CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS WITH ADVENT

advent
2023
DAILY READINGS
DEVOTIONALS
CELEBRATION

DECEMBER 3-DECEMBER 24

BRITTANYRUST.COM
 why?
Christmas is this wonderful time of year
when we celebrate the birth of our
Savior, Jesus Christ.

It's more than the twinkling lights,

beautifully wrapped gifts, and cozy
homes filled with parties. It's so much
more than what we've made it over the
years.

At the heart of Christmas is the

celebration of Christ's coming to Earth
more than 2,000 years ago. Advent is a
time when this focus is placed back at
the center of the season. The word, in
fact, means "coming."

It's the celebration of the coming of

Christ centuries ago and the anticipation
of the coming of Christ yet to be. It's
valuable to prepare our hearts and keep
Christ first at all times, but especially
now when it can be overshadowed by
festivities and gifts.

Advent takes place the 4 Sundays

leading to Christmas with the first 2
Sundays focusing on his arrival already
made and the last 2 Sundays focusing on KEEPING CHRIST
his arrival to come. There are numerous
ways to celebrate this holiday but in this
AT THE CENTER OF
resource I'll share how my family CHRISTMAS.
celebrates and include a journey for you.

I can't think of a better way to embrace

Christmas and prepare our hearts to
glorify Jesus over everything else than
taking this Advent journey together.
how this works
Advent is twenty-two days this
year, and each day will include a
short passage of Scripture as
well as a short devotional tied to
the verse(s).

I encourage you to incorporate

this into your daily Bible reading
(or it could be a replacement for
that), in your prayer time, or at a
special time in the evening with
your family.

The first two weeks will include

readings that speak to the
coming of Christ more than two
thousand years ago. The second
two weeks will dive into his
future coming when he returns.

I've also included at the end

practical and fun ways to
celebrate Advent, whether that's
on your own or with your family.

I didn't celebrate Advent for the

longest time simply because I
knew little about it. But now my
family and I do, and it's
genuinely one of our favorite
traditions. I pray this resource
will draw you closer to God as
you seek to keep Christ central.
WEEK ONE

Sunday, december 03
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government
shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful
Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the
increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the
throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold
it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and
forevermore.The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6–7

Isaiah gives a prophecy of the Savior who would come and reign on this
earth. We get such a beautiful and powerful glimpse into this coming,
and it was with eager expectation people looked forward to this
moment. It was an event they longed for.

In this short passage, many things about the Messiah are described.

A child would be born. The Messiah would be born to the people of

Israel. A son made flesh. (Isaiah 7:14, a child would be born of a virgin
and He would be named Immanuel, "God with us.").
The government would rest on His shoulders. He would rule over
Israel and the world for all time. His authority would be established
above all.
He would be to His people:
A Wonderful Counselor - Intimately aware of the workings of God
and every man's heart. He is the wisdom of God and speaks to
mankind.
A Mighty God - Not only would He be a man but He would be fully
God, mighty to save.
An Everlasting Father - He is the author of life and designer of the
universe.
The Prince of Peace - He established peace both on the earth and
in our hearts.
He would reign on the throne of David. Established from the line of
David, once a king and a prophecy of His human lineage.
He would have the zeal of the Lord Almighty. The zeal of the Lord
overcomes all things and all things depend on God.

There was a time when people heard this prophecy and held it dear,
hoping and praying it would come soon. We get to experience this
fulfillment on the other side and that's what Christmas is about—
celebrating the coming that already took place. Celebrating the moment
WEEK ONE

Sunday, december 03 (CONT)

Christ entered the world to save humanity.

Are you ready to prepare your heart? Ready to celebrate Jesus?

monday, december 04
There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a
branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord
shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the
Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of
the Lord. And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.He shall not
judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears
hear, but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide
with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth
with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall
kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and
faithfulness the belt of his loins. Isaiah 11:1–5

The people of Israel looked for a Savior who would come and set them
free from the oppression they faced under other world powers. And
indeed, Christ came with all power and authority to demolish evil. But
He came with more power and understanding than we could ever
imagine. He came with a plan to execute justice in a way no one else
ever could, then or forevermore.

Celebrate that you serve a Savior who doesn't act or judge based on
what we think or believe but from righteousness and grace!

tuesday, december 05
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the
clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be
ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in
labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to
the people of Israel. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in
WEEK ONE

tuesday, december 05 (CONT)

the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his
God.And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the
ends of the earth. Micah 5:2–4

Jesus has always been there; long before the earth was formed. He is
from everlasting to everlasting. And while He is eternal, there was a time
people waited for His coming on the earth. Micah 5 gives us a glimpse
into His arrival—He would be born in Bethlehem.

We are reminded that under His authority and lordship, there is peace
and joy. Our Jesus is a good shepherd who takes wonderful, loving care
of His flock. Rest in that knowledge today; you are cared for by the
Savior.

Wednesday, december 06
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of
Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose
name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was
Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the
Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and
tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel
said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with
God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be
called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him
the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of
Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary
said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the
angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the
power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to
be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your
relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this
is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will
be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of
the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel
departed from her. Luke 1:26-38
WEEK ONE

wednesday, december 06 (CONT)

The wheels are put in motion for the coming of Jesus with an
announcement to a young virgin girl. God was about to send the Savior
and He chose to do it through her. Wow, to be in Mary’s shoes. A
teenager given an incredible responsibility.

But God knew exactly what He was doing, and Mary was the person for
the job. Let’s not forget that God has always, and will always, have a
plan. A plan that weaves all things together for good. Mary had no idea
what that looked like but her future pain and joy were wrapped up in
good. And so is ours. But only because Jesus came.

thursday, december 07
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his
mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came
together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And
her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to
shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these
things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream,
saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife,
for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will
bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his
people from their sins.” Matthew 1:18–21

Yesterday the angel appeared to Mary, and in this passage, he appears to

Joseph. The man engaged to Mary, who was about to quietly separate
due to her pregnancy, now receives his own encounter concerning the
news of Jesus.

Joseph was an honorable, godly man who was obedient to God’s leading
in his life. An example to us all, especially because our first inclination
might now always line up with God's will. You and I are also called to a
life of obedience. A life of total surrender.

What is God calling you into, and will you be faithful with it?
WEEK ONE

friday, december 08
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the
world should be registered. This was the first registration when
Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each
to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the
town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called
Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be
registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while
they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave
birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and
laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the
inn. Luke 2:1-7

The time has come—the Savior is being born! The reason why we
celebrate Christmas! But it wasn't exactly how many pictured the
Messiah would arrive.

Joseph was from the line of David and according to a decree, that meant
that Joseph and his family would have to travel to Bethlehem for a
census. And even though it didn't fit the mold people expected, it
fulfilled the prophecy that the Savior would be born in Bethlehem
(Micah 5:2).

However, when Joseph and a very pregnant Mary arrived, there were no
rooms left in town. All that was left was a manger in a stable. A humble
place for the birth of Jesus.

God could have orchestrated for Jesus to be born in a palace—or at least

a nice bed. But He didn't do that. Instead, the Father sent His only son
to be born in the lowliest of conditions. Perhaps to signify that
everything Jesus would do would be marked with humility. Jesus would
always defy human expectations.

Remember that the God we serve is humble and lowly in heart. But also
remember that He can and wants to do things very different than you
might imagine.
WEEK ONE

SATURday, december 09
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord
appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them,
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be
for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a
Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will
find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly
host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those

with whom he is pleased!”

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds
said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing
that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And
they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby
lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the
saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who
heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary
treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the
shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had
heard and seen, as it had been told them. And at the end of eight
days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given
by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. Luke 2:8-21

For thousands of years mankind waited for the coming of Christ; they
longed for their King to arrive and free them from oppression. The Bible
is full of Scripture pointing directly to the One who would save mankind
from their sins.

When Isaiah (Isaiah 9) described His coming, he described His coming as

an infant. But this child would grow and establish a Kingdom of
righteousness forevermore. When we celebrate Christmas, we are
celebrating the moment in history when this and all prophecy was
fulfilled. God came to be with us...willingly and lovingly.
WEEK ONE-WEEK TWO

SATURday, december 09 (CONT)

But it was so much more than a birth—it was hope. It was a cause for
celebration. Because when Jesus came, He also left us with the gift of
salvation. His birth is significant because of His death. For thirty-three
years Jesus lived a life free from sin so that He could be the perfect
sacrificial lamb for the atonement of our sins. On Calvary, Christ paid the
price and overcame death so that we could have victory over sin and
condemnation. So, when that precious baby was born and placed in the
manger, it wasn’t just another birth. It was the beginning of God’s
redemptive plan for humanity. An act He didn’t have to take part in but
He chose to out of love. Hallelujah!

SUNday, december 10
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of
Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,
saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we
saw his star when it rose[b] and have come to worship him.” When
Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with
him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people,
he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him,
“In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means

least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from
them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to
Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when
you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and
worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way.
And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before
them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.When
they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And
going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and
they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures,
they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being
warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their
own country by another way. Matthew 2:1-2:12
WEEK TWO

Sunday, december 10 (CONT)

The shepherds in Luke 2 were the first visitors to gaze upon the Savior,
but they weren’t the only ones. The Bible also tells of the visit magi
made to the young Jesus.

When the men from the east saw a bright star in the night sky, they
followed it to Bethlehem, where they brought gifts and rejoiced at the
birth of Jesus. This would have taken place sometime within the first
two years of His birth and signified the arrival of the King of the Jews.

God announced the birth to the lowly within the Jewish people—the
shepherds—and then He included the high-ranking officials from the
east (who were not included in God’s chosen people). Quite a contrast
but rather indicative of who Christ came for: all people, even the ones
not deemed respectable and those who were not Jews.

We celebrate the coming of Jesus for all men and women, amen!

monday, december 11

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord

appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and
his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for
Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose
and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt
and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what
the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
Matthew 2:13-15

In today’s passage, we read that God warned Joseph and sent the family
to Egypt to both protect the boy and fulfill prophecy. Jesus had come,
and God made a way where no man or evil could stop the victory to
come!

No man, either, can stop what God wants to do in your life! Take time
today to celebrate His sovereignty and protection.
WEEK TWO

TUESday, december 12
Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men,
became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in
Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under,
according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.
Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:

“A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud

lamentation,Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be
comforted, because they are no more.” Matthew 2:16-18

While the magi were searching for Jesus, they stopped in Jerusalem to
inquire about the birth prophecy and spoke with King Herod. Herod soon
set in motion a plan to kill the “King of the Jews” and ordered all boys
two and under in the Bethlehem area to be killed. But it didn’t stop the
plan God had for the salvation of man. God is greater than this world!

WEDNESday, december 13
But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a
dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his
mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's
life are dead.” And he rose and took the child and his mother and
went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was
reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go
there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of
Galilee. And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that
what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would
be called a Nazarene. Matthew 2:19-23

After Herod died, Joseph had a dream that the family could return to
Israel. And they settled in Nazareth to again fulfill the prophecy that the
Savior would be called a Nazarene. It’s incredible to continually see this
fulfillment of numerous prophecies that all confirm Jesus as the Son of
God. And we’re reminded of that during this time, establishing in our
hearts that we worship the one true Son of God!
WEEK TWO

THURSday, december 14
The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the
world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him,
yet the world did not know him. He came to his own,[a] and his own
people[b] did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who
believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will
of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among
us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son[c] from the
Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:9-14

We are reminded of two things about Jesus in this passage: He is the

light of the world and the Word made flesh. He is, inherently, a gift to us
all. Because by His light, we have life (verse 4). And because He is the
Word, He is the personal wisdom of God. Through Christ, we have both
life and truth. And yet, so many have and continue to deny both, sadly.

This holiday season, remember that when Jesus came, He came in life,
truth, and grace to save you from your sins. That's something to
celebrate!

FRIday, december 15
Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up,
and shall be exalted. As many were astonished at you—his
appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form
beyond that of the children of mankind—so shall he sprinkle many
nations. Kings shall shut their mouths because of him, for that
which has not been told them they see, and that which they have
not heard they understand. Who has believed what he has heard
from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For
he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry
ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and
no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected
by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one
from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed
him not. Isaiah 52:13–53:3
WEEK TWO-WEEK THREE

FRIday, december 15 [CONT.]

He was rejected and despised by men. And He suffered for our sake, that
we might have life. We must not forget that when Jesus came to earth,
He came intending to suffer and die a sinner’s death. A man who knew
no sin at all would take every single one for us.

Today, reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made, which served as the whole
reason He came in the first place.

SATURday, december 16
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we
esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was
pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his
wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have
turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:4-6

He took up your pain, sin, and infirmities to bring you life. Exchanging
His peace for suffering so that you might have peace as well. Verse six
says we have all gone astray, and that means you. But Jesus is the Great
Shepherd who gathers His sheep into the fold and protects them with
His rod and staff. That’s the comfort you and I have in Christ.

SUNday, december 17
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his
mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that
before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By
oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his
generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of
the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they
made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death,
although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his
mouth.
WEEK THREE

sunday, december 17 [CONT.]

Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring;
he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his
hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by
his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be
accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I
will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the
spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and
was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many,
and makes intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53:7-12

The perfect lamb was slain, a sacrifice for the broken but surrendered.
Oh, the suffering Jesus endured for our sake; it should bring us to our
knees. He died for us, but praise God, that wasn’t the end of the story
because He conquered death and rose again! It’s in that resurrection
there is victory, and we have life!

monday, december 18
And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two
men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do
you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from
you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into
heaven." Acts 1:10-11

After Jesus conquered death, He spent forty days on earth, and then He
ascended into heaven. But as He did, it was foretold He would return
again one day.

Over the last two weeks, we've explored passages in the Bible that told
of Christ's coming thousands of years ago. In the next two weeks, as we
celebrate Advent, we will be looking at the coming of Christ yet to take
place—His Second Coming.

Our God is never done with those who love Him. He draws them close
and takes them from glory to glory. God has a plan for you, friend!
WEEK THREE

tuesday, december 19
So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will
appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who
are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:28

When Christ gave up his life for you and me and returned to Heaven, He
began to prepare a place for us—our home. Because you see, although
we may find temporary comfort on Earth, this isn't our home. Our home
is with God—free from all that is unlovely and full of a life more beautiful
than we could ever imagine.

Take heart that Christ is coming again! This season, we celebrate His
first coming, but we also get to look forward to another arrival. Will you
join me in anticipation of this wonderful event?

wednesday, december 20
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will
take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:3

If you are a Christian that has placed your sincere faith in Jesus and
committed your life to follow Him, then you have hope. A hope only
those who have made the same decision have. It's a hope that one day
Jesus will return and take us with Him to a new place. A place far from
sin, pain, sorrow, and disappointment. A place He is preparing even now.
So don't get too comfortable here—we're not staying.

thursday, december 21
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good
works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but
encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day
drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-26
WEEK THREE

thursday, december 21 [cont.]

We don’t wait for the return of Christ passively; rather, we are to be
expectant and intentional. One way we remain intentional is through
community. It’s here we spur each other on for good works, encourage
one another through the ups and downs of life, and eagerly expect his
return. Stay in community and serve those around you in all love.

friday, december 22
And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we
may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his
coming. 1 John 2:28

Until He returns, we must continue in Him, or abide in Him. John 15 talks

about abiding in Him, and when we do, He abides in us. Jesus is the vine
to remain connected to for life and sustenance. This is our position until
His return—connected to Him.

When you stay connected to Christ, you will find all you need in Him.
And nothing in this world will satisfy, so you'll be able to confidently
say, "God is all I need."

saturday, december 23
Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their
lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish,
and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took
no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As
the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But
at midnight there was a cry, "Here is the bridegroom! Come out to
meet him." Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And
the foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps
are going out." But the wise answered, saying, "Since there will not
be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for
yourselves." And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came,
and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast,
and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also,
saying, "Lord, lord, open to us." But he answered, "Truly, I say to you,
I do not know you." Matthew 25:1-12
WEEK THREE-WEEK FOUR

saturday, december 23 [cont.]

Jesus reminds us through the parable of the ten virgins to be ready and
expectant for His return. Are you? Can you say with enthusiasm that
Christ is returning and you just can’t wait!

If you hesitate at all—maybe because your heart isn't in the right place
or you'd like to accomplish that one last thing on Earth—it's time to pull
away and recalibrate. If you struggle to express excitement for His
return, ask yourself why because you are called to be eagerly expecting
Him! Your home isn't here...it's in Heaven.

Celebrate this weekend with the anticipation that Christ is coming back
for you!

sunday, december 24
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with
God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form
of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in
human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point
of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted
him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on
earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus
Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11

We remember the birth of Christ at Christmas because it’s a celebration

of when God entered this world. This very act of humility and His choice
to die on the cross is cause for bowed knees and lifted hands.

I know the season’s busyness can cause the time to fly and before we
know it, the holiday has passed and we have forgotten to celebrate the
Reason we are celebrating in the first place. But don’t get sidetracked—
get perspective. Choose reverence and give honor where honor is due.

Declare Him name above any other name!

celebrating advent
IN PRACTICAL WAYS

There are several ways people celebrate Advent—calendars,

wreaths, candles, etc. Personally, my favorite is with a reading
plan and Advent calendar. Every night, before bed, we read a
Bible verse and devotional as a family (which you now have in
this resource!). Then, my son gets to open the box, and he gets a
little surprise.

It's a fun way to countdown with kids while also keeping eyes on
Jesus through the family devotional.

Creative Ideas for Celebration of Advent

Reading Plan
I primarily celebrate the Advent season with my family through a
reading plan. There are many wonderful plans to choose from.
The idea is to use Scripture as a guide through the holiday,
revealing beautiful truths and mysteries around Christ. Reading a
passage and devotional each day of Advent helps to prepare your
heart for the celebration of Christ.
Advent Calendar
One of the most popular ways to celebrate Advent, and one my
family has adopted alongside a reading plan, is by using an
Advent calendar. Each day, open a door or envelope and discover
what awaits. Activities can include reading a passage from the
Bible, performing acts of kindness, sharing a piece of chocolate,
or simply spending quality time together.

Advent Wreath Lighting

Gather your family around an Advent wreath, a circular
arrangement of evergreen branches with four candles. Light one
candle each Sunday leading up to Christmas, along with a short
prayer or reflection. This tradition reinforces the themes of hope,
love, joy, and peace.

The first candle on the Advent wreath symbolizes hope. It

reminds us that no matter how dark the world may seem, there is
always a glimmer of hope. Advent encourages us to keep faith in
the promise of salvation and the arrival of a brighter future.

The second and third candles on the Advent wreath represent

love and joy, respectively. These virtues are at the heart of the
Christmas season. The fourth candle on the Advent wreath
symbolizes peace. As we approach Christmas, Advent reminds us
of the importance of reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity.

Storytelling Nights
Advent is a perfect time to share the story of Jesus' birth with
your children. Consider reading a chapter of the Nativity story
from the Bible each night or using an Advent-themed storybook.
Encourage discussion and questions to deepen your family's
understanding of the significance of Christmas.

Gratitude Journal
Create a gratitude journal and jot down something you're grateful
for each day during Advent. Focusing on the blessings in your life
can help you slow down and cultivate an appreciation for all God
has done in your life.
Random Acts of Kindness
Advent is a season of compassion. Challenge your family to
perform random acts of kindness throughout December. Whether
it's donating to a food bank, writing letters to loved ones, or
helping a neighbor, these actions reinforce the message of love
Jesus has for people.

Homemade Advent Decorations

Get creative as a family by making your own Advent decorations.
Craft ornaments, paper chains, or hand-painted Advent candles.
These personalized decorations will not only add a special touch
to your home but also serve as a visual reminder of the season's
meaning.

Advent Prayer Jar

Create an Advent prayer jar filled with small prayer prompts or
intentions. Each day, draw a slip from the jar and pray. Among
families, this practice encourages spiritual reflection and unity.

Advent Music and Singing

Fill your home with the beautiful melodies of Advent hymns and
carols. Singing can be a heartwarming and joyful experience.
Consider learning a new Advent song or carol each week leading
up to Christmas.

Digital Detox
Consider a digital detox during Advent by reducing your screen
time and disconnecting from the constant stream of information.
Use the time to engage in face-to-face conversations, read books,
or simply enjoy moments of quiet prayer and reflection. This is a
beautiful way to slow down and cultivate joy in the season.

Advent Retreat
Plan a personal or family Advent retreat. Find a peaceful location,
whether it's a cabin in the woods or a quiet corner of your home,
and dedicate a day or weekend to deepening your spiritual
practice through prayer, worship, and Bible study.

Candlelight Dinners
Host candlelit dinners with loved ones throughout Advent. The
warm, intimate atmosphere encourages meaningful conversations
around Christ and renews your community’s commitment to the
things of God.