It was the most significant birth in the history of the world. God’s promises were being fulfilled. The words of the prophets were coming true. The King from David’s line, the longed-for Messiah, the Savior of the world, had come. And He was wrapped in cloths lying in a manger.
Helping you and your family reflect on these glorious truths is the goal of this Advent Guide. Advent means “coming,” for this is the season in which we focus on the coming of the Son of God, in the flesh, to rescue sinners like us. Many Christians across the world and throughout history have celebrated Advent as a season of repentance, anticipation, hope, and joy. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve, December 24. This Advent Guide provides twenty-five days of readings, which will allow you to begin on December 1 and end on Christmas Day.
Each day offers a daily Scripture reading, a key takeaway, a brief reflection on the passage, a simple summary of the reading (this may be helpful to read aloud for families), discussion questions (one for adults and older children and one for younger children), a suggestion for prayer, and a suggested passage for further reading. We’ve also included in the back of this guide a list of memory verses and practical ways for your family to respond to the good news of Christ’s coming.
This guide is simply a tool, so feel free to adapt it to fit your particular situation. The end goal is for you and your family to listen to Scripture and rejoice in the God who sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of sinners like us.
