1. Create a space for your family to gather for your Advent devotions. Set out an Advent Wreath or Christ candle to light when you gather.
2. Sing/Listen to or read the hymn “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.” You can find the lyrics of this hymn printed in your family’s Advent devotional booklet. There are many versions of this hymn; here are a few your family may enjoy listening to:
Chris Tomlin & Christy Nockels
Fernando Ortega
The Choir of St John’s College Chapel
3. Pray, “Gracious God, as we wait with anticipation for the birth of Jesus, help us to open our eyes to see your presence and to work for wholeness and healing. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, hearts to care, and the strength to work toward your beloved kingdom of grace and mercy. Help us to shout with joy when we see your presence! Remind us, O God, that your kingdom is on the way and will come right on time. “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) Amen.”
4. Prepare for the Week. Decide where to hang the prayer gift tags this season (ex. Christmas tree, clipped onto a string on the wall, hung on tree branches used as your dinner table centerpiece, etc.). As a family, review the Acts of Service opportunities on the enclosed sheet. You may wish to cut them apart, place in a container and choose one action to do whenever you’re gathered. Or, you may wish to select the most do-able ones for your family, and commit to those during the season.