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2025
Advent Devotional
Advent Wreath

The Advent wreath and candles serve as a spiritual compass on our journey in preparation for the nativity of our Lord. It symbolizes hope, peace, joy and love through its four candles, each representing a week leading up to the birth of Christ.

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In this booklet you will find readings and activities for each week of Advent. The weekly verse and prayer correspond to the Advent candle lighting part of our church service.  These have been graciously provided by Judy Reithmiller.

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We encourage you and your family to set aside time each day to read the passage, complete one of the activities, light the Advent candles, and reflect on the precious gift of Jesus. Add your own prayers about the theme of the week.

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In the back of the booklet you will find lyrics to the songs that are mentioned in the activities. There is also a QR code available for each song that you can scan to listen to the songs on your electronic device.

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May you find time to slow down this Christmas season, say "no" to the things that distract you from Jesus, and say "yes" to the gift that God wants you to experience.

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“Be still, and know that I am God” - Psalm 46:10

Advent Wreath one candle lit

First Week of Advent
HOPE

The Hope Candle represents the anticipation and hope of Jesus, the Messiah’s coming as foretold by the prophets.  May we be reminded of our need for repentance and readiness as we anticipate the coming of the Messiah.

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Light one purple candle

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Read: Isaiah 9:2-7

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Activities:

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  • Listen to “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

  • Jesus has many names.  How many other names of Christ can you add to the ones listed in Isaiah 9:2-7? Use your Bible to find as many names as you can.

  • Listen to “His Name Shall Be” – Matt Redman

  • Of all the names of Christ, which one do you like the best or which one means the most to you? Share the name and what it means to you with someone or write down your thoughts in a journal.

  • Think about what hope means to you or what being hopeful means to you.  Share your thoughts on hope with someone or write down your thoughts in a journal.

  • Craft a prophecy chain: Write down prophecies about Jesus from the Old Testament on paper strips and link them together to form a chain.

  • Read and mediate on other verses about hope:

    • Psalm 38:15

    • Jeremiah 29:11

    • Acts 24:15

    • Hebrews 11:1

    • Proverbs 13:12

    • Romans 15:13

Prayer:

 

Lord, as we light this candle of hope, we remember that Your light pierces the darkness and brings hope to all who trust in You.  Let hope fill our hearts knowing that Jesus’ birth brings the fulfillment of Your promises, salvation and redemption of your people, and Your light into this world of darkness. Fill our hearts with anticipation for Your coming, and may we carry this hope into every corner of our lives.  In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Advent Wreath two candles lit

Second Week of Advent
PEACE

The Peace Candle signifies the peace that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, brings to the world.  It reminds us that through Jesus, we can find reconciliation with God and inner peace.  God calls us to Bethlehem. He has prepared the way.  As we draw closer to the time of Jesus’ birth, let us prepare our hearts to receive His peace.

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Light two purple candles

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Read: Isaiah 40:3-5

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Activities:

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  • Listen to “O Come All Ye Faithful”

  • Think about who helped prepare you for your Christian walk. Share this information with someone or write down your thoughts in a journal.

  • Create a Peace Jar.  Decorate an empty jar with symbols of peace like doves or olive branches.  Through the week, write down things that you are thankful for or moments of peace that you have experienced.  At the end of Advent, read the messages as a reminder of the peace that you have in your life.

  • Listen to “Peace Has Come” – Hillsong Worship

  • Share peace throughout the community by being helpful to others. Some ideas include:

  • Add food to the blessing box at church

  • Do chores without being asked

  • Help a neighbor decorate for Christmas or clean up their yard

  • Turn off devices: Dedicate an hour each day to turn off all electronics to find a sense of stillness.

  • Read and mediate on other verses about peace:

    • John 16:33

    • Romans 5:1

    • Galatians 5:22

    • Psalm 29:11

Prayer:

 

Father, as we light this candle of peace, we ask that You prepare our hearts for Your coming.  Clear the paths in our lives that keep us from You and make room in our hearts for Your peace and presence.  May we welcome You with open hearts and lives prepared for Your glory.  In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Advent Wreath Three candles lit

Third Week of Advent
JOY

The Joy Candle represents the joy of the Son of God coming to us and the celebration of His birth. This candle signifies the happiness and excitement of the world as it receives the long-awaited Messiah.  It is a time of rejoicing and heightened anticipation as the time of Immanuel, God with us, comes to pass!

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Light two purple candles and the pink candle.

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Read: Luke 2:10-14

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Activities:

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  • Listen to “Joy to the World” – Jeremy Camp

  • Think about what the Shepherds must have felt when they saw the star and heard the angels. How would you have felt to see the star and hear the angels?  What would you have done? Share your answers with someone or write them down in a journal. 

  • Make a list of at least seven things that bring you joy. Each day of this week, pick a joy from your list and find a way to “do” the joy.  Make sure you spend time in prayer thanking God for the joy each day. 

  • Listen to “ Born is the King (It’s Christmas) – Hillsong Worship

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  • Read and mediate on other verses about joy:

    • Mathew 2:10

    • John 16:22

    • Psalm 16:9

    • Psalm 20:5

    • Isaiah 52:9

Prayer:

 

God of Joy, we light this candle to celebrate the joy You brought into the world through Jesus.  Fill our hearts with the same joy that the shepherds and wise men felt upon seeing Him lying in the manger. May that joy never fade from our hearts and may we spread this joy to others. Let it shine through our words and actions, not only during this season but throughout the year. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Advent Wreath Four candles lit

Fourth Week of Advent
LOVE

The Love Candle symbolizes God’s love revealed in Christ. Purple reminds us of the royalty of Jesus, the King of Kings, and the love that motivated God’s plan for salvation.  God’s plan for you and I, set into motion long before our birth, revealing the depth and breadth of God’s love for us.  What amazing love!

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Light the pink candle and all three purple candles.

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Read: 1 John 4:7-10

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Activities:

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  • Sing/Listen to “ Angels We Have Heard on High”

  • Too often we don’t take time to reach out to others who are no longer part of our normal routines. Send a “thinking of you” card, postcard, or letter to someone. Try to send it through “snail mail” (US postal service) instead as a digital message through your phone or computer.

  • Introduce yourself to someone at church who you do not know.

  • Sing/Listen to “ Miracle of Love” – Chris Tomlin

  • Think about how you can show God’s love to others this week. Discuss your answers with your family or write down your ideas in a journal.

  • Read and mediate on other verses about love:

    • 1 John 4:19

    • John 3:16

    • Zephaniah 3:17

    • John 15:13

Prayer:

 

Lord, as we light this candle of love in humility and reverence, we thank You for sending Your Son, a gift of unconditional love.  Let Your love fill our hearts so completely that evil has no place to invade. Help us to love others as You have loved us.  May Your love guide us and may Your light shine brightly through us to the end of our days.  In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Advent Wreath All candles lit

Christmas Eve
CHRIST

The Christ Candle represents Jesus, the Light of the World, who has come to bring salvation and light to all. God’s plan to restore our relationship with Him will be accomplished through this tiny child sleeping in a manger.  Jesus, God’s only Son, has come bringing hope, peace, joy, and love to all those who open their hearts to Him.

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Light all pink and purple candles then light the center white candle.

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Read: John 1:14

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Activities:

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  • Sing/Listen to “O Holy Night”

  • Sing/Listen to “Light of the World” – Lauren Daigle

Prayer:

 

Gracious God, as we light the Christ candle, we celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus, who came from his heavenly throne to be with us.  We adore You, Jesus, and welcome You into our hearts and lives.  May Your light fill us, and may we reflect Your love, joy, peace, and hope to all those near and far whom you place in our path. Thank You for this gift of Christ, our Savior and King. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

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