An Advent Calendar for Families
What is Advent?
Once upon a time, there was a season in the church year known as “Advent.” The word comes to us from the Latin for “coming.” The purpose of the season was to anticipate the coming of Christ to earth; it was a season that focused on waiting.
As early as the fourth century AD, Christians fasted during this season and ended their fasts with celebrations either of the arrival of the wise men or of the baptism of Jesus. For many Christians today, the most familiar sign of Advent is the lighting of candles—two purple candles, followed by a pink and then another purple—on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. So Advent in 2021 officially starts on Sunday, November 28th and ends on Friday, December 24th.
How to Lead Our Kids
As a parent, it can be hard to compete with the hustle and bustle of Christmas—especially in our consumeristic culture of instant gratification. Waiting can seem like such a drag.
As we wait together, remind your kids of Advent’s double meaning. Not only are we remembering how the world waited in darkness for the coming of the Messiah. We are also reminding ourselves that we still live in a season of waiting as we long for the second advent of Jesus. That is when he will return in all his glory and establish his kingdom forever.
Advent reminds us that this world is not all there is. There is a better future still to come!
ParentCue’s Advent Calendar
Get a copy for your family.
ParentCue has produced a helpful Advent Calendar for families. While the calendar technically starts on December 1st, it is still a great tool to help you be intentional in leading your family through the waiting of Advent and the celebration of Christmas.
There is a simple activity to do each day from December 1st through Christmas Day. You can download a copy of the Advent Calendar here, or you can pick one up from the Next Steps table during one of our Sunday Gatherings.
To help you get things started, we are providing parents with certain supplies to complete some of the days’ tasks. For example, you will find some glow sticks for the dance party on December 4th! We want to equip you to lead your family as you practice waiting, which can be really tough in the busyness of the Christmas season.
We believe that parents are the primary disciple-makers of their kids, so we are here to equip you to do just that.