Simple Ways to Celebrate Advent

 

 

 Back in early postings on my old blog, comfortspringstation.com, I wrote a post on celebrating Advent. I think it's time to re-create that post here on carolonthelake.com.  Advent is the 4 Sundays before Christmas when many Christians around the world reflect and prepare to celebrate Jesus' birth. This year (2026), Advent begins on November 29th and ends on Christmas Eve. 

 

 The themes of Advent are:

Hope (Prophecy candle)
Peace (Bethlehem candle)
Joy (Shepherd's candle)
Love (Angel's candle) 

 

Traditionally, an Advent wreath is used with 4 candles. The first Sunday you read scripture or a prayer and light a candle. The second Sunday you again read scripture and light two candles. The third week scripture followed by 3 candles, and finally, on the 4th Sunday, scripture with 4 candles.   Some people add a 5th candle on Christmas Day.

 

 

   

If your church practices celebrating Advent, they often share scripture for each of the Sundays and use certain colors for the candles. If your faith group does not celebrate it, but you would like to practice it in your home, I have a few suggestions to help you. 

 

 

 

 

1.  You may buy an Advent wreath or create your own circle or line of candles with your candle holders, greenery, or other decorations. 

 

 

 2.  You may choose a Bible reading, a brief thought, a prayer, and/or a favorite hymn or Christmas carol to sing. 

 3. I created a printable suggested scriptures back on the original blog, and it's still available for download on my Google drive. 

 

Download

 

 

4. Get your children involved in choosing scriptures, prayers, and/or songs. Let family members and friends take turns reading. 
 

 5. Add some Acts of Kindness each Sunday like making cookies to take to a nursing home, or to give to neighbors. If your church doesn't do a giving tree, check local stores for one. There are usually little cards hanging on the tree with descriptions of presents needed and information for recipient like age and sex.  I know many of us give to Toys For Tots, but I also like taking a tag for a Giving Tree. I like to search for presents like socks or t shirts for a senior male. It's not glamorous, but if someone is asking for underwear as a present, then that's important to them and hence to me.

 

 

 6. Advent calendars are sold in stores. I have friends who buy the one's with chocolate candy each day of Advent. For those who would like a calendar, I also shared a free printable Advent calendar on Comfort Spring.  Again, it's still available for download on my Google drive.  

 

  

Download

I wish everyone a blessed Advent as we prepare to celebrate Christmas!  

 

 

 

 

 

 This post was shared on these fabulous link parties!