Advent With Kids: 4 Weeks of Christ Coming Near
From The Best Gift, the Christ Formed Kids Holiday Series for preschool through 5th grade.
Advent is four weeks of getting ready for Jesus, and it is a wonderful season to walk through with kids. The word means "coming." Instead of only counting down to presents, Advent helps children see the best gift: God came near to us in Jesus. Here are four simple weeks for families and kids ministries, drawn from the Christmas story.
Week 1: Harvest
Jesus came for the whole world, not one kind of person. The angels' announcement was good news "to all the people."
The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11, World English Bible
Try this at home: Pull out a map or globe and pray for a different country each night of the week. Jesus came for those kids too.
Week 2: Home
God did not wait for a nicer room. He filled the humble one that was there, and He does the same with us.
She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:7, World English Bible
Try this at home: Set out a simple manger scene and let the kids arrange it. Talk about it: Jesus was born in an ordinary, messy place. He is not waiting for us to be perfect before He comes close.
Week 3: Heart
Jesus doesn't want to stay nearby. He wants to be let all the way in.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me.
Revelation 3:20, World English Bible
Try this at home: Knock on your child's bedroom door and wait for them to open it. Then read Revelation 3:20 together and ask, "What would it look like to open the door of your heart to Jesus?" Give them space to pray in their own words.
Week 4: Hands
Christ came near to us so that we would go near to others. After the shepherds saw Jesus, they could not keep the news to themselves. Now it's our turn to tell.
When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child.
Luke 2:17, World English Bible
Try this at home: Help your kids make Christmas cards for a teacher, a coach or a neighbor, each with one sentence about why Jesus is the best gift.
Making Advent a Family Rhythm
You do not need an elaborate plan. Pick one night a week, light a candle, read the Scripture, ask a question and pray. Short and steady beats long and rare. When church and home move together, kids carry the Christmas story with them long after the decorations come down.
The Holiday Series is built for exactly that: Sunday Guides for church or classroom, kids devotional journals for 1st-2nd and 3rd-5th grade, and a parent guide for a 25-30 minute family gathering at the end of each week. Every week also includes a preschool coloring page.
Go deeper. These four weeks are the second half of The Best Gift Holiday Series from Christ Formed Kids. The first half walks through Thanksgiving: read How to Teach Kids Gratitude This Thanksgiving. Whether you lead a kids ministry, teach a classroom or co-op, or are raising kids at home, see the full Holiday Series.
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible (public domain).
