The Bible: The first thing you need to celebrate is the Word of God. Daily Advent Bible readings focus on the passages that relate to the arrival of Jesus: The prophecies and events surrounding the birth of the Messiah. You can use the Calvary App reading plan or choose another one.

Prayer: Pray together as a family. Prayer is a conversation and direct connection between our spirit and the Spirit of God. You can pray the words of scripture; pray your reality, hopes and faith in his promises; pray thanking him for salvation and affirm that he is here to meet every need; or pray expecting and looking forward to his return. Fasting and prayer can often go together, and Advent is a great season for both.

Gifts (optional): You can choose to have small gifts for your children each of the four Sundays or, as a family, give gifts to others.

Wreath (optional): Each candle represents a theme and “character” from the Christmas story.  This guide will help with the themes and which candles to light each week. Advent wreaths are available at many local and online retailers.

Actions: This guide suggests things to discuss and do together as a family to remember Christ, share Christ, and expect Christ both now and when he returns. Feel free to be creative as you choose what ways your family will engage with Christ and share his presence with others in your community.

Today, we look back on Christ’s birth as the fulfillment of prophecy. At the time Isaiah prophesied, it would still be several hundred years of longing and hoping for a deliverer before Jesus’ birth. Today, our hope remains in Jesus Christ who was and is and is to come!

Prayer: God, today I am thankful for your hope. Even in the darkest of moments, I can have peace, confidence, and joy because you are here and always at work for my good. Each day, may my hope increase as I remain ready and looking forward to the day Jesus returns. Each day, may I bring hope to others around me and share the good news of Salvation through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Action: Make an Advent calendar together (you can find many examples online) or buy one online or at a store. A calendar keeps us on track and celebrates each day uniquely.

God prepared the people (Mary & Joseph) and the place (Bethlehem) through a census which would move them from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Knowing God has a purpose gives meaning and peace to every moment in our life—even the ones we don’t understand. Peace comes from keeping our mind on Jesus and trusting that God is working in all things for our good.

Prayer: God of all peace, your Word keeps my heart at peace and focused on your truth. My trust is in you. Thank you that you are present now and every moment of my life. When I am afraid or feel alone, remind me that you are here and are working even when I don’t see or understand. I know you are good. Help me today to be a peaceful presence within my family, coworkers and community. I trust in you!

Action: Prepare your home, church and community for Christmas. As you decorate, talk about how God has been faithful in ways you didn’t recognize at the moment. Discuss what it means that he has prepared a place for us to be with him. Now, we welcome him to our home, but one day, he will welcome us to his!Prepare your home, church, and community for Christmas! Talk about how God has been faithful in ways you didn’t recognize at the moment.

Gaudete Sunday is the traditional name for this day for rejoicing because Christ is our Joy! His gospel (good news) brings joy. The shepherds ran excitedly to tell everyone, “The Lord is come, let everyone rejoice!”

Prayer: God, you are my joy! In sending Jesus, you sent the greatest message. Although I had been your enemy, because of your goodness, you sent your Son to take my punishment and exchange his righteousness for my sinfulness. What good news! You look at me with the very favor of looking at your own Son. You sent him to pay my penalty, forgive my sin, and be the final, convincing statement of your great love for me. I rejoice in you, God, my Savior. Give me opportunity to share your good news and bring joy to someone else today, in Jesus’s name, Amen.

Action: Bring joy to others. You can do a favor without being asked, cook a meal for someone living alone, or find some other way to serve another person and make a difference. Be sure to let them know the Good News!

God’s greatest demonstration of his love was sending his Son, Jesus Christ to give his life so we could live. Because we are loved by him, we can now love others.

Prayer: God, I thank you for loving me. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus to forgive me and pay the full debt for all my sin. Because of your love, I am free to love you and free to love others. Give me the opportunity today to share your love freely as I freely have received. May my every word and action overflow with your love in Jesus’s name. Amen.

Action: Include others. Invite someone to join with your family at the Christmas Eve service to celebrate God’s love.

Today is the day: The arrival of Jesus! Let’s celebrate the hope, peace, joy and love that our God has gifted us. May we carry God’s gifts with us and give them to others throughout the next year!

Prayer: : Immanuel, God with us, thank you for your great mercy in coming from heaven to be with us as one of us. Your love is the greatest of all gifts. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to remain with us every moment as the deposit and assurance of your faithfulness. Thank you for the abundance of life we have today because of what took place when your Word became flesh in Jesus. Because you always keep your word, we know that as you came to earth fulfilling prophecy, you will come again fulfilling your promise and because of your life, sacrifice and love, we will be with you from that day on and forevermore. You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Amen.

Action: Celebrate Christmas according to your family’s traditions. Let there be lights, gifts, food and celebration! This year, consider inviting someone to join your family for dinner or take gifts to a local shelter or hospital, and read Jesus’ birth story from Luke 2:1-20.