Advent is Upon Us! During Advent, we wait expectantly to
celebrate the birth of Christ. As we wait, we reflect on the amazing gifts God
has given us through Jesus, gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love. It is exciting
to remember that the God of the universe loves us so much that He would send us
His only Son Jesus through whom we are able to receive such divine gifts.
During Advent, we reflect on each of these gifts through
the lighting of the Advent wreath. Last week in Advent Family Sunday School, we
talked about the origin of the Advent Wreath, discussed what each candle
represented, and made our own family Advent Wreaths. I hope you will hang up
your family Advent Wreath and continue talking with your children about Advent
at home, and if you were not able to attend Advent Family Sunday School, I
still encourage you to talk about Advent and the true meaning of Christmas with
your children.
One great way to do this is to designate one day during
each week to do an Advent devotional together as a family. To guide you, here
are four short devotionals that include
scripture, questions, and prayers you can read as a family for each week of
Advent.
Advent Week One (this week): HOPE
Scripture
Read Psalm 39:7 as a family.
Questions
What kinds of
things do you hope for?
What does it mean
to have hope in Jesus?
What is one way
you can spread the hope of Jesus to others?
Prayer
God of hope, as we begin Advent, we can get carried away
with decorating, parties, and presents. Lord, help us to keep our focus on you
and to remember that you are hope of the world and the true reason we prepare
and celebrate. In Your name we pray, Amen.
Advent Week Two (begins 12/6): PEACE
Scripture
Read Isaiah 9:6
as a family.
Questions
What do you think
it means to have peace?
When is a time
you have felt peace?
Why do you think
we call Jesus the Prince of Peace?
Prayer
God of peace, sometimes our actions are not peaceful.
Help us to quiet our minds, mouths, and bodies, to be still and invite in the
peace that can only come through You. Guide us in all that we say and do, that
we may show Your love and peace to those around us. Amen.
Advent Week Three (begins 12/13): JOY
Scripture
Read Luke 2:10 as
a family.
Questions
Have you ever
experienced joy? Share that story.
What is the joy
we celebrate at Christmas?
Do you think we
can celebrate the joy of Christmas all year? How?
Prayer
God we know that some days, we do not act like there is
anything to celebrate. Turn our eyes upward and outward, focusing not on
ourselves, but on you! Fill our hearts with joy we pray. Amen.
Advent Week Four (begins 12/20): LOVE
Scripture
Read Romans 8:39
as a family.
Questions
Who do you love?
How does it make
you feel that because of Jesus nothing can separate us from God’s love?
How can you show
love to others?
Prayer
God, creator of Love, thank You for sending Your Son
Jesus to show us unconditional love, a love that can never be taken away and a
love that will never end. May all that we say and do be done in love and to the
glory of Your Holy name. Amen.
