IHC’s Christmas Family Advent Devotional 

Celebrating ADVENT with the First Advent Community

“He will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to save those who eagerly wait for Him.” Hebrews 9:28 

Are you READY? Our Family ADVENTure begins now!

ADULTS: Every Sunday in December (and again on Christmas morning), visit this page to find a new Advent Devotion. Grab your family, spouse, or friends and get cozy! Then, simply use the conversation starters and read that week’s devotion together. It’s that easy!

FAMILY HINT: To meet your family’s specific needs, each devotion includes alternate versions of conversational content: including options for little kids, older kids, teens and adults!

KIDS: Be sure to grab your iheartKidz “Ready Rhythm ADVENTure Challenge” Calendar you were given at iheartkidz and follow along with the daily challenges!

FAMILY HINT: Uh oh! Did you misplace your calendar? Never fear! You can download a printable copy.

But first - what is Advent again?

Advent is a special season of waiting and preparation. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “arrival.” During Advent, we REMEMBER the first arrival of Jesus as a baby in Bethlehem and PREPARE our hearts for His promised return – Christ's second Advent!

FAMILY HINT: FOR THE LITTLE ONES: “What is Advent? Kids’ Version!” 

When does Advent begin?

Traditionally, Advent is celebrated over the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Each Sunday, we light a candle on an Advent wreath, a circle made of evergreen branches symbolizing God’s eternal love. The candles remind us of different parts of the Christmas story!

FAMILY HINT: Don’t worry if you don’t have a wreath or candles, we will light them together at church each week! If your family would like light the Advent candles at home, we suggest doing so prior to the reading of the Scriptures. At-home candle lighting is sure to add an extra element of sweetness!

What do the Advent candles mean?

The four Sunday Advent candles represent the HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE that Christ’s first “arrival” brought to the world! On Christmas Eve, we light the fifth candle, called the Christ Candle. With the lighting of the Christ candle, we celebrate and remember the LIGHT which shines in the darkness. He is the source of our hope, the champion for peace, the reason for our joy, and the giver of love!

FAMILY HINT: We will celebrate the lighting of the last candle together at our special Christmas Eve Candlelight services. Plan to bring your family and join us for this special time! Candlelight Service Times: Mt. Hope, December 24th at 5pm & 6:30pm and Summersville 6:30pm

Who is the “First Advent Community?”

Some of the Advent characters you likely know well, such as Mary and Joseph, Jesus’ earthly parents. Others you may not be so familiar with, such as Anna and Simeon; we can’t wait to introduce you! This Advent, we will get to know the characters in the Christmas story a little better, follow their example, and learn to prepare for the second Advent of Christ!

Want to rewatch the ADVENT character stories from church? We thought you might! You can find the links below. Also, don’t forget to check back here each week for new stories OR hit “subscribe” on our YouTube channel so you (and your family) don’t miss our Adventure!

Advent Devos

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