Advent is the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas and observed by some Christians as a season of prayer and fasting. The word Advent is derived from the Medieval Latin, adventus from the Latin word meaning arrival.
We observe Advent because it is a time to reflect on Jesus’ first coming and to look toward his second coming. This is also a time of preparation.
The Christian lives in a perceptual state of Advent, preparing and waiting for His second coming.
Advent should not be something else to add to the hustle and bustle of the season, but rather it should be a time to retreat and rest, and draw closer to God.
For me, this is a time for my inner Mary and Martha to get their act together. My Martha usually dominates most of the time, but during Advent they need to find harmony. 😉
There is no right or wrong way to celebrate Advent, don’t turn this time of spiritual growth into a legalistic list of do’s and don’ts.
This is not only good for us, but it also helps us pull our children’s attention away from the materialism of the season.
There are many resources for Advent online and in book stores, listed below are just a few.
Our Advent routine looks like this:
I have the Advent candles set up. I didn’t do the different colors, it’s not that big of a deal. We light one each night while we do our Advent singing and reading. Then each week adding the next candle (so week 3, 3 candles will be lit.)
- Week 1 - The Hope Candle
- Week 2 - The Peace Candle
- Week 3 - The Love Candle
- Week 4 - The Joy Candle
- Christmas Day - The Christ Child Candle
After the candle is lit, we sing a song from the playlist below. Then Jeff reads from this list each night. There are other Advent readings, you can search for what fits your family.
Then we pray.
Starting December 1, we use the Advent calendar just for fun! I made this from an old Coke box. I made the paper boxes from card-stock and wrapped them in twine (so there would be no peeking 😉 ).
Each box has a little something for each child (quarter, stick of gum, mini candy-bar, M&M…). I painted a scrap 2×4 piece for the Oh Come Emmanuel (Emmanuel meaning, “God with us”).
This is our YouTube playlist for Advent songs. I love that each song has lyrics which helps the kids learn the songs. I will be adding to the list as time goes on.
We don’t do a lot of book work for school during December, but this year we are doing this:
We are reading Bartholomew’s Passage together.
Each child is making this Jesse’s Tree as part of an Advent lapbook we are putting together. I’ll post more about this later.
Download the Jesse Tree Advent Study
Other Resources
Our Church’s Advent Readings
Holy Experience - Advent Video Devotions
Here are some other Advent ideas people use:
I love this idea because it is filled with things to do rather than gifts.
Christmas Book Countdown - Book suggestions here.
Deborah says:
I love all Advent calendars. We too celebrate Advent in our home. Thanks for some new ideas.
Claudia says:
LOVE your coke crate Advent calendar!! Love the Oh Come Emmanuel sign! We also loved Bartholomew’s Passage and the other Arnold Ytreeide advent books. And thank you for sharing your playlist!