Section Title
Advent Devotional
Joy to the World
As we enter the season of advent and prepare our homes for Christmas, we want to encourage you, along with your family, to prepare your hearts for Emmanuel's arrival.
The church would like to gift each adult a copy of the book "Joy to the World" by John Piper for your personal advent devotional to guide you for the season of Advent. The books will be available on Sunday mornings at the Welcome desk.
We would encourage your family to also gather together at dinner or at bedtime to have a focused time on the true meaning of Christmas. As you are looking for ways to encourage your family and kids, to prepare your hearts together, we have compiled a list of recommendations below. These include books for your kids as well as possible advent activities to help engage your kids through this season.
Kids & family advent books
There are so many wonderful Advent resources available to families. We spent some time procuring a list of books and devotionals we recommend along with the ages of children we would recommend using them with. Whichever book you choose, now is the perfect time of year to spend those extra moments pointing your children to reflect on the arrival of Jesus Christ our Savior!
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Jesus came for me
"We celebrate that Jesus came for us on Christmas, but what does this really mean to your little one? This beautifully designed board book tells the true story of Christmas to toddlers and preschoolers. Young children learn that God helps us believe and wait for him - and Jesus is the best King!"
Recommended ages: Toddler - Preschool
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the Jesus storybook
bible advent activity
book
"The days leading up to Christmas Day are called 'Advent.' Advent means 'Arrival.' It's a time of waiting for something exciting to happen. Who is arriving? What wonderful thing are we waiting for?" Trace the wonderful story of God's Secret Rescue Plan in the 24 days leading up to Christmas through guided crafts, games, songs, recipes and more.
Recommended ages: Preschool - Lower Elementary
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wonders of his love:
finding jesus in isaiah
"Advent is the perfect time for families to gather together and celebrate the birth of Jesus. Using striking, stunning, and surprising pictures of Jesus from Isaiah's prophecies - the Light, the Branch, the Shepherd, and the Savior - Wonders of His Love brings the true meaning of Christmas to life. This four week beautifully illustrated devotional will draw families closer to Jesus and each other."
Recommended ages: Preschool - Elementary
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the way to the
manger
"Gather your family to experience the richness of Advent together, reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas and celebrating the arrival of the Savior! The Way to the Manger walks through the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace with features and activities that will makes Advent a beloved and anticipated family tradition year after year."
Recommended ages: Lower Elementary (up to about 3rd grade)
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a better than anything
christmas
"Discover 25 reasons why Jesus came, and see how what he gives is far better than any other gifts we can receive - even at Christmas! Each day's devotional looks at a passage from the Gospels, and includes helpful questions and fun journaling space to help each member of the family reflect on how Jesus makes Christmas better."
Recommended ages: All Elementary
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the light before
christmas
"This four-week Advent family devotional by best-selling author Marty Machowski combines devotions on the theme of light and darkness with the story of eleven-year-old Mia and her grandmother as they prepare for Christmas. Grandma loves to share her faith, especially at Christmas time, and although she is blind, she can see the light of Jesus shining bright and helps Mia - and children of all ages - to do the same."
Recommended ages: All Elementary
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prepare him room
"Share God's best gift with your family this year and start a lifetime of traditions with this gospel-focused, four-week Advent family devotional. Each week includes Bible readings, fun Christmas activities, songs, and an original Christmas story."
Recommended ages: Older Elementary and up
Secondary Title
Kids Advent Activities
Some families will want to help engage their children by adding an activity to their devotion time. Please note these lists are meant to be an optional addition to the devotionals shared above. These are some fun and creative ideas to get you started. You can do one daily or weekly - it's up to you!
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Family Advent Ideas
Here is a list with a wide variety of opportunities include local service opportunities, reaching out to neighbors, and fun family activities.
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Advent Giving Back & Quality time
This list of ideas includes two separate lists, one of ideas of quality family time and one of ways to give to others.
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Christmas countdown ideas
This is a list of 45 meaningful things that you and your family can do to celebrate Christmas and remember the Christmas story.