Pray

Dear Lord, help us to know, remember, and learn all that you want us to know, remember, and learn. Lead us, encourage us, and be with us during this season of Advent. In Jesus name, Amen.

Read

Gather your family (or your church family) in a dark room.

Begin by reading Isaiah 9:2:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.

Parent/Leader, say:
God’s people sat in darkness. They were waiting. In fact, they had been waiting for a very long time. They had been waiting and waiting and waiting for someone to come who would bring light to the darkness.

Light a single candle in the room.

Read Zechariah 9:9 (if you have older children, feel free to read Zechariah 9:9-Zechariah 10 together):
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is He…

Parent/Leader, ask:
Who were God’s people waiting for? Who would come to bring light to the darkness? Who would be their king?
(Allow for answers)

Read Philippians 3:20-21 (if you have older children, feel free to read all of Philippians 3 together):
…our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Parent/Leader, say:
Jesus came to bring light to the darkness—it’s the very reason we celebrate Christmas every year. But for those of us who live after He came as a baby, we now wait for His return. Jesus is coming back again. This time He won’t come as a baby, born to die on a cross. He’ll come as our Savior, Lord, and King who reigns forever and ever.

This month leading up to Christmas is known as the season of Advent. A season in which we talk about Jesus, remember that He came to the earth as a baby, and wait with great anticipation and excitement for His return!

Sing

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Here is a link to the lyrics: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

If you prefer to listen, here is a link to for KING + COUNTRY’s song.

For a beautiful instrumental version, listen to The Piano Guys all week long.

Create

Set aside time this week to create your own family Advent wreath. Here’s a link to 5 simple Advent wreath ideas.

If you prefer to buy one rather than make one, go out and shop together. OR order one online here: Advent Wreath

Enjoy

Eat a sweet treat together to celebrate Jesus Christ’s first coming while we wait for His return.

Memorize

Set aside a few minutes each day to memorize Isaiah 9:2 together.
If you have older children, feel free to memorize Philippians 3:20-21 also.

Play

Set aside time this week to play Hide & Seek in the dark. The seeker may use a flashlight to find the hiders. Use this playtime to remind your children that Jesus came to bring light to the darkness.

Pray Daily

Day 1: Pray for each other
Day 2: Pray for your extended family
Day 3: Pray for your friends
Day 4: Pray for your neighbors
Day 5: Pray for your church family
Day 6: Pray for your city
Day 7: Pray for the world

Pray specifically that in the waiting all would put their hope in Jesus as they wait.
Also pray this simple prayer that Charles Spurgeon once prayed:
If any are unsaved, Lord, save them!

Extra Resources

Music
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Great Hope
Comfort Ye
Come Jesus Come

Advent Videos
The BibleProject Advent Series
The BibleProject Advent Guides

Advent Articles & Podcast Episodes
Seven Reasons to Celebrate Advent
Come, Lord Jesus with Nancy Guthrie
Take a Chance This Advent