A Daily Devotion for the Advent Season

For Christians, Advent begins this coming Sunday, December 3rd! Join us as we look forward to celebrating generosity and love with this incredible, 4-week devotional. It is free to print or access online. Written by Kate Bowler, you will find daily entries in this guide that will walk you through Advent. Each day, you will be treated to short reflections, thought-provoking scriptures, heartfelt blessings to pray, and engaging discussion questions to share around the dinner table.

You can use this guide individually, with your family, or invite a few friends or a small group to join you on this meaningful journey.

My deepest hope and prayer is that this Advent Devotional will transform this season into a sacred act. As we anticipate the birth of Christ, may we experience the hope of Christmas, discover joy amidst sorrow, embrace love without boundaries, and find peace in a world plagued by chaos.

More about the Advent season

The journey towards Christmas has been a cherished tradition since the 4th century. Historical records reveal that Advent was initially a time of fasting and prayer, preparing new Christians for their baptism.

As time passed and the Middle Ages arrived, the Church firmly linked Advent to the coming of Christ. It became a dual celebration, honoring His first coming at Christmas and eagerly anticipating His second coming. This unique blend of looking back on history while looking forward to the future lies at the very essence of Advent.

Beyond fasting and prayer, Advent has given rise to various customs. One of the most prominent is the lighting of Advent candles, traditionally arranged in a festive wreath. This circular ornament, often made of evergreen branches, holds five candles: one for each of the four Sundays prior to Christmas, and one for Christmas day itself. With every passing Sunday, Christians light an additional candle, drawing closer to the joyous celebration of Jesus's birth.

The liturgical color for Advent is a symbolic choice, with either purple or blue. Purple represents repentance and fasting, a powerful reminder of the season's spiritual introspection. On the other hand, blue embodies hope and anticipation, during this time of expectation. Advent draws to a close on Christmas Eve with the lighting of the white Christ candle.

An interesting fact lies in the Eastern Orthodox Church, which follows a different liturgical calendar. For them, Advent commences on November 15 and extends for 40 days, much like the season of Lent.