The twinkling lights are going up, holiday music fills the air, and children are already making their Christmas wish lists. While the excitement of the season is wonderful, many Christian families find themselves wondering how to keep Christ at the center of their celebrations. This is where the beautiful tradition of Advent offers a meaningful solution.
Advent, derived from the Latin word "adventus" meaning "coming," marks the four-week period leading up to Christmas. Rather than simply counting down days until presents are unwrapped, Advent invites families to prepare their hearts for the celebration of Jesus' birth while also anticipating His second coming. For Christian families, observing Advent together creates opportunities for spiritual growth, meaningful conversations about faith, and traditions that will shape children's understanding of what Christmas truly represents.
In our fast-paced world filled with holiday shopping, school programs, and social gatherings, intentional Advent practices help families slow down and focus on what matters most. These traditions don't have to be elaborate or time-consuming—even simple daily practices can create lasting memories and deepen your family's faith journey together.
Understanding Advent's True Meaning
Advent officially begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which typically falls between November 27 and December 3. This sacred season is divided into four weeks, each with its own theme that builds upon the previous one:
The Four Themes of Advent
- Week 1 - Hope: The hope that came into the world through Jesus and our hope for His return
- Week 2 - Peace: Both the peace Christ brings to our hearts and the peace He will establish in His kingdom
- Week 3 - Joy: Celebrating the joy of the good news of salvation
- Week 4 - Love: God's incredible love demonstrated through sending His Son and our call to love others
Understanding these themes helps families move beyond surface-level holiday activities to engage with the deeper spiritual significance of the season. When children learn that each week of Advent has meaning, they begin to see Christmas not as an isolated event, but as the culmination of God's plan for salvation.
How Advent Differs from Secular Celebrations
Unlike secular holiday preparations that often focus on material aspects, Advent emphasizes:
- Preparation of the heart rather than just the home
- Quiet anticipation and reflection instead of frantic activity
- Spiritual readiness over perfect decorations
- Teaching children why Christmas matters to Christians
At Liberty Christian School, we understand how important it is for families to integrate faith into everyday life, including holiday celebrations. When families practice Advent together, they're modeling for their children how faith shapes all aspects of life, not just Sunday mornings.
Creating Meaningful Advent Traditions
The beauty of Advent lies in its flexibility—families can choose traditions that fit their lifestyle, ages of children, and spiritual goals. One of the most popular and accessible traditions is the Advent calendar, but instead of filling it with chocolates or small toys, consider meaningful activities.
Advent Calendar Ideas
- Daily acts of service like helping a neighbor or writing thank-you notes
- Reading specific Bible passages about Jesus' birth
- Learning Christmas carols from different countries
- Sharing stories about God's faithfulness to your family
- Simple craft activities related to the Christmas story
Daily Devotions and Bible Reading
Daily devotions become particularly powerful during Advent when families can follow readings that trace God's promise of a Savior. Consider these approaches:
- Brief morning or evening readings with simple prayers
- Age-appropriate Bible story books about Jesus' birth
- Family discussions about how Bible characters showed hope, peace, joy, and love
- Memorizing short verses together as a family
The Advent Wreath Tradition
The Advent wreath serves as a beautiful visual reminder of the season's progression:
- Four candles arranged in a circle of evergreen branches
- Light one candle each week while discussing that week's theme
- Circular shape represents God's eternal love with no beginning or end
- Evergreen symbolizes everlasting life through Christ
- Optional white Christ candle in the center for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day
Service Projects and Giving
Help children understand that Christmas is about giving, not just receiving:
- Adopt a local family in need during the holiday season
- Volunteer at soup kitchens or community centers
- Participate in angel tree programs at church
- Create care packages for homeless individuals
- Visit nursing homes or assisted living facilities
Age-Appropriate Advent Activities
Different ages require different approaches to make Advent meaningful and engaging for everyone in the family.
Preschool and Elementary Activities
Young children thrive with hands-on activities that engage their senses:
- Simple crafts: Paper chain countdowns, play dough nativity scenes, Jesse Tree decorations
- Story time: Picture books about the Christmas story, acting out nativity scenes
- Music: Singing simple Christmas songs and learning their meanings
- Routine: Establishing consistent daily Advent time after dinner or before bed
Middle School Engagement
Pre-teens can handle more complex concepts and responsibilities:
- Research Christmas traditions from different cultures around the world
- Lead younger siblings in craft activities and devotion times
- Take turns reading the daily Advent devotion aloud to the family
- Organize baking projects for neighbors and community members
- Create handmade gifts that demonstrate thoughtfulness and care
Teenager Involvement
Teens appreciate deeper spiritual conversations and meaningful participation:
- Lead family discussions about Advent themes and their modern applications
- Take initiative in organizing family service projects
- Share their faith with friends through holiday activities
- Research the historical context of Christmas traditions
- Mentor younger children in understanding Advent's significance
Multi-Generational Activities
Ensure everyone feels included regardless of age:
- Story-telling sessions where grandparents share childhood Christmas memories
- Collaborative service projects that utilize different family members' strengths
- Family game nights with Christmas themes and discussions
- Cooking together while sharing family recipes and their significance
For families connected to Liberty Christian School, these Advent practices reinforce the biblical worldview education students receive at school, creating consistency between home and educational environments.
Balancing Advent with Holiday Preparations
One of the greatest challenges families face during Advent is managing competing demands while maintaining spiritual focus.
Integration Strategies
Instead of adding more activities, infuse regular holiday tasks with spiritual significance:
- While decorating: Discuss how decorations remind us of Jesus (stars, lights, evergreens)
- While shopping: Talk about the gift of salvation and practice gratitude
- While baking: Share conversations about being "salt of the earth" in communities
- While wrapping gifts: Reflect on how God "wrapped" His love in the gift of Jesus
Managing Expectations
- Start small with one or two meaningful traditions rather than attempting everything
- Remember the goal is spiritual preparation, not perfect execution
- Allow flexibility when schedules get overwhelming
- Focus on connection rather than completion of activities
Teaching Patience and Anticipation
Help children understand that good things are worth waiting for:
- Advent teaches delayed gratification in our instant-satisfaction culture
- God's people waited centuries for the promised Messiah
- Waiting builds character traits like patience, gratitude, and trust
- Anticipation increases joy when the waiting period ends
Practical Time Management Tips
- Choose 3-5 core traditions rather than trying to do everything
- Prep materials in advance during quieter November weekends
- Involve children in preparation to build excitement and ownership
- Create backup plans for particularly busy days
Resources and Practical Tips
Recommended Books and Materials
For Young Children:
- "The Jesus Storybook Bible" by Sally Lloyd-Jones
- "The Advent Book" by Jack and Kathy Stockman
- "Room for a Little One" by Martin Waddell
For Families:
- "Unwrapping the Greatest Gift" by Ann Voskamp
- "Jotham's Journey" series by Arnold Ytreeide
- "God With Us" Advent devotional by Greg Laurie
Simple Craft Supplies
Keep these basic materials on hand for spontaneous Advent activities:
- Construction paper, glue sticks, and crayons for various crafts
- Mason jars for creating luminaries with tissue paper and battery candles
- Brown paper bags for homemade Advent calendars
- Poster board for creating Jesse Trees or family gratitude displays
Involving Extended Family and Community
- Grandparents via video calls for virtual Advent wreath lighting ceremonies
- Exchange homemade Advent calendars with friends and neighbors
- Coordinate service projects with other families from church or school
- Share traditions with families from different cultural backgrounds
Building Sustainable Traditions
- Start where you are and build gradually over several years
- Add new elements only as they feel natural and meaningful
- Focus on connection rather than achieving perfect celebrations
- Remember the goal is drawing closer to God and each other
If you're interested in connecting with other families who share your values and commitment to raising children with a strong Christian foundation, consider learning more about our community at Liberty Christian School.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Advent begin each year?
Advent always begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which means the start date varies from year to year. It typically falls between November 27 and December 3. This year, families can begin preparing for Advent by marking this date on their calendars and gathering any supplies they'll need for their chosen traditions.
What if we're just starting Advent traditions with our family?
Starting Advent traditions at any stage of family life is wonderful! Begin with one simple practice like lighting a candle each evening while reading a short Bible passage about Jesus' birth. Don't feel pressured to implement elaborate traditions immediately. The most meaningful traditions often develop organically over time as families discover what works best for their schedules and spiritual goals.
How do we explain Advent to young children?
Use simple, concrete language that young children can understand:
- Explain that Advent is a special time when we get ready for Jesus' birthday
- Compare it to preparing for their own birthday or a special visitor
- Emphasize learning about God's love and practicing kindness
- Use visual aids like calendars and candles to make concepts tangible
What are some simple ways to observe Advent for busy families?
Even the busiest families can incorporate meaningful Advent practices:
- Read one verse about Jesus' birth during breakfast
- Play Christmas carols in the car while discussing their meanings
- Have each family member share one gratitude before bedtime
- Light a candle during dinner while saying a brief prayer
- Choose one weekly service activity rather than daily commitments
How can we make Advent meaningful when we have non-Christian friends?
Focus on universal themes that resonate with people of all backgrounds:
- Emphasize hope, peace, joy, and love as values everyone can appreciate
- Invite friends to participate in service projects and acts of kindness
- Share the joy you experience through your actions rather than just words
- Include cultural learning about Christmas traditions from around the world
Conclusion
Celebrating Advent with your family creates opportunities to experience the wonder and anticipation that surrounded Jesus' birth while building traditions that will shape your children's understanding of faith for years to come. These practices don't require perfection or elaborate preparations—they simply require intentionality and a desire to keep Christ at the center of your holiday celebrations.
Start where you are, choose traditions that fit your family's personality and schedule, and remember that the goal is drawing closer to God and each other during this sacred season. The memories you create and the spiritual foundations you build during Advent will become treasures your children carry into their own families someday.