What is Advent?
Advent season has arrived! For those who are unfamiliar with Advent, here is a brief explanation. It begins on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas Day and lasts through Christmas Eve. The word Advent comes from the Latin term "adventus" which means "arrival" or “coming.” Christians across many denominations have traditionally observed the four weeks of Advent (specifically the four Sundays) as a time to anticipate the arrival of Christ. Each Sunday focuses upon what He brought to the world: HOPE, LOVE, JOY, & PEACE.
As a family, we have made a tradition of celebrating Advent together, and we invite you to do the same! Whether you have children, or live with a spouse, or live independently; whether you are young, or old, or somewhere in between—Advent is a practical way to remind all of us of the true significance of the Christmas season.
HOW TO ENGAGE WITH ADVENT
(candles + Sunday readings from Free digital download)
Find 5 candles. Traditionally this includes 3 purple candles, 1 pink candle, and 1 white candle. But you can use whatever colors you have or that fit with your decor :)
On the first Sunday of Advent, the first purple (or any color) candle is lit.
This candle represents HOPE or expectation of the coming Messiah.
On the second Sunday of Advent, the second purple (or any color) candle is lit.
This candle represents LOVE.
On the third Sunday of Advent, the pink (or any color) candle is lit.
The pink candle represents JOY.
On the fourth Sunday of Advent, the third purple candle (or any color) candle is lit.
This candle represents PEACE.
Traditionally, on Christmas Eve, the white (or any color) center candle is lit. This "CHRIST Candle" represents the life of Jesus Christ that has come to light the world.
Along with each candle lighting we recommend that you read from the Advent Booklet we have provided (digital download is below). It includes 5 scripture readings and prayers meant to be read aloud and reflected upon for the 4 Sundays and Christmas Eve. You may also choose to read from an Advent devotional book that you have chosen or purchased. That’s fine, either way, read and reflect upon the arrival of Hope, Love, Joy, Peace, & Christ.
Alongside this Advent Booklet, you may decide to read from a daily Advent devotional book. There are SO MANY great options out there to choose from. An overwhelming amount. Honestly, you probably can’t go wrong. But here are a few suggestions if you’re having trouble narrowing it down. Click the bold letters below for purchase/download links!
FOR KIDS
We LOVE Ann Voskamp at our house. She has Advent books for each age! One for young children (with a pop-up tree and ornament display within the book) and one for older children. (She also has one for adults that is listed below)
2. I love “The Jesus Storybook Bible” and they have a free printable advent guide for kids!
3. If you are homeschooling family, or looking for something a little more educational, then check out the book “All Creation Waits.” It is less like a devotional than the others, but more of a fun nature study that both the kids and I have found interesting.
4. My kids love to color, and honestly so do I! Here are some free Advent printable coloring pages that I found online.
FOR ADULTS
There are a handful of Advent devotional books for adults by well known authors and theologians. I have not read all of them personally but I can recommend them by name alone. And of course there are doubtless ones not on this list that I’m sure are wonderful choices. Take your pick, and do as I do, get a new one each year!
"The Greatest Gift" by Ann Voskamp
Shadow and Light: A Journey into Advent By Tsh Oxenreider is a very simple daily guide that can be used with the whole family. Her website (tshoxenreider.com/advent) also includes daily art and music experiences.
Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Joy To The World: Daily Readings For Advent by Charles H. Spurgeon
Waiting Here For You: An Advent Journey of Hope by Louie Giglio
In the Manger: 25 Inspirational Selections for Advent by Max Lucado