink, one white
Candle holders or a wreath with built-in holders
Optional: ribbon, pinecones, holly, other decorative elements
Assembly Steps:
1. Arrange candle holders evenly around the wreath (four around the edge, one in the center)
2. If using fresh evergreen, attach branches to base with floral wire
3. Add decorative elements
4. Place candles in holders: purple at 12, 3, and 9 o'clock; pink at 6 o'clock; white in center
5. Keep away from flammable materials and never leave burning candles unattended
✨Weekly Advent Wreath Ceremony
Each Sunday evening (or whenever works for your family), gather around the Advent wreath for a special time of lighting candles, reading Scripture, singing, and prayer.
1. Gather: Turn off other lights, creating a peaceful atmosphere
2. Light: Have a different family member light the appropriate candle(s) each week
3. Read: Read the Scripture passage(s) for that week's theme
4. Discuss: Use age-appropriate questions to talk about the theme
5. Sing: Sing an Advent or Christmas hymn together
6. Pray: Each person prays, or take turns throughout the season
7. Respond: Do an activity related to the week's theme
✨Advent Wreath Prayers by Week
Week 1 (Hope):
"Dear Jesus, we light this candle of hope because You are our hope. Thank You for coming to earth as a baby to save us. Help us to wait patiently and joyfully for Christmas. Amen."
Week 2 (Peace):
"Lord Jesus, we light the candles of hope and peace. You are the Prince of Peace who brings us peace with God. Help us to be peacemakers in our family and with others. Amen."
Week 3 (Joy):
"Heavenly Father, we light the candles of hope, peace, and joy. We rejoice that You sent Jesus to bring us joy that lasts forever. Fill our hearts with Your joy as we prepare to celebrate Jesus's birth. Amen."
Week 4 (Love):
"God, we light the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love. Thank You for loving us so much that You sent Jesus. Help us to love others the way You love us. We can't wait to celebrate Jesus's birthday! Amen."
Christmas Day (Christ):
"Jesus, You are here! We light all five candles to celebrate Your birth. You are the light of the world. Thank You for coming to save us. We love You and worship You. Merry Christmas, Jesus! Amen."
🎯Advent Calendars: Making the Countdown Meaningful
Advent calendars help children count down the days to Christmas, but they can be so much more than chocolate treats behind little doors. A thoughtfully designed Advent calendar becomes a daily devotional tool that points children to Jesus.
✨Types of Christ-Centered Advent Calendars
Each day features a Bible verse that tells the Christmas story or points to Jesus. By Christmas, children have read the complete narrative.
Implementation Ideas:
Write verses on slips of paper placed in small envelopes numbered 1-25
Hang the envelopes on a string with clothespins
Each morning, open that day's envelope and read the verse at breakfast
For non-readers, use picture cards illustrating each verse
Keep opened verses displayed so children can see the story building
Each day includes an activity that helps prepare hearts for Christmas through service, worship, or family time.
Sample Activities:
Bake cookies for neighbors
Donate toys to children in need
Read the Christmas story together
Make Christmas cards for nursing home residents
Watch a Christmas movie about Jesus's birth
Sing Christmas carols as a family
Deliver a meal to someone
Visit a nativity display
Make ornaments with Scripture verses
Video call relatives to share Christmas blessings
Each day, add a symbolic ornament to your Christmas tree, with each ornament representing part of the Christmas story or an attribute of Jesus.
Ornament Ideas:
Star: Reminds us of the star that guided the wise men
Crown: Jesus is King
Lamb: Jesus is the Lamb of God
Heart: God's love shown through Jesus
Angel: The angels announced Jesus's birth
Shepherd's staff: The shepherds visited baby Jesus
Camel: The wise men traveled far to worship Jesus
Gift box: The wise men brought gifts; Jesus is God's gift to us
Manger: Where Jesus was born
Cross: Jesus came to die for our sins
Start with an empty stable. Each day, add a piece of your nativity set, reading the corresponding Scripture. Baby Jesus is added on Christmas Day.
Progression Idea:
Days 1-7: Stable structure and scenery
Days 8-11: Animals
Days 12-15: Shepherds and sheep
Days 16-19: Wise men (placed far away, moving closer each day)
Days 20-22: Mary
Day 23: Joseph
Day 24: Angel
Day 25 (Christmas): Baby Jesus is placed in the manger
The Jesse Tree traces Jesus's lineage from creation through key Old Testament figures to His birth. Each day features a symbol and Scripture reading showing how the whole Bible points to Jesus.
Jesse Tree Symbols (Selected):
Day 1 - Creation: Globe or earth
Day 2 - Adam and Eve: Apple
Day 3 - Noah: Rainbow
Day 4 - Abraham: Stars
Day 5 - Isaac: Ram
Day 6 - Jacob: Ladder
Day 7 - Joseph: Colorful coat
Day 8 - Moses: Tablets/burning bush
Day 9 - Ruth: Wheat
Day 10 - David: Harp or slingshot
Day 11 - Solomon: Temple
Days 12-25: Continue through prophets, leading to Jesus's birth
🎯Daily Advent Devotions for Families
Whether you use an Advent calendar or not, establishing a daily Advent devotion time helps children focus on Jesus throughout December.
✨Simple Structure for Daily Devotions
1. Light a Candle: Begin with a moment of quiet as you light a candle (not the Advent wreath, just a simple candle)
2. Read: Read that day's Scripture passage (3-5 minutes)
3. Discuss: Ask 1-2 questions appropriate for your children's ages (2-3 minutes)
4. Pray: Pray together about what you've read (1-2 minutes)
5. Sing: Sing a verse of a Christmas carol (optional, 1-2 minutes)
Total time: 7-12 minutes. Short enough to do daily, long enough to be meaningful.
✨Advent Scripture Reading Plan
Here's a 25-day reading plan covering the Christmas story and related prophecies:
1. Isaiah 9:2-7 - Prophecy of Jesus's birth
2. Isaiah 7:14 - A virgin will conceive
3. Micah 5:2-5 - Born in Bethlehem
4. Luke 1:5-25 - An angel visits Zechariah
5. Luke 1:26-38 - An angel visits Mary
6. Matthew 1:18-25 - Joseph's dream
7. Luke 1:39-45 - Mary visits Elizabeth
8. Luke 1:46-56 - Mary's song (Magnificat)
9. Luke 1:57-66 - John the Baptist is born
10. Luke 1:67-79 - Zechariah's prophecy
11. Matthew 1:1-17 - Jesus's genealogy
12. Luke 2:1-5 - Journey to Bethlehem
13. Luke 2:6-7 - Jesus is born
14. Luke 2:8-12 - Angels appear to shepherds
15. Luke 2:13-14 - Heavenly host praises God
16. Luke 2:15-20 - Shepherds visit Jesus
17. Luke 2:21 - Jesus is named and circumcised
18. Luke 2:22-38 - Simeon and Anna meet Jesus
19. Matthew 2:1-2 - Wise men see the star
20. Matthew 2:3-8 - Herod's inquiry
21. Matthew 2:9-11 - Wise men worship Jesus
22. Matthew 2:12 - Wise men warned in a dream
23. Matthew 2:13-15 - Escape to Egypt
24. John 1:1-5 - The Word became flesh
25. John 1:14-18 - Jesus full of grace and truth
👶Advent Activities by Age Group
✨Infants and Toddlers (Ages 0-3)
Even very young children can participate in Advent in age-appropriate ways:
Sensory Advent: Let them touch soft felt nativity figures while you tell the story
Christmas Board Books: Read simple Christmas books daily
Candle Watching: Let them safely watch the Advent candles (from a safe distance with supervision)
Birthday for Jesus: Talk about "Jesus's birthday" so they begin to associate Christmas with Jesus
Simple Songs: Sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus, "Away in a Manger," "Jesus Loves Me"
✨Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)
Advent Calendar with Pictures: Use visual calendars with images illustrating the Christmas story
Nativity Play: Act out the nativity story with simple costumes
Jesus's Birthday Party: Host a birthday party for Jesus with cake, decorations, and singing
Advent Crafts: Create simple crafts related to each week's theme
Christmas Story Books: Read the Christmas story from a children's Bible repeatedly
Kind Deeds Advent: Do one act of kindness each day, explaining that we show love because Jesus came
✨Elementary Age (Ages 5-11)
Advent Journal: Give each child a journal to write or draw what they're learning each day
Service Projects: Participate in age-appropriate service (toy drives, caroling, baking for others)
Scripture Memory: Memorize Luke 2:10-11 or other Christmas verses
Advent Chain: Create a paper chain with 25 links, removing one each day while reading a verse
Giving Tree: Choose tags from church giving tree and shop together for gifts
Christmas Around the World: Learn how Christians in different countries celebrate Christmas
✨Preteens and Teens (Ages 11+)
Deeper Devotions: Use teen-focused Advent devotional books
Service Leadership: Lead a service project or volunteer opportunity
Advent Study: Study Old Testament prophecies about Jesus's coming
Creative Expression: Write Christmas poems, songs, or create art reflecting on Jesus's birth
Reverse Advent Calendar: Add one item to a donation box daily throughout Advent
Meaningful Giving: Choose a charity to support and research its mission together
🎯Keeping Advent Special During Holiday Busyness
December is busy. Between school events, family gatherings, shopping, and preparations, it's easy for Advent devotions to fall by the wayside. Here's how to protect this sacred time:
✨Practical Tips for Consistency
Choose a Specific Time: Breakfast, dinner, or bedtime—pick one and stick to it
Keep it Short: 10 minutes is better than skipping because you don't have 30
Prepare in Advance: Have all materials ready the night before
Lower Perfection Expectations: Some days will be rushed—that's okay
Use Car Time: If schedules are chaotic, do devotions in the car
Prioritize Over Activities: It's okay to say no to some events to protect family devotion time
Make it Cozy: Hot cocoa, candles, and blankets make it something kids look forward to
✨What to Do When You Miss Days
Life happens. Don't let guilt derail the entire season. If you miss days:
Simply pick up where you are—don't try to "catch up"
Remember that something is better than nothing
Give yourself grace and start fresh the next day
Focus on hearts, not perfect execution
🎯Advent Songs and Hymns for Families
Music enriches Advent celebrations. Here are songs appropriate for family worship:
✨Traditional Advent Hymns
"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
"Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus"
"Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming"
"Of the Father's Love Begotten"
"People, Look East"
✨Familiar Christmas Carols
"Away in a Manger"
"Silent Night"
"O Little Town of Bethlehem"
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
"Joy to the World"
"The First Noel"
"Angels We Have Heard on High"
✨Contemporary Advent Songs
"Light of the World" by Lauren Daigle
"Come Messiah Come" by Luke Brawner
"Born to Die" by Amy Grant
"Come Lord Jesus" by Andrew Peterson
"Mary Did You Know?" by Mark Lowry
📚Advent Resources and Tools
✨Books and Devotionals
For Families with Young Children:
"Jotham's Journey" by Arnold Ytreeide (a new book for each week of Advent)
"The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Storybook"
"Unwrapping the Greatest Gift" by Ann Voskamp
"God Gave Us Christmas" by Lisa Tawn Bergren
For Families with Older Children/Teens:
"Prepare Him Room" by Marty Machowski
"Advent Devotions for the Family" by Pat Matuszak
"The Greatest Gift" by Ann Voskamp
"Redeeming the Holidays" by Jared Ingle
✨Online Advent Resources
Printable Advent calendars and devotions
Jesse Tree ornament templates
Free Advent coloring pages
Scripture memory cards for Advent
Video Advent devotions for kids
🎯Balancing Advent and Christmas Preparations
Advent teaches waiting and anticipation, but you also need to prepare for Christmas. Finding balance is key.
✨Advent-Friendly Christmas Planning
Early November: Complete most Christmas shopping before Advent begins
Simple Decorating: Put up decorations early in Advent so they don't distract from devotions
Meal Planning: Prepare and freeze Christmas meal components during Advent
Gift Wrapping Parties: Make wrapping a family event with Christmas music and cocoa
Card Sending: Address cards early, then add personal notes during Advent
Combine Activities: Listen to Christmas story while making cookies or decorating
🎯When Christmas Comes Too Early
Your children will encounter full Christmas celebrations—music, decorations, Santa focus—throughout December. Here's how to help them navigate this:
Explain the Difference: "The world celebrates Christmas all month, but our family waits and prepares during Advent"
Grace for Others: Don't judge other families who celebrate differently
Protect Your Space: Your home can have different traditions than school or friends' homes
Use Secular as Springboards: When hearing secular Christmas music, discuss what the real reason for celebrating is
Emphasize Both/And: "We can enjoy the fun parts of Christmas AND focus on Jesus"
🎯Advent: A Season of Transformation
The beauty of Advent lies not just in its traditions but in its power to transform how we experience Christmas. When families intentionally walk through Advent together, several beautiful things happen:
Christmas morning becomes more meaningful because you've been anticipating it together
Children develop patience and the ability to delay gratification
The biblical Christmas story becomes deeply familiar
Faith conversations happen naturally as part of daily rhythm
Focus shifts from receiving to giving and from things to Jesus
Family bonds strengthen through shared spiritual experiences
Advent reminds us that God's timing is perfect. Jesus came at exactly the right moment in history, and He will come again at exactly the right time. In the waiting, we learn trust. In the anticipation, we learn hope. And when Christmas morning finally arrives, the celebration is sweeter because we've prepared our hearts to receive Him.
This Advent season, as you light candles, open calendar doors, and read Scripture with your children, remember that you're doing more than going through religious rituals. You're teaching your children to watch and wait for Jesus—not just at Christmas, but throughout their lives. You're showing them that the best things are worth waiting for, and that Jesus is worth everything.
May this Advent season be one of deep preparation, joyful anticipation, and meaningful connection as your family prepares to celebrate the birth of the Savior together.
Come, Lord Jesus. We are waiting. We are ready. Come.