Family Advent Celebration
Written by Koreen Villers, Director of Discipleship
Christmas Advent is a time to prepare for the arrival of Jesus! Advent is a time to prepare ourselves – as well as our houses – for Christmas. Advent is a time of waiting and expectancy, and a time of contemplation. Advent is a great time to involve our children in faith celebrations at home.
What is Advent?
Advent is a call to followers of Christ to remember the birth of the Savior. The word advent stems from a Latin word that means “coming” or “arrival.” The season begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and depending on the year, can range from 22 to 28 days. Its purpose is to help believers remain focused on the birth of Christ and Jesus’ glorious return.
The advent season is divided into four weeks, and each week features a different liturgical theme. Traditionally, the first week remembers the hope and expectation of the Jewish people as they looked forward to the Savior’s arrival – and it also reminds believers today to wait expectantly for Jesus’ second coming. The second week focuses on preparation: Over many centuries, God prepared the hearts of the Jews for Christ’s coming, just as He is now working in our hearts to prepare us for the Christs second coming. The third week joyfully celebrates the coming of the messiah, and the final week celebrates God’s peace and love.
Why celebrate Advent?
The daily time that you will take with your kids will model what is important to your family. Slow down the hustle and bustle of the season, and prepare for His arrival. The time together will be an opportunity to talk more about Jesus in your home. The change will be noticeable. Counting down the days till Christmas will shift to the celebrating of the Christ’s coming.
Resources:
Here are several resources available to families or churches to help in this time of preparation and waiting. Some resources are free and some have a minimal cost. Choose one that best fits your family and begin the celebration.
- Everyday Emmanuel with Buck Denver
- Why do we Call it Christmas with Buck Denver DVD
- Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp
- D6 Everyday – Advent Kit
- Illustrated Ministry – Advent for Family
- Lifeway – Family Advent
- A Better than Anything Christmas (Amazon) – Family Advent
- KidMin Christmas-in-a-Box – Church sponsored Family Advent
- Orange Advent Calendar – Church or Family Advent
- Faithful Families – Church/Family Advent in-a-Box
- Family Ministry Tools – 3 different Advent in Box options
- Deeper KidMin – Family Advent Bingo