Families and individuals can celebrate Advent through daily Scripture readings, prayer, and acts of compassion. Most of all, Advent is a time of focused anticipation that lifts our eyes and hearts above the things of this world—the hurry, the strife, the consumerism—to the blessing and reason for celebrating this season: God has come to us!

Each Advent tradition offers ways to keep our focus and posture aligned with God’s.

• Light Advent wreath candles each Sunday—Hope, Peace, Joy (purple), Love—and finally the Christ candle in the center on Christmas Day.
• Use this guide for daily scripture, reflection, and prayer (some verses are repeated for retention and emphasis on different aspects).
• Create or use an Advent calendar as a fun way to mark each day. You can also pair it with small gifts or treats. Even adults can enjoy this opportunity to build anticipation into each day of Advent.
• Each week, plan a simple act of generosity to practice as a family: Bring food to a neighbor, give to missions, or write an encouraging message for someone. Practicing service and
generosity brings comfort to others and leads us closer to Christ.

The message of Israel’s prophets reminds us that hope shines brightest in the darkest of nights. Isaiah’s prophecy of a coming light promised deliverance for a weary people. Hope in scripture is never an empty wish. It is a substantial expectation anchored in God’s character and faithfulness. When the prophets spoke of the Messiah, their words carried centuries of longing and trust that God would fulfill His promises. We have the same expectation today, a confident assurance that Jesus Christ, who has come, will come again as He promised. God keeps His word!

As you light the candle of Hope, remember that the light of Christ overcomes any and all darkness in us and in our world. His hope invites us to live in peace now as people of confident expectation of the complete healing He is bringing.

Weekly Act of Generosity:
Share hope by encouraging someone facing hardship. Holidays can be difficult times for many people who feel alone or have suffered grief. Make time for conversation, write a note, or deliver a meal to encourage someone who is struggling.

Peace (Shalom) is more than the absence of conflict; it is wholeness and harmony in God’s presence. As Bethlehem was prepared to receive its Savior, we too prepare our hearts to
welcome the Peace of Christ anew. Jesus is the demonstration of God’s love and acceptance of us. He is God’s Shalom displayed. We can trust His goodness and love even when we don’t feel lovable or see His goodness in our world because Christ has come.

As you light the 2nd candle (the candle of Peace), remember that Jesus is the restoration of peace between us and a holy God. The Prince of Peace brings rest to the weary and unity to the divided. Through prayer, humility, and trust, we prepare the way for His peace to reign in us and through us.

Weekly Act of Generosity
Prepare a gift or meal for someone in need. Be an agent of God’s peace through kindness and care. The holidays can cause financial strain on many or can simply fill schedules. A meal or helpful gift says, “I see you, and God sees you.”

The third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, calls us to rejoice! Joy is not found in circumstances but in the presence of Christ. The shepherds were the first to hear heaven’s announcement of great joy. Their ordinary night became extraordinary as the glory of God filled the sky. This joy reaches beyond happiness—it is the deep assurance that God has sent his deliverer. His presence is with us today to be the hope and restoration of the world.

As you light the 3rd candle, the purple candle of Joy, rejoice and celebrate that Christ’s presence transforms despair into delight and fear into faith.

Weekly Act of Generosity
Gather to bring joy to others! Visit someone who can’t get out much, spend time at a nursing home, join a caroling group, or invite neighbors for a movie night. Bring joy through fun and fellowship, and let it remind your and others that presence matters!

God IS Love. He comes in love, and in His coming, we know what love truly is (I John 3:16-20). The angels’ proclamation revealed the love of God made visible in Christ. Love came down at Christmas—not as an emotion or an idea, but in the person of Jesus Christ, Immanuel, “God with us.” In Him, we see the fullness of God’s glory; His compassion, humility, and grace. God’s love calls us to freely share with others what we freely receive: forgiveness, generosity, care, and goodness. We have all of these from God, and we share all of these with our family, friends, neighbors, and even enemies.

As you light the 4th candle, the candle of Love, open your heart to the God who is love and open your eyes and arms to others in reflection of His character to the world.

Weekly Act of Generosity
Show love in action: Invite someone to church this month or for Christmas Eve service. Open your home to others on Christmas Eve or Day, or serve at a local outreach, shelter or nursing home. Let’s show others how love in action can change the world!

On Christmas Day, light the final candle —the Christ Candle— symbolizing the fulfillment of every promise. Hope, peace, joy, and love converge in the person of Jesus Christ—the light of the world. The mystery of the incarnation reminds us that God came not in a display of power but in the power of humility, to dwell among us and restore all creation to Himself.

Today we celebrate Jesus and rejoice that His kingdom of Shalom reigns forever.

Scripture: John 1:14, Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:11

Reflection: Christ has come. Above all gifts He brings, His simple presence is more than enough to bring peace on earth!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for coming near. Thank you for your love, joy, peace, and hope. More than any of these gifts, may I be filled and fully satisfied with you. You are all we need. Today we celebrate, rejoice, and wonder in awe of you. To be with you is more than enough. Immanuel, we worship you!