What is Advent, and Why Do We Celebrate?
What is Advent, and Why Do We Celebrate?
Advent takes place during the four weeks before Christmas. This year for 2022 Advent starts on November 27 and ends on December 24. The word Advent itself means the arrival or coming of an important person. Each week a has a different theme.
Week 1: Hope
Week 2: Faith
Week 3: Joy
Week 4: Peace
Advent doesn’t only celebrate the birth of Jesus; it’s also a time to rejoice and hope in Jesus Christ’s second coming. In the same way that people waited with anticipation and prepared for the Messiah’s birth, Advent reminds us to anticipate and prepare for His return. By reading the Bible, praying, and fasting, we can prepare our hearts and deepen the relationship we have with Jesus.
There are many ways to celebrate. You could use a wreath with four candles that you light each week or have a calendar countdown (maybe even with some candy)! It is such a great way to slow down the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and remind our children what Christmas is really about.
At my house, my boys love celebrating Advent! We usually read a devotional together as a family every night and we have a calendar that we move the countdown on. They take turns on the moving the countdown! If we fall behind we just catch back up!
You could even read a devotional or scripture while everyone is eating dinner or in the car on the way to school. Even on the busiest of days when I am exhausted and just ready for everyone one to go to bed they remind me to stop just for a moment to celebrate advent. Just pausing for 5 minutes a day, to remember the reason we celebrate Christmas is really preparing our families heart to spread the love of Jesus to those around us.
Here are some ideas to celebrate this year (even some free printables). I hope you join in on the fun!
Idea 1: Fun Express Nativity Advent Calendar for Christmas (25 Pieces per Set) Felt Like Material with Wooden Dowel for Hanging -from Amazon
Idea 2: The Advent Blocks Collection-from Goodkind
Idea 3: My ABC Truth Tree Advent Countdown – FREE Printable! from Happy Home Fairy
Idea 4: Bible Verse Advent Countdown for Kids – FREE Printable! from Happy Home Fairy
Idea 5: Dwell App even has a new feature this year that you can listen to the devotional!
Focus on the family has lots of free resources for different ways to celebrate with devotionals and crafts:
