Embracing the True Meaning of Advent: A Family Guide

As a homeschooling mom passionate about holistic health and faith, I’m always looking for ways to deepen our family’s spiritual journey. This year, we’re embarking on a new adventure – celebrating Advent. I’ll be honest, the idea of Advent is relatively new to us, but we’re excited to learn and grow together through this beautiful tradition.

What is Advent?

I’ve learned that Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. It typically starts four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. As someone who loves to dive deep into topics, I’ve been researching and discovering the rich meaning behind this practice.

Our Journey into Advent

As we step into this new tradition, I want to share some of the basic things we’re learning and hope to apply in our family:

1. Daily Devotionals: We’re incorporating short, daily devotionals into our homeschool routine. It’s a wonderful way to keep our focus on the true meaning of the season amidst the holiday hustle and bustle.

2. Acts of Kindness: We’re learning that Advent is about preparing our hearts for Jesus. So, we’re planning small acts of kindness each day – whether it’s helping a neighbor or donating to a local charity. It’s teaching our kids the joy of giving, just as God gave us the ultimate gift in Jesus.

3. Simplifying and Slowing Down: In our fast-paced world, Advent invites us to slow down. We’re trying to be more intentional about our time, cutting back on unnecessary activities to make space for reflection and family togetherness.

4. Learning the Symbolism: Each week of Advent has a theme – hope, peace, joy, and love. We’re exploring these themes through discussions, crafts, and even in how we approach our daily lives.

Challenges and Growth

I’ll be the first to admit, embracing Advent isn’t always easy. Some days, it feels like one more thing on our to-do list. But then I see the wonder in my children’s eyes as we read Scripture together, or I feel the peace that comes from our evening reflections, and I know it’s worth it.

As someone who values holistic health, I’m finding that Advent nurtures not just our spiritual health, but our emotional and mental well-being too. It’s providing a framework for us to pause, reflect, and connect – both with each other and with God.

An Invitation to Join Us

If you’re like us – new to Advent or curious about deepening your family’s faith journey – I invite you to join us. Start small. Maybe it’s just reading a daily Bible verse together or saying a special prayer as a family. The beauty of Advent is that it’s not about perfection; it’s about preparation and anticipation.

As we navigate this new tradition, I’m reminded of the verse from Lamentations 3:23, “Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Each day of Advent is a fresh opportunity to draw closer to God and to each other.

I’d love to hear from you! Are you celebrating Advent? What traditions or practices have you found meaningful? Let’s encourage each other on this journey of faith and family.

May this Advent season bring peace, joy, and a renewed sense of wonder to your home.