Advent

Advent is the beginning of the church year. The word "Advent" comes from the Latin word adventus which means "coming" or "arrival." We prepare to celebrate Jesus' birth in Bethlehem and we await with expectation and hope for the day our Lord will return.

Use the ideas below to engage your family in the season of Advent.

READ/WATCH/LISTEN

Read/Pray

Advent at Home

This simple resource shares information about Advent as well as prayer, scripture, and Advent wreath instructions to symbolize our growing hope as we draw near to Christ's birth.

Created by Rev. Jennifer McNally and Rev. Anna V. Ostenso Moore

Listen

Listen to a reading of the book " Look! A Child's Guide to Advent and Christmas."

Look! A Child's Guide to Advent and Christmas by Laura Alary: Illustrated by Ann Boyajian

Order the book here.

Watch

Learn more about Advent while watching this short video.

First Sunday of Advent story

Learn more about the seasons of the church year and hear how the prophets show us the way to Bethlehem.

Second Sunday of Advent story

Mary and Joseph Show Us the Way to Bethlehem

Third Sunday of Advent story

The Shepherds Show Us the Way to Bethlehem

Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas story

The Magi and the Christ Child Show Us the Way to Bethlehem

WONDER

Wonder together:

I wonder when you've ever had to really wait for something. What was that waiting time like?
I wonder what you hope for?
I wonder what it was like to be one of the people at Christ's birth? Mary and Joseph? The shepherds? The animals?
I wonder how you see and experience Jesus among us now?

PRAY

Dear God, as we await for your coming, prepare our hearts to receive you. As the light grows from our Advent candles, may we share your light in this world by loving you as we love others. Thank you for being God-with-us, Emmanuel. Amen.

DO

Make an Advent Wreath

There are lots of simple ways to make an Advent wreath. Check out these ideas for creating an Advent wreath for your home. Then light one candle on the first week of Advent, two candles on the second week of Advent and so on.

Pick and choose the activities that work best for your family!

Celebrate St. Nicholas Day on Dec. 6th

Learn more and celebrate Saint Nicholas at www.stnicholascenter.org.

Prepare the Manger

Place an empty manger or small box in a common area of your house (or underneath the Christmas tree!). Each night have family members place pieces of straw, yellow yarn, or strips of paper in the manger for any acts of kindness they did that day that help prepare the way for the Lord. On Christmas Eve, when the manger is soft and full, place a small nativity figure of the Christ child in the manger.

You can make your own or purchase the book and manger/straw from The Giving Manger.