Advent 2016 Is About To Begin
Christmas can be a faith and family-building time. Determining to celebrate advent (the four Sundays leading up to Christmas) is a way of anticipating Jesus’ coming and focusing on the celebration of His birth. Whether by lighting candles on an advent wreath with the family and sharing a devotional or with some type of Christ-centered advent calendar, our attention focuses on the truth that Jesus came as the Light of the World and His love can shine brighter and brighter through our lives.
Your family advent wreath doesn’t have to be elaborate. Four candles in a circle of greenery. (If you place it on a tray or bread board it can be moved easily.) The candles symbolize the increasing light as Christ’s coming draws near. So one candle is lit the first week, and an additional one each week until Christmas comes. This year, the first Sunday of advent is Nov. 27 and the fourth is Dec. 18. A fifth candle may be added in the center for Christmas day which is on a Sunday this year. There are many advent devotionals for your family to discover that are age-appropriate for your household (see an example at the end of this article.) Our little ones enjoyed taking turns lighting the candles and reading the scriptures. Our family also enjoyed using this time to read an inspirational Christmas story out of our large collection of favorites. It is a special time to slow down and be together.
An advents calendar can hold a daily surprise for the kids to lead announcing a special Christmas activity, a craft project or goodies to be made and given away that day, a prayer request or scripture. One family calls their advent calendar “24 ways to celebrate Christmas.” They read an activity for each day, such as: tell your family and friends you love them, forgive an old hurt, write someone and express your gratitude, name your blessing, etc.
Get the idea? The excitement isn’t just about one day, but a season of realizing how wonderful and good Jesus is and how we can share His light with our world.
Lighting the first advent candle:
Isaiah 9:2 “The people who walked in darkness have seen a light; those who dwell in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.”
Candle lighter: “Let this candle represent God’s promise of a Savior to light the darkness.” Sing: “Here I Am To Worship” (Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness, open my eyes let me see)
Lighting the second candle:
Isaiah 7:14 “The Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel (God with us).
Candle lighter: “Let this candle represent God’s promise to come down among us and share our human life.” Sing: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
Lighting the third candle:
John 1:9, 12 “The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world…To all who received Him, who believed in His name, He gave power to become children of God.”
Candle lighter: “Let this candle represent God’s promise to enter the hearts that make room for him.” Sing: Joy to the World
Lighting the forth candle:
Isaiah 49:6 “God says, I will give you (the Messiah) as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
Candle lighter: “Let this candle represent Jesus’ coming for all people everywhere.” Sing: “Go Tell It on the Mountain”
Leave a Reply