All month long we have been talking about the importance of Advent. Advent is a special time where we get ready to celebrate Jesus’ birthday! Advent means “coming” or “arrival”. Advent is celebrated by christians all around the world right before Christmas. Advent is a season of preparation and waiting for the birth of Jesus. It is a time when we slow down and take time to reflect and realign our hearts with God.

Waiting can be hard, like when you are excited for christmas morning, but waiting can be good because it helps our hearts get ready to receive. Advent helps remind us that everything happens is God’s perfect timing.

Read Psalm 27:14 and discuss: What is something you have had to wait for? Was it hard?

Advent celebrates four gifts that we receive through Jesus; hope, peace, joy and love.
Before God sent His Son Jesus, the people of God had been waiting SO long for a savior to come. God had promised that He would send someone who would bring light into the world.

Read Isaiah 9:2; 9:6 and discuss: How does Jesus bring hope to your life?

Advent reminds us that God WANTS to have a relationship with us. That’s why He sent His son to earth to die on the cross and forgive us of our sins. Jesus came to the earth out of His love for us.

Read Luke 10:10-11 and discuss: Why do you think Jesus being born is such good news?

Just like you decorated your house or maybe made christmas cookies, Advent is also about preparing. It’s about preparing our hearts to be open and receive all the good gifts that God wants to give us. We can also prepare our hearts by praying for others, loving others and remembering Jesus everyday.

Read Luke 3:4 and discuss: What is one way you can make room for Jesus this week?

We encourage you to pray as a family after the devotional.