Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. It is the time of year that Christian parents prepare for the rigors of teaching their children the true meaning of Christmas. All this amid the deluge of commercial and promotions that would tell the kids that Christmas simply means getting presents! But rather than fighting the child’s natural excitement for Christmas morning, parents can channel it into a deeper understanding of the holiday.
Advent is designed to encourage participants to reflect on the experience of Christ being born into one’s life. This does not mean that the individual, family or community is pretending that Jesus has not been born yet or that Christ is not present already but, instead, provides a time for religious individuals to discover ways to experience the relationship with Jesus more deeply.
Words used to describe the Advent season are “waiting,” “expectation,” “hope,” and “longing.” These words describe the feelings of people who are in relationship with one another and, most decidedly, describe children’s experience in the weeks before Christmas!
What is an Advent Wreath?
The Advent wreath is in the shape of a circle, representing eternity. It is made from greens that are beautiful and lush as a sign of life. Some wreaths are woven with holly or other plants with sharp branches or thorns. These, combined with the beauty of the greens, are a sign of the experience of real life – a mixture of sorrow and joy. The wreath has four candles. Three candles are purple, a sign of royalty, and one is pink, signifying joy. The pink candle is lit on the third week of Advent. The candles can be long tapers or votives in glass holders for a more fire-safe wreath.
There are no "religious rules" on what your wreath must look like. A family can create a wreath with whatever materials are available and in whatever fashion gives meaning. When children participate in the creating the wreath, the value is on the task of working together not the perfect final product.
Weekly Scripture and Prayer
Each Sunday, a candle is lit, scripture can be read and a prayer is recited. The candle lighting is progressive so by the fourth Sunday of Advent, all four candles are lit. As more candles are lit each week, the wreath becomes a sign to the children that Jesus, the Light of the World, is coming soon. As one gets closer to the birth of Christ, the light gets brighter!
Prayers can be simple and spoken from the heart or can be intentionally written for each week. Suggested scriptures below can be looked up online and printed or read from a bible. Other scriptures may be used as well.
- Week 1 – Isaiah 60:2-3
- Week 2 – Psalm 147:3-6
- Week 3 – Psalm 25:4-5
- Week 4 – Isaiah 9:6-7
- Christmas – Luke 2: 1-20
Traditionally, Advent preparation includes prayer and fasting. With children, however, families can also add works of charity and kindness to their Advent experience. These weekly acts can then be mentioned during the prayer time. Children will begin to understand that all good works help bring the light of Christ in to the world.
A family calendar can be created for the days of Advent as well. Each day can be designated with an act of charity big or small: "Say hello to a new person today;" "Write a note of thanks (or draw a picture);" "Donate a toy to a toy drive;" etc. Creating the calendar is a significant activity itself because it allows the opportunity for family discussion on how even small things make the Light of Christ brighter in the world.
Advent Wreath Becomes a Christmas Wreath
An additional way to connect the Advent season to Christmas is to have the Advent wreath become a Christmas wreath by putting a white candle in the middle of the wreath and lighting it on Christmas. The wreath can remain in its usual place in the home or used as a table centerpiece and a visible reminder of the true meaning of Christmas!
There are many ways for Christians to prepare for Christmas in body and soul. Many Christians celebrate Advent and there are many wonderful Advent resources online from different faith communities. The suggestions presented here are open for modification in ways that best fit the ages of the children or the family's prayer style.
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