Day 1 - What Is Advent?

Just like when we celebrate Christmas and get gifts, the biggest gift ever was when Jesus was born. He came to help everyone and give them a special gift, but not everyone understood how important it was. Even though many people say they believe in Jesus, not many actually follow what he taught. It's like getting a present but never opening it. 

Advent is a special time before Christmas when we get ready to celebrate Jesus’s birth. Long ago, a pastor in Germany made the first Advent wreath with four candles to count down the weeks. Each Sunday, we light one more candle to remember hope, peace, joy, and love. Today, people also use Advent calendars with little treats inside to count down to Christmas. Even though Advent isn’t in the Bible, it helps us remember the waiting for Jesus’s first and second coming. So, as we wait, we share light and love with everyone around us.

Jesus wants you to enjoy the good things he has for you, like opening a gift every day. So, this Advent, you will learn about why it's important to understand Jesus's gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love.

Discussion Questions:

1. How much do you think about opening presents on Christmas? 

2. Why do you think we wrap up presents? Why are hope, peace, joy, and love like presents? 

3. What does it mean to "open" the gift of Jesus every day? How can we as a family follow Jesus daily, and what might that look like for you, as kids?