How to Plan Advent With Your Family

Advent is the season of waiting and getting ready for Christmas. It begins four Sundays before December 25. Christians observe it in many different ways, so there is no single right plan. Choose what fits your family and leave the rest.

Pick a time that works

The best time is one you will keep. Many families read at dinner, after dinner or at bedtime. Five to ten minutes is enough. If you miss a day, pick up where you left off.

Set up a simple wreath

A common custom uses three purple candles, one pink candle and a white candle in the center for Christmas Day. You can use battery candles with small children, or simply place four candles on a plate with some greenery. Each Sunday, light one more candle.

Give each week a theme

Many families name the weeks Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Others use different themes. You might read Isaiah 9:6 in the second week, which says in the King James Version: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Read a little each day

You do not need a long study. A few verses from the Gospel of Luke or Matthew, read aloud, are plenty. The story of the angel's visit to Mary begins in Luke 1:26. Matthew 1:18 tells of Joseph's dream. Luke 2 describes the birth and the shepherds.

Ask one question

After the reading, ask a simple question: What stood out to you? What does this say about waiting? Who needs our prayers today? Let children answer in their own words.

Add one small act of kindness

Bake something for a neighbor, write a card, give to a food pantry or call someone who is alone. A short list of ideas on the fridge makes it easy to choose.

Say a short prayer

Keep it short and honest. Children often like to name people they are thankful for.

Keep a record

A short journal of what you read, what you prayed and what you did gives you something to look back on next year.

Start with pages already made

If you would like a daily reading plan, weekly candle pages, a prayer list, a gratitude log and Christmas plans in one place, the Advent Devotional Planner puts it all in one printable book.