ADVENT: A Season of Hope
Advent refers to the 4 weeks leading up to Christmas. It is a season of hopeful anticipation – think “adventure,” which comes from the same Latin root – as we prepare for Christ’s arrival.
For 2022, Advent begins Sunday, Nov 27. We all know Christmas is coming. Instead of losing ourselves in frantic busyness, we can use this time to nurture peace and hope within. We’ve gathered some wonderful resources to help!
If you’re looking for a daily reading and reflection for your quiet/prayer time, check out the new, 4-week devotional “The Season of Waiting” by Duke professor & best-selling author Kate Bowler. If you’re looking for something to share with young kids, check out the KidsView Advent Calendar & Activities.
RESOURCES FOR YOU & YOURS:
The Season of Waiting by Kate Bowler, a 4-week devotional with daily readings and reflections for Advent plus ideas for the 12 days of Christmas. Access Here
KidsView Advent Calendar and Activities, quick readings for kids that tell the Christmas story plus fun ideas for celebrating Advent together. Access Here
Lighting Advent Candles
Many observe the four weeks of Advent by lighting candles. Typically 4 candles are arranged in a circle or wreath. These symbolize four great gifts Christ brings us: hope, love, joy, and peace. Inside the circle, a fifth candle is placed to symbolize Christ. Each Sunday a new candle is lit, representing these gifts. If you like, you can include lighting candles as you reflect on any of the devotionals and readings.
A Birthday Cake for Jesus
Kids love to bake! They love helping you in the kitchen. Why not bake a birthday cake to celebrate Jesus? Plan a family fun night. Gather everyone in the kitchen, and let them help bake the birthday cake and decorate it. Then, as a family, decide when you’ll have a party with your family to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Maybe it will be part of your Christmas Eve celebration, or maybe it will be the centerpiece dessert on Christmas Day. Whatever you decide, make sure you take the time to talk to your kids about the birth of Jesus, God’s only Son. Sing Happy Birthday and celebrate Jesus!