With the holidays quickly approaching, you probably have a long list of things to do to prepare your home, your calendar, and your family for the various celebrations and activities between now and Christmas Day. Sometimes with so much attention the details surrounding the season, we can overlook the most important thing—preparing our hearts and our homes to truly celebrate Jesus and Christmas. The truth is that the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas provide us with a great window for a kind of sacred pause in our yearly calendar – we often call that time “Advent”. For hundreds and hundreds of years, Christians have been using the month of December for a time of intentional pause and reflection. The whole idea behind Advent is from the Latin word meaning “arrival”. The Advent season is a time of expectant waiting, reflection, and preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ first coming – His birth that we celebrate at Christmas.
Some churches who keep to a more liturgical calendar will celebrate with formal traditions. At Redemption Chapel, we are more casual with only a few church-wide observances. But that doesn’t mean we’re not all preparing our hearts for worshipping Christ!
It certainly makes sense that we would use this time of year to remind ourselves of the hope we have in Christ. But, unless you have a plan for how you will celebrate Advent, you may get to Christmas Day and realize you missed it. So, we’d like to help. Here are some suggested resources to help you and your family get ready for the Advent season.
Books for family advent readings
Star of Wonder: An Advent Devotional to Illuminate the People, Places, and Purpose of the First Christmas by Angela Hunt
Includes scriptural insights, historical facts, personal application, and weekly family activities.
Glad and Golden Hours: A Companion for Advent and Christmastide by Lanier Ivester
An invitation to savor recipes, create traditions, and embrace the fullness of the season.
The Biggest Story Advent: 25 Lift-the-Flap Devotions for Families by Kevin DeYoung
Unveil a Bible Verse and Illustration Each Day of Advent with This Children’s Devotional from Kevin DeYoung.
Jesse Tree Ornaments + Cards Set by Tiny Theologians
Use 25 ornaments to trace the story of Scripture from creation to Christ’s birth.
The Advent Blocks Tradition by Goodkind
Comes with a wood box and hardback book version of Advent Blocks to tell the story of Christmas.
Tracing Glory: The Christmas Story Through the Bible by Sarah Rice
A 24-day Advent devotional. Also, check out the Accompanying Activity Book.
Books for your personal Advent reflections
Everyday Gospel: Christmas Devotional by Paul David Tripp
Gives a brief reflection for every day leading up to Christmas.
Let Earth Receive Her King: Daily Readings for Advent by Alistair Begg
24 Advent devotions spanning the whole of Scripture.
Advent for Exiles: 25 Devotions to Awaken Gospel Hope in Every Longing Heart by Caroline Cobb
Weaves together Scripture readings, song lyrics, poetic prose, biblical imagery, and responsive exercises.
Journey to Bethlehem: A Treasury of Classic Christmas Devotionals by Leland Ryken
A 30-Day Anthology of Classic Christmas Writings.
Coming to Light: An Advent Experience Through the Book of Luke by Jodie Frye
For 25 days, experience God’s heart for you by reading, listening, and journaling through the book of Luke.
Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always by Ruth Chou Simmons
An illustrated Advent exploration of what it means to intimately experience God’s presence in our daily lives.