The holiday season is upon us. Our calendars quickly fill with shopping trips, school performances, and festive gatherings. Amid all the hustle, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. What if we paused each day during the Advent season, to reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love that the coming of Christ brings? As parents, we have the incredible privilege of inviting our children into this sacred rhythm—helping them discover the true wonder of Christmas, not in the presents, but in His presence.
As The Bible Project explains, Advent actually means “arrival” and signifies the coming of our Savior. For Christians around the world, Advent refers to the four weeks leading up to Christmas, where communities remember and celebrate the arrival of Jesus and join together in the hope of his ultimate return. Here is a simple 2 minute video explanation on Advent for kids.
One of my favorite Advent devotions for families is written by Ann Voskamp. The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas is a beautiful book written for adults but has a companion book for kids called Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas. Each day, families can read the provided Scripture passage (in connection with the original book), engage with a specially written devotion to help children of all ages understand the Advent theme for the day, and participate in suggested activities to apply the theme. Go to Ann Voskamp’s website (Greatest Christmas section) and you will find free resources that accompany the story throughout the season, including full-color, downloadable ornaments. You can also purchase their beautiful wooden ornaments through The Keeping Company. It’s worth the investment if you plan to make this a holiday tradition year after year!
The Rhythms of Advent by Grace Community Church is another devotion resource for individuals or families during this time of reflection and anticipation. Whatever you choose to do during this season of Advent, I encourage you to purposefully pause and reflect on what the coming of Christ means to mankind. Do not allow the distractions of the world or the weariness of your soul to rob you and your family of the peace and rest the Lord provides. As Winfree Brisley from The Gospel Coalition states, “Whether we’re entering this Advent season distracted or weary, anxious or doubting, hoping or hurting, we need to take a good look at Jesus. We need to remember he’s the Messiah who came and is coming again. In Christ, our longings are both satisfied and stirred.”
So pause and reflect, be still and worship Emmanuel, and encourage your family to do the same. Through this purposeful devotion time together you will be laying Faithful Foundations and building a spiritual heritage that will last!
