Today kicks off the first day of Advent. If you're anything like me, sometimes you can feel overwhelmed by the options to participate in this holiday.
Rather than feeling like you're doing too much or too little, you can find simple ways to reflect on the coming of Jesus this Advent as a family.
Below is one simple activity you can do with your family each week of Advent to prepare your heart to celebrate the coming of Jesus this Christmas.
Week 1: Names of Jesus
Let's spend some time reflecting on the many wonderful traits of our Savior this Advent.At the top of a poster board, write "Jesus" in large letters across the top.
Read through the following Scriptures to uncover some names for Jesus: Isaiah 2:5, Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 11:1,5, Micah 5:2, 4, 5a, Jeremiah 33:2, 15, and Matthew 1:23.
Using sticky notes (or just markers), write (or draw) some of the names Jesus used in the readings and stick it to the board. Take a moment to praise Jesus for these different attributes as a family.
Decorate the poster board while listening to Christmas hymns and hang up the poster board where your family can see it to be reminded of how wonderful Jesus is.
Here's a list of potential names for Jesus from these Scriptures: Immanuel, Creator, Healer, Light of the Nations, Forgiver, Righteous Branch, Ruler, Ancient of Days, Shepherd, Teacher, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Righteous Judge, Faithful.
Week 2: Praising Jesus
This season we often read and hear about different biblical people praising God for His greatness—Mary, Zechariah, the shepherds. Let's spend time this Advent learning a Christmas hymn to direct our praise to Jesus. Select one of the following hymns to listen at home while doing chores or driving to and from school this Advent:
- O Come, O Come Emmanuel
- Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
- Go Tell It on the Mountain
- O Little Town of Bethlehem
Week 3: Inviting Others to Behold Jesus
This week, let's focus on how we can invite others to behold the beauty of Jesus. Ask a non-Christian family over for a hot cocoa bar (hot chocolate, marshmallows, whipped cream, and any other fun toppings) one afternoon or evening. You could watch a Christmas movie or do some minute-to-win-it style games to add a dash of holiday festivities. Invite the family to come to your church's Christmas Eve service with you.
Week 4: Loving Like Jesus
This week, let's show love to others who may feel overlooked or lonely this holiday season. Send a Christmas card to a homebound senior or someone in your community walking through a difficult season. You could make your own cards or send a family Christmas card with a note on it. Pray for the person selected together before dropping the card(s) in the mail.
May these activities come alongside your family and help you reflect on the coming of Jesus in beautiful and sweet ways this Advent.
May these activities come alongside your family and help you reflect on the coming of Jesus in beautiful and sweet ways this Advent.