The word “advent” simply means “coming.” Used specifically during the Christmas season, it is a period of time where we look forward expectantly to the coming of Christ. While the term could apply to either his first coming, as a baby in a manger, or the second coming, in this season, it specifically looks forward to celebrate the birth of Christ.
One of the key elements of our Family Advent Nights surrounds the purpose of Advent itself. With the season of Christ’s birth upon us, we do our best to prepare the hearts of our kids, as well as our own, to celebrate his coming, his birth into this world.
We do this by focusing on four different aspects of Advent. We set up an Advent wreath, one that holds four candles. Each of these is usually purple, but we have been known to use whatever we can find on hand. In the center of the wreath is a bigger candle, which we make sure is white, representing Christ’s birth.
In the four weeks before Christmas, during the Advent season, we look at each of the following aspects of Christ’s birth. This is originally from Todd Wilson’s website, Familyman Ministries, but we have adapted it to fit our needs as each year comes and goes.
Week 1 – Prophecy candle
For this week, we read Isaiah 9:1-7, and occasionally some other prophetic passages surrounding Christ’s birth. Afterwards, we discuss how these prophecies foretold the coming of the Messiah, and just how that happened.
Week 2 – Bethlehem candle
As this candle is lit, each of our older kids read a portion of Luke 1:1-56. We talk about the birth narrative, and how the town of Bethlehem plays into the fulfillment of the prophecies we discussed the week before.
Week 3 – Angel candle
For this candle, we read Luke 2:2-5 and Micah 5:2. The angels came to announce the birth of the Savior and their message was one that brought great joy!
Week 4 – Shepherd candle
For this candle, we read Luke 2:8-20, and put ourselves into the place of the shepherds as they witnessed the proclamation of the angles, and then went to see the Christ child in the manger.
Christmas Eve – Christ candle
Finally, on Christmas Eve, we read John 1:1-18, and celebrate the fact that Jesus was born, and that his purpose was to save us from our sins.
Each week, we light the candle that represents the topic we are discussing, along with the candles from the previous weeks. By Christmas Eve, the entire wreath is lit up.
After we spend this time together and pray, we move on to a story. Most of the time, we read one of the Familyman Treasury of stories, by Todd Wilson. Sometimes, we add other great Christmas stories in, but my kids really enjoy the Familyman series. They are great stories, and make the point of Christmas well. Many times, I have a tough time reading them easily, and have to stop for a moment to regain my composure. They are excellent.
Usually, while I am reading, my wife puts together a light snack. This is most often cookies or cake or something of the sort, paired with some sparkling grape juice.
Our whole family enjoys this time together, and we look forward to celebrating Advent season all year long. By the time Christmas arrives, our hearts have been focused and prepared to celebrate Christ’s birth as much as possible. Plus, it’s just a great time together as a family. Dads, it’s an incredible opportunity to create some lasting family memories.
Be deliberate, Dad!
What are the classic Christmas stories you read to your kids each year? You can leave your thoughts in the comments by clicking here.