FAMILY GUIDE TO CELEBRATING ADVENT

The Bible: During Advent, focus your reading on the passages that relate to the prophecies and events surrounding his birth. (You can find some in the Calvary app Bible reading plan.)

Prayer: Prayer directly connects your spirit with the Spirit of God. Pray from scripture. Pray with your family. Thank God for his gift of salvation.

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): This guide will explain which candles to light each week. You can purchase an advent wreath from local retailers or online.

Actions: This guide suggests things to discuss and do together as a family to remember, share, and expect Christ.

We now look back on Christ’s birth as the fulfillment of prophecy. Our hope remains in the fact that Jesus Christ was, is, and is to come!

Prayer: Thank you, God, that in the darkest of moments, I can have the peace, confidence and joy that you are with me. Help me to bring hope to those around me. Amen.

Action: Make an Advent calendar together or find one at a local store.

God prepared the place (Bethlehem), the people (Mary & Joseph), and the moment (a census moving them from Nazareth to Bethlehem). Knowing that God has a plan gives peace to every moment in our lives.

Prayer: God of peace, your word keeps my heart at peace and focused on your truth. Remind me when I am afraid or feel alone that you are with me. Help me to be a peaceful presence with my family, coworkers and community.

Action: 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 of rejoicing. Christ and his gospel (good news) bring joy!

Prayer: God, you are my joy! Today, we celebrate the joyful good news: The gift of your Son. Give me an opportunity to share your good news and bring joy to someone else today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action: Bring joy to others! Cook a meal for someone, pay for a stranger’s groceries, shovel your neighbor’s driveway … the possibilities are endless!

God’s greatest act of love was sending his son 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. Give me the opportunity to share your love. May my every word and action overflow with your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action: Include others. Invite someone to join with your family at the Christmas Eve service.

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, you have given us the greatest of all gifts: The gift of your eternal love. Thank you for our hope of eternal life with you through Jesus. Amen.

Action: Celebrate! Gather friends and family at home or serve at a soup kitchen or spend quiet time with God. However your feel led, celebrate!