· Christian Parenting · 6 min read
25 Christ-Centered Family Traditions to Make Advent Memorable for Christian Parents Teaching Kids Faith
Discover 25 Christ-centered family traditions to create a memorable Advent experience for Christian parents teaching their kids about faith and Christianity.
25 Christ-Centered Family Traditions to Make Advent Memorable for Christian Parents Teaching Kids Faith
Advent is a special time for Christians as they prepare their hearts and minds for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It provides an opportunity for Christian parents to deepen their children’s understanding of the faith and create lasting memories. In this article, we will explore 25 Christ-centered family traditions that can make Advent memorable for Christian parents teaching kids about faith.
Why is Advent important for Christian parents?
Advent is a time of anticipation and preparation for the birth of Jesus. It allows Christian parents to focus their family’s attention on the true meaning of Christmas - the coming of our Savior. By observing Advent traditions, parents can instill in their children a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and its significance in their lives.
As Andy Frost, CEO of Share Jesus International, points out, “Christian parents have a key role as the biggest influences on their children’s faith.” In a world where many parents feel they should be doing more to teach their children about the Christian faith, Advent becomes an essential time for intentional instruction and engagement.
How can parents make Advent memorable?
Advent Wreath: Light the candles on an Advent wreath each Sunday leading up to Christmas. Each candle represents a different aspect of the Christmas story and can be accompanied by scripture readings and prayers.
Jesse Tree: Create a Jesse Tree by decorating a small tree or a branch with ornaments that represent various biblical stories leading up to the birth of Jesus. Each day, hang a new ornament and read the corresponding Scripture passage.
Nativity Scene: Set up a nativity scene in your home and allow your children to interact with it. Encourage them to retell the story of Jesus’ birth using the figures in the nativity scene.
Advent Calendar: Use an Advent calendar to count down the days until Christmas. Each day, open a new window or pocket that reveals a scripture verse, a small gift, or an activity related to the Advent season.
Prayer Time: Set aside specific times during Advent for family prayer. Pray together as a family, thanking God for sending His Son and asking for His guidance and blessings during the season.
Service Projects: Engage in acts of service as a family during Advent. Volunteer at a local shelter, participate in a food drive, or find other ways to help those in need. This emphasizes the importance of giving and serving others, following Christ’s example.
Advent Devotional: Use an Advent devotional book that provides daily readings and reflections on the significance of the season. Read these devotionals together as a family and discuss their meaning and application.
Christmas Music: Fill your home with Christian Christmas music that focuses on the birth of Jesus. Sing carols together as a family and use music as a way to celebrate and worship during Advent.
Baking Traditions: Incorporate baking traditions into your Advent celebrations. Bake cookies or bread together as a family, using this time to reflect on the symbolism behind these foods and their connection to the Christmas story.
St. Nicholas Day: Celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 6th by learning about the historical figure of St. Nicholas and his generosity. Leave out stockings or shoes for small treats or gifts.
Advent Book Basket: Create an Advent book basket filled with Christian-themed picture books and stories related to the birth of Jesus. Read a new book each day leading up to Christmas.
Acts of Kindness Jar: Fill a jar with slips of paper containing different acts of kindness. Each day, have your children choose one slip from the jar and complete the act of kindness as a family.
Advent Puzzles: Solve Advent-themed puzzles together as a family. Choose puzzles that incorporate biblical scenes, symbols, or words related to the Christmas story.
Family Scripture Study: Select key Bible passages related to the birth of Jesus and study them as a family. Discuss the historical context, the significance of these verses, and how they deepen our understanding of Christ’s birth.
Advent Crafts: Engage in Advent-themed crafts that reinforce the Christian message. Make ornaments, decorate candles, or create handmade gifts for loved ones while discussing the spiritual significance behind these activities.
Christmas Movie Nights: Watch Christian-themed movies that focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Use these movies as a starting point for conversations about faith and the birth of Jesus.
Advent Scavenger Hunt: Create an Advent scavenger hunt using clues that lead your children to different parts of the house or yard. Each clue can contain a scripture verse or a symbol related to the Christmas story.
Advent Journals: Provide each family member with an Advent journal to record their thoughts, prayers, and reflections during this season. Encourage children to draw or write about how they see God working in their lives.
Advent Candlelight Dinner: Have a special candlelight dinner on each Sunday of Advent. Use this time to share a meal together, read scripture, and reflect on the significance of each candle on the Advent wreath.
Advent Retreat: Plan a mini-retreat for your family during Advent. Find a quiet space in your home or go to a nearby park where you can reflect, pray, and discuss the meaning of Christmas.
Family Giving Jar: Set up a jar specifically for collecting money throughout Advent to donate to a charity or organization that aligns with your family’s values.
Advent Reflection Wall: Create a designated space in your home where family members can write or draw their reflections on the meaning of Advent. Encourage everyone to contribute regularly throughout the season.
Candlelight Advent Vigil: Dedicate one night during Advent to a candlelight vigil. Gather as a family, light candles, and spend time in prayer, meditation, and worship.
Advent Nature Walks: Take nature walks as a family during Advent and use this time to appreciate God’s creation and reflect on His love for humanity, culminating in the birth of Jesus.
Christmas Eve Service: Attend a Christmas Eve service as a family to celebrate the culmination of Advent and the joyous birth of Jesus Christ. Participate in worship, listen to the sermon, and partake in communion as a family.
As you engage in these Christ-centered family traditions during Advent, remember that the goal is not just to create memorable experiences but also to deepen your children’s understanding of their faith and foster a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
Advent is a special time for Christian parents to teach their children about faith and the true meaning of Christmas. By incorporating Christ-centered family traditions into their Advent celebrations, parents can create lasting memories while deepening their children’s understanding of the Christian faith. From lighting Advent wreaths to engaging in acts of service and studying Scripture together, these traditions provide meaningful opportunities for parents to instill in their children a love for Jesus and His birth. As Christian parents, let us embrace the beauty of Advent and use this season to draw our families closer to God and His amazing gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.
“Resilience in Faith: Christian parenting equips children with a resilient faith, preparing them to face life’s challenges with hope and trust in God.” - Practical Resources for Churches
“Kids need to develop a strong personal identity for faith to stick, and community helps accomplish this.” - Focus on the Family
