Prepare the Advent Candles
You’ll need five candles for the Advent wreath: four votive candles + one larger votive candle for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, often called the Christ Candle.
Advent candles are typically placed in a circle of evergreen leaves with candles placed around the Christ Candle in the center. Create your family’s Advent wreath using the paper craft found inside the Advent Experience Box.
Week One
The Candle of Hope (small white votive)
Scripture
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 (NLT): The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine... For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
Romans 15:12-13 (NLT): And Isaiah said, “The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him.” I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Explanation for Kids
This candle represents Hope. We light it to remind us of the hope that the coming of Jesus brings. The people were waiting for a Savior, and God’s promise of light and hope was fulfilled in Jesus. As we light this first candle, we think about the hope we have in God’s promises for His people and the return of Jesus.
Week Two
The Candle of Peace (small white votive)
Scripture
Isaiah 11:1-2, 6-9 (NLT): Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot—yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD... In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them. The cow will graze near the bear. The cub and the calf will lie down together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra. Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm. Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea, so the earth will be filled with people who know the LORD.
Luke 2:13-14 (NLT): Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
Explanation for Kids
This candle represents Peace. We light it to remember the peace that Jesus brings. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. The angels announced peace to the world when Jesus was born. As we light this candle, let’s think about how we can share peace with others—through kindness and love.
Week Three
The Candle of Joy (small white votive)
Scripture
Isaiah 35:1-2, 5-6, 10 (NLT):Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the LORD will display his glory, the splendor of our God... And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland... Those who have been ransomed by the LORD will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness.
Luke 1:46-49 (NLT):Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me."Luke 2:10-11 – “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’”
Explanation for Kids
This candle represents Joy. The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete gow-DET-eh Sunday, meaning “Rejoice.” This candle reminds us of the great joy that Jesus' birth brings to the world. As we light this candle, think about all the good things we are grateful for, being filled with joy because of knowing Jesus and how we can spread joy to others.
Week Four
The Candle of Love (small white votive)
Scripture
Micah 5:2-4 (NLT):But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past. The people of Israel will be abandoned to their enemies until the woman in labor gives birth. Then at last his fellow countrymen will return from exile to their own land. And he will stand to lead his flock with the LORD’s strength, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. Then his people will live there undisturbed, for he will be highly honored around the world.
John 3:16-17 (NLT):For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
Explanation for Kids
This candle represents Love. God showed us his great love by sending Jesus to be with us. We light this candle to remember God’s love and to think about how we can share love with others, especially during this season.
Christmas Eve or Christmas Day
(larger white votive)
Scripture
John 1:1-5, 14 (NLT):In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it... So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
Luke 2:1-20 (NLT):(The full nativity passage, ending with the shepherds glorifying and praising God.)
Explanation for Kids
The white candle in the center represents Christ. It is the brightest candle because Jesus is the Light of the World. We light this candle to celebrate the birth of Jesus and his coming to be our Savior. As we light the Christ Candle, we remember the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus, who came to bring us life and love. May His light shine in us and through us.
Additional Tips for Engaging Kids
Talk about the Symbols: Explain that the circle of the Advent wreath represents God's unending love, and the green of the wreath symbolizes eternal life.
Use Simple Questions: After each candle is lit, ask your children questions like,
“What are we hoping for this Christmas?”
“How can we share peace and love with others?”
“Who shows us love?”
“Whose light shines in us”
Create a Family Tradition: Have a family activity or worship song for each week as you light the candles. Encourage your children to lead in prayer, helping them express what they are thankful for or what they wish for this season.
Use Advent Books & Devotionals: Inside your Advent Experience Box is a colorful Advent Calendar with a daily reading plan so you can read the whole story of how God sent joy to the world with the gift of His Son, Jesus. Additionally, there are Advent Book Recommendations you can use to find the perfect Advent Book for your family.
Advent is a wonderful time to teach children the values of hope, peace, joy, and love. It also serves as a reminder that the greatest gift is the birth of Jesus Christ, the light of the world. We hope the Advent Experience Box will provide your family with the opportunity to create meaningful moments of reflection, prayer, and connection as you wait in expectation for the celebration of Christmas.
We’d love to see how your family is celebrating Advent! Share a picture with us of the Advent wreath and candle display your family creates from the Advent Experience Box and show how your family is reflecting on hope, peace, joy, and love during this special season. We’d love to see your tradition in action. Don’t forget to tag us at @Pipeline.Church so we can celebrate together!
Advent Book Recommendations
Here are some wonderful Advent book recommendations for families, curated by Rochelle Brogan, to help make the Advent season meaningful and memorable:
1. "Jotham's Journey" Christmas Series by Arnold Ytreeide
Description: The Jotham’s Journey Christmas series by Arnold Ytreeide is a captivating collection of four Advent-themed books: Jotham’s Journey, Tabitha’s Travels, Bartholomew’s Passage, and Ishtar’s Odyssey. Each book in the series is set during the time of Jesus' birth, offering an exciting and adventurous way for families to immerse themselves in the biblical story of Advent.
Recommended for Families: These books are perfect for families with children ages 8 and up. Each book follows a young character’s journey during the time leading up to the birth of Christ, filled with suspense, challenges, and moments of hope. Through their eyes, readers experience the historical and spiritual significance of the Advent season as they await the coming of the Savior.
Why It's Recommended: The Jotham’s Journey series beautifully combines storytelling with the Advent message, making it an engaging and memorable way for families to reflect on the Christmas season. With daily chapters, it’s easy to incorporate into your Advent tradition, and the cliffhangers at the end of each chapter will keep kids (and adults) excited to read more each day. The series explores themes of faith, redemption, and the promise of Christ’s birth, helping to deepen understanding and anticipation for the true meaning of Christmas.
Whether you're reading aloud as a family or following along on your own, this series will bring the sights, sounds, and emotions of Advent to life in an exciting, age-appropriate way. It's a wonderful choice for anyone seeking an adventurous, Christ-centered experience during the Christmas season.
2. "Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas" by Ann Voskamp
Description: "Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas" by Ann Voskamp is a beautifully written Advent devotional designed to guide families through the season of Advent with intentionality and joy. This 25-day devotional leads families in reading Scripture, reflecting on the themes of Christmas, and embracing the deep wonder of Christ's birth. Each day, Voskamp invites readers to journey through the biblical story of Christmas by connecting the Old Testament promises to the fulfillment of God’s plan in the birth of Jesus.
Why It's Recommended: This devotional is perfect for families looking to deepen their understanding of Advent while creating meaningful traditions. Ann Voskamp’s poetic and thought-provoking reflections help families prepare their hearts for Christmas by exploring the greater story of God's love and the fulfillment of His promises. Each day’s reading is paired with a simple activity that reinforces the devotion, making it an interactive and memorable experience for children and adults alike.
Optional Jesse Tree Ornaments: To enhance your Advent celebration, Unwrapping the Greatest Gift offers an optional Jesse Tree ornament set that matches the beautiful images inside the book. The images can be printed at www.thegreatestchristmas.com. The Jesse Tree is a beloved Advent tradition where each ornament represents a biblical story that traces the lineage of Jesus from Creation through to His birth. These ornaments help visualize the journey of God's people leading to the birth of Christ, making the devotional experience even richer. By adding the Jesse Tree ornaments, families can hang a new ornament each day, symbolizing the scripture passage and reflection shared in the corresponding Advent reading. Whether you purchase the set or print your own, the Jesse Tree provides a tangible way to reflect on God’s unfolding plan of salvation.
Why It’s a Great Choice: Ann Voskamp’s Unwrapping the Greatest Gift offers more than just daily readings—it provides a thoughtful and intentional way for families to draw closer to the heart of Christmas. The combination of daily scripture, reflections, and activities, along with the optional Jesse Tree ornaments, makes this book a meaningful way to celebrate the Advent season. It encourages both spiritual growth and family bonding, making it an ideal choice for families looking to create lasting memories and deepen their connection to the true meaning of Christmas.
3. "All Creation Waits" by Gayle Boss
Description: "All Creation Waits" is a beautifully illustrated book that highlights the natural world during the season of Advent. It includes reflections on how animals prepare for winter, drawing parallels to the anticipation of Christ’s coming. Each of the eight chapters focuses on a different animal, offering wisdom and reflections for each day of Advent.
Why It's Recommended: This book connects the beauty of creation with the spiritual waiting of Advent. The combination of nature, spirituality, and storytelling makes it an ideal choice for families looking to foster a sense of wonder and reverence during the Christmas season.
Our family has enjoyed these Advent books for years, making them a cherished tradition of our Christmas season. Each year, we look forward to gathering together for the daily readings, which bring us closer to the true meaning of Christmas. The stories, devotions, and activities have deepened our understanding of the Advent season, helping us reflect on the hope, joy, and anticipation of Christ's birth. These books have not only strengthened our faith but also created lasting memories that we will treasure as a family forever.