As I was driving with my kids the other night, we were paying attention to the increasing number of Christmas lights in our neighbourhood. There were noticeably more than a couple of nights before, and it reminded our family of Jesus’ proclamation that He is the Light of the World. As I look ahead to the Advent season, I’m reminded that it is “the season that teaches us to wait for what is beyond the obvious. It trains us to see what is behind the apparent. Advent makes us look for God in all those places we have, until now, ignored.”
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“Advent makes us look for God in all those places we have, until now, ignored.”
What’s obvious right now?
Growing numbers of COVID cases.
Family members who are living outside the Atlantic bubble.
Racism.
Famine.
Mental health crises.
Environmental disaster.
The list could go on…
And yet, there’s something about this pandemic that is forcing us to take stock and evaluate priorities. Collectively, we are waiting for an end. Recent news of continued successes toward a vaccine release encourages us that there could be light at the end of the tunnel. As Prime Minister Trudeau stated, “People just need to hang on. It’s not forever, it’s only for a few more months.” We just need to wait. We need to remind ourselves to look for God.
And so we come to this season, Advent; an invitation to wait. A holy, anticipatory waiting to reflect on God’s activity and be reminded of how we too are called to participate in his actions. If you’re reading this as a parent or ministry leader, you may be looking for ideas to help frame Advent this season, and help children live in the anticipation of this season.
Here are a few helpful ones that I’ve come across:
The Jesse Tree The Jesse Tree is rooted in Isaiah 11, which promises that a shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse (King David’s father). By creating ornaments and placing them on a branch or tree, it is an invitation to consider the larger story of the Bible and remember how Jesus’ arrival was the fulfillment of God’s promises. There are lots of Jesse Tree plans available online, but this plan has easy to print out ornaments and Scripture readings. Check out Ann Voscamp’s Unwrapping the Greatest Gift for another approach to the Jesse Tree.
O Holy Night: Build a Nativity Scene
This resource provides families with Scriptural reflections and cut-out pieces to make a family Nativity scene. It provides questions for reflection and encourages conversation around the story of Jesus’ birth. Colourful images will be appealing to younger children.
Jesus Storybook Bible Advent
Using the Jesus Storybook Bible (one of my favourite books when I was a children’s pastor), this reading plan has families read through the text of this storybook bible, and includes plans for ornaments. We did this plan as a family a few years ago, and 2020 has brought a fresh update to the Advent resources.
Illustrated Ministry
This family devotional focuses on the theme “Do Not Be Afraid,” and takes its devotional reading from Luke’s gospel. It contains colouring pages, crafts, and an Advent calendar. Great resource for families to participate in. If used as a church-wide campaign, could you give this to families, or host a colouring contest for kids (and adults)?
Our Family’s Pick:
Advent is a special time in our family, and we carefully look for devotionals for our family. We came across A Better Than Anything Christmas and we’re looking forward to exploring this book with our family. With four kids who span from 4-11 years old, it can be challenging to find content that connects with all our kids. We appreciate the activities that are provided for “Older Kids” and “Younger Kids.” The family journaling pages look like great opportunities for reflection.
Church Events
Our traditional church gatherings are going to look different this year. Many of the traditions we cling to need to change. But what opportunities are presented in this season? Too often our default ministry posture is to separate families and host events for children. However could this be the season where we focused on the family? Could you host an event where families attend together, and send them home with an activity kit? I heard of one church that is inviting families to make wreaths together at the church, and then being sent home with supplies for an Advent calendar at home. The families will be prepared to lead Advent devotionals at home, and will have a wreath with candles that they can light.
Unexpected Jesus
Dr. Anna Robbins (Acadia Divinity College) has written an Advent devotional, which is designed for small group or personal use. It’s rare to have Atlantic Canadian content, and Anna’s writing will encourage and challenge you as you enter the Advent season.
The global pandemic continues to stretch out, and as we head into the Advent season, many of us are being reminded that this Christmas is going to look different. However, as one of my favourite Christmas songs reminds us, “God is not dead, nor does he sleep.”
As your family prepares for Advent, I encourage you to consider how you will remind one another of God’s arrival and activity in our world: what are you doing to participate in Advent and what resources are you sharing with families around you?
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Dan Pyke is the Director of Youth and Family Ministries for the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. He can normally be found where there is good coffee, a good book, a good Tae Kwon Do lesson, or out walking his dog (who is a “good boy”). If you want to reach out to Dan directly, email him at [email protected]