The Season of Advent

Do you celebrate advent?

Incase you aren’t familiar with advent, it’s a time leading up to Christmas where many Christians will take time to reflect, focus, and prepare for the real meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus. Traditionally the themes throughout are focused on hope, peace, love & joy.

Last week I started an advent study. Technically advent doesn’t start until November 29th this year (always the 4th Sunday before Christmas), but I decided to start my book last week. It’s called “The Weary World Rejoices” and ever since I got the book back in October the title is something I can’t get out of my head. Actually, the word weary is what keeps playing over and over in my head. There’s no question that our world is weary, and right now it seems even more prevalent. It’s been a year. In many ways I’m feeling it too.

So far I’ve been really enjoying this particular study. So if you’re looking for one to do, I’d already recommend it! It’s also great because there are family activities intertwined in it; something to do with your kids/teens to help celebrate the season. I’m looking forward to hopefully trying out a few things with our kids.

The Weary World Rejoices

We’re also planning on going through “The Jesus Storybook Bible” with our kids for advent. Side note: We love this bible for our kids! It’s really great because if you start reading at the beginning on Dec. 1st, then by the 25th you’ll have read from the beginning up until the birth of Jesus. We followed this with our kids last year & really enjoyed it. There’s even a great resource where you’ll find printables and a guide (here) to help you along the way. So if you have this bible it’s a great advent idea!

We’re also hoping to incorporate a daily/weekly scripture & lighting of the candles. I think it’ll be something special to do with them and just a great reminder for us as a family on why we really celebrate this time of year.

I know there’s lots of other great family advent resources out there & a lot of ideas to help celebrate this time of year. I would love to hear what you do, either on your own or with your family!