The season of Advent is a season of waiting designed to cultivate our awareness of God’s actions – past, present, and future. In Advent we hear the prophecies of the Messiah’s coming as addressed to the people of Israel and the rest of the earth. As we live in a very similar circumstance, our hearts are meant to empathize and even find comfort in their waiting for Christ’s second coming and the consummation of His Kingdom. In Advent we heighten our anticipation for the ultimate fulfillment of all Old Testament promises, when the wolf will lie down with the lamb and death will be swallowed up, and every tear will be wiped away. In this way Advent highlights for us the larger story of God’s redemptive plan.
Advent is a season filled with traditions. So many of these have little to do with the purposes I’ve presented above. In an effort to help equip you with resources to lead your family in a true celebration of this season, our staff has compiled a list of activities and readings.
Blow the trumpet in Zion
Sound the alarm on my holy hill
Let all who live in the land tremble
For the day of the Lord is coming
It is close at hand
Come, let us worship our Judge and our Redeemer!
Advent Resources
- Come Lord Jesus Come – An Advent Devotional (by Providence Church).
- The Advent Project is an online resource with scripture, devotionals, art, video, and music that helps us remember the mystery of the incarnation and the Word made flesh.
-
Love’s Pure Light – by the Dwell app — a guided time of advent focused Bible listening using the Dwell app.
- SEBTS Daily Advent Devotional — a helpful daily reflections on advent by SEBTS faculty and staff – some of whom you go to church with!
Family Advent Activity Ideas
Family Advent Recommended Books to Purchase
- Prepare Him Room by Marty Machowski (Family Devotional) — This four-week devotional guides your family on an unforgettable advent journey, exploring some of the most wonderful prophecies in the Bible and how God fulfills them in Christ.
- Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Vonskamp (Family Devotional) — Each day, families can read the provided Scripture passage (in connection with the original book), engage with a specially written devotion to help children of all ages understand the Advent theme for the day, and participate in suggested activities to apply the theme.
- Counting the Days, Lighting the Candles by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thomspon (Family Devotional) — “Counting the Days, Lighting the Candles” is a Christmas Advent Devotional to help you and your family rejoice and rest in the holiday season. Beginning with December 1 and all through the month, you’ll find separate readings for adults and children for each day. Also included are 4 activity suggestions that will enhance your family’s experience of this blessed holiday season.
- Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell (Perfect for 4-6 years) — A captivating retelling of the Christmas story showing how God kept His promise to send a new King.
- Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones (Perfect for 4-7 years)
