Making advent meaningful
I don’t know about you, but this year I feel super-excited about reaching the advent season this year. November has felt very long, and so the invitation to slow down and remember that there’s hope on the horizon again has never felt more welcome…
But with so many things crammed into the approach to Christmas, I’m aware that making advent meaningful can quickly turn into just ‘one more thing’ to do. And even when I launch into December with the very best of intentions, as the festivities start ramping up, keeping the main thing as ‘the main thing’ can quickly become a challenge.
I know that I need to be very intentional about keeping the real Christmas message of hope central to my celebrations, so here’s 6 simple rhythms that I will personally be adopting to help me mark the advent season this year…
6 Simple Rhythms for Advent
1. Using a short advent bible study/devotional plan as a focus for my day.
That might mean pausing other books that I am reading or audio books I am listening to, and reading some advent related content instead. I am also going to invite other women in my church small group to join me so that we can keep each other accountable and on track, as well as to discuss it together when we meet.
2. Lighting a simple advent candle at our family evening meals each day.
Mealtimes are a good focal point for short family discussions and reflections about our day, as well as a good chance to pray, as it’s when we are all gathered together anyway. And in this respect, I’m realistic, not aiming for perfection… if we manage this in 50% of our family evening meals, that’s a win for me.
3. Keeping a daily gratitude list in my journal or on my phone.
I will aim to write 3 different things I am thankful for every single day during advent. I find this to be such a useful practice as it helps to keep me centred in a season that can become so easily marked by materialism, comparison and greed. And it’s so easy - you can literally do it ‘on the go’ using the notes app on your phone whenever you find a spare 2 minutes.
4. Working through the Christmas nativity story as bedtime reading
At age 8, my son is just starting to show some interest in learning about the nativity story this year and there’s so many wonderful resources available to help really bring this story alive for kids - even kids with short attention spans like he has.
5. Starting off the season with some giving
I’m also keen to plan some simple acts of giving that we can do together as a family, as it helps remind us all that Christmas is not just about what gifts you get! It’s also a season to give. This might be making Christmas cookies and blessing elderly neighbours with them, donating some warm clothes to a homeless shelter, or buying extra food during our supermarket shop to donate to our local foodbank.
6. Making some extra space
Every year as December approaches, I also like to make some extra space by having a good clear out - whether that means giving away some clothes that my so has outgrown, or donating some old toys to a local charity, where they can be recycled or shared with other families in need. I find that this simple practice of letting go of things we no longer use, not only makes more space in our home, but also more space in my heart too.
Which advent resources?
There are so many different advent resources available these days - from books, bible plans, podcasts/audio series, videos, candles, creative family kits and other resources for kids - that it can be hard to know where to begin.
I have included a few of my personal favourites below - but before you delve further into this list below, here’s a few things to bear in mind:
Keep it simple - Remember that it’s better to choose to do just one thing and to do it consistently, than to overcommit by trying to do ‘all the things’ and failing fast. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. You do what works for you…
Think outside the box - If you are already time-stretched, think about some advent alternatives that you can listen to ‘on the go’. For example, why not try an audio advent devotional while you’re on the school run or commuting to work?
Fit it to your family - Do also bear in mind your own specific family dynamics. For example, there’s little point planning a detailed daily bible reading if you have a child with ADHD like I do. Try some more interactive ways to engage your child in the nativity story and themes instead.
It doesn’t need to be perfect - Finally, remember that it doesn’t need to be perfect to be worthwhile. If you miss a day or two, it doesn’t matter that much. God is always more blessed by the heart that truly seeks after him, than with our legalism.
Best Advent Books
Honest Advent - Scott Erickson
Celebrated artist-storyteller Scott Erickson gives us 25 days of refreshingly new illustrations and meditations to rekindle the wonder of God-with-Us in this season.
Shadow + Light: A Journey Into Advent - Tsh Oxenreider
A journey into advent that explores the already/not yet anticipation of the God incarnate, and how we live in the middle, where we’re invited to wait with hope.
The Greatest Gift - Ann Voskamp
Written by one of my favourite authors, ‘so that come Christmas morning, you haven’t missed Him’, the One who truly is the greatest gift.
Hidden Christmas - Timothy Keller
A refreshing take on the Christmas story, focusing on the women in Jesus' birth narratives, as a colourful, scandalous, and refreshing tale of grace emerges.
Best Advent Audio & Digital
Bless the advent we actually have - Kate Bowler
Author Kate Bowler has brought out a new free 4-week daily devotional, available to download as a PDF or to access online. And you can also still access her previous advent devotionals including ‘A Good Enough Advent + Christmastide’ or ‘The Season of Waiting’ for free from her website too.
Lectio 365 App - Daily Advent Series
24-7 Prayer’s free daily devotional app called Lectio 365 will be running an advent series of daily readings, reflections & prayers which you can download for free from any app store. This year’s is called ‘Light the Night’ and starts on 4 December.
The Quiet Collection for Christmas - Emily P. Freeman
Need some help to create space for your soul during December? If you like the author’s podcast ‘The Next Right Thing’, then this is for you ! A short, calming daily audio sent straight to your inbox for just $11.99
Best Advent Family Resources
The team behind Messy Church have developed an advent themed activities book to help spark conversations over Christmas.
Kids Reads Truth - Advent Cards
Advent cards are a great resource for starting conversations with your kids & learning about the Christmas story together, with age-appropriate discussion questions, and fun activity suggestions. You can probably find lots of cheaper alternative online too.
Each stick includes an Advent devotional based on the names of Jesus and is a great way to get the whole family looking at and discussing the Christmas story together during advent. Pick one every day.
Jesus Storybook Bible Printable
This FREE printable includes an advent guide as well as ornaments to colour & memory cards. For those starting out and feeling overwhelmed with all the options, this could be a good cost-free option for the whole family.
Advent Resources — Risen Motherhood
For more ideas on some of the best illustrated children’s books about the advent story, you can also check out this list from Risen Motherhood, with the confidence that each of these titles have been recommended by other mums.