There are many ways to celebrate the Advent season, the most notable of which is an Advent calendar. The calendar begins four Sundays before Christmas Eve, which ranges between November 27 and December 3. However, many use the same Advent calendars year after year and choose to begin on the first of December for convenience.  

Leading up to Christmas, each date has a window that is revealed or a drawer that opens containing a surprise. This surprise can take the form of a poem, a portion of a story, a toy, candy, or an image. The daily surprise can even be a prayer such as Isaiah 9:6 or a hymn including O Come, O come, Emmanuel (Immanuel).

   “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;

   And the government will rest on His shoulders;

   And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

   Eternal Father, Prince of Peace”

An Advent wreath, also known as an Advent crown, originated in the 16th century by German Lutherans. The wreath was originally celebrated amongst families in their homes but modernly has been incorporated into public worship as well.

The Advent wreath is an evergreen wreath holding four candles. Each part of the Advent wreath is symbolic. The circle of the wreath signifies God's never-ending love. The evergreen leaves represent the hope of eternal life. The candles symbolize the light of God entering the world through the birth of His beloved son, Jesus Christ. The candles count the four weeks of the Advent season.  

In some versions, a fifth white candle is displayed in the middle. Each Sunday of Advent is represented by the lighting of a candle and reading the Bible. This is called devotional prayers or devotional time. On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the center candle is lit.

The white center candle is known as the “Christ candle,” and symbolizes the arrival of Christmastide. The four remaining candles also have significance. 

The candle to be lit on the first week is known as the Prophecy, or Messiah, candle. It represents those who predicted the coming of Jesus Christ. 

The second is known as the Bethlehem candle, which represents the journey of Joseph and Mary. 

The third candle is symbolic of the shepherds and their joy. 

Lastly, the fourth candle is known as the Angel's candle, symbolizing peace.

With a daily devotional, you could read a specific reading assigned to each calendar day. An Advent calendar can include daily devotionals for each day leading up to Christmas Eve. 

Depending on the calendar, the Scripture for each day can be tailored to particular audiences —  men, women, children, teenagers, and young adults. 

Daily devotionals can take the form of daily routines, not just holiday celebrations. An example of a daily devotional can be praying, reading Scripture, or meditating every day at the same time.

Amongst the ways to celebrate Advent, Christmas prayers as a family are often involved. Here are some prayers for families to help celebrate the days of Advent together.

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Prayer 1

Dear Heavenly Father,

During the holiday season, we celebrate Your greatest gift, Your son, the son of God.

We look to you, Prince of Peace, when we become overwhelmed during this season please help calm our anxious thoughts. Let us embrace our loving family and friends, and help us keep focus on the true reason for the season; Your love, O God. 

In Jesus' name, Amen.

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Prayer 2

Lord God,

As we look forward to the birthday of Christ, help us spread Your love. Grant us what we need during the Advent season and help guide us in Your word as we share Your word with others.

Fill our hearts with the love of the Holy Spirit as we prepare for the season. Help us experience the joy of the advent and celebrate together as a family as we give thanks to You.

In Jesus' name, Amen

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Prayer 3

O God,

Please watch over our family as we make preparations to celebrate the birth of Your son, Jesus Christ. 

As your faithful children, we seek your peace, patience, and love in this world at this busy time of year. Please prioritize our hearts and our minds. You are why we celebrate, and You are why we have happiness and joy in our lives.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

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Prayer 4

Heavenly Father,

As we celebrate this season we ask to bring Your love with us into the new year, and forgive us of any transgressions from the previous year. 

Please fill our hearts with the love of the  Holy Spirit. As we show our thanksgiving as we celebrate together, please help us show Your love to those who may not know it this holiday season.

In the name of Your beloved son, Amen.

While us Christians typically celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas day, ironically it is believed our Lord Jesus Christ wasn't born on December 25. Fortunately, it doesn't matter what people believe the real day of the Lord's birth is. The most important thing to remember is we should embrace the Lord's love and His values as we walk in His path.

Preparing for the season can be stressful, but it’s usually the responsibilities we put upon ourselves at this time of year that cause that stress. Presents, lavish meals, and decorations should not be at the heart of the season. This is a time of love and giving selflessly to others. 

As we celebrate Advent let our love warm the season in the hearts of our family and friends.

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For more prayer guidance, download the Pray.com app on the iOS App Store and Google Play.