Prayers for Blessing the Advent Wreath as well as prayers to say each night when lighting the candles can be found here:

 Prayers for Blessing and Lighting an Advent Wreath  

Sun Nov 29 to Sat Dec 5, 2020


Refer to the link above for the prayers to say while lighting the candles each day.

For the first week of Advent we light one purple candle each day
This is called the PROPHET's candle, it represents HOPE
We can have hope because God is faithful and will keep his promises.
Prophets like Isaiah and John the Baptist shared God's message. God told the people to get ready for the promised Savior: a light to shine in the darkened world. Prepare, the light of God is coming. (Isaiah 9:2)
Dear Jesus, Come in! Make your home in my heart. Make my heart pure with in. Amen.

A Family Prayer for Advent:
God of Love,
Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us.
He is a sign of your love.
Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent,
As we wait and prepare for his coming.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior.
Amen.

Family Challenge: Starting today read one chapter from the Gospel of Luke each day
If you don't have a Bible at home, you can find an online copy here: Gospel of Luke 

Sun Dec 6 to Sat Dec 12, 2020

For the second week of Advent we light 2 purple candles each day
The 2nd purple candle is called the BETHLEHEM candle or the PREPARATION candle and represents PEACE ....some say LOVE
God kept his promise of a Savior who would be born in Bethlehem, Preparation means to "get ready".
This week we thank God the gift of love he shared with the world. Jesus, the ruler of heaven and earth, was born into a loving family. (Matthew 1:21)
Dear God, help us to be ready to welcome YOU! (Luke 3:4-6)

Today is also the feast of St Nicholas! Did you put out your shoes so he could leave you some candy coins?

Family Challenge:
Instead of just putting out shoes for candy... Put out old (in great condition) or forgotten toys, books and clothes for those who are less fortunate. St Nicholas will take the box/bag and give it to those in need. In return for your kindness he will leave candy in your shoe.

At some point this week read about St Nicholas. You can find information here: St Nicholas 
A video, Nicholas, the Boy Who Became Santa, can be found on YouTube.

Sun Dec 13 to Sat Dec 19, 2020

For third week in Advent we light 2 purple and one pink candle each day
Pink is a joyful color!
The pink one is called the SHEPHARD candle and represents JOY
The angels sang a message of JOY! (Luke 2:7-15)
As the light of all the candles grow brighter, we rejoice, knowing that our long, dark wait is almost over!
Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and will dwell in your midst, declares the Lord. (Zachariah 2:10)

I am Jesus' little lamb,
ever glad at heart I am;
for my Shephard gently guides me,
knows my need, and well provides me,
loves me every day the same,
even calls me by my name.
 

There were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. (Luke 2:8)

Family Challenge:
~Talk about and write down as many "JOYs" you have had throughout 2020
~Make cards for neighbors and hand deliver them (keep social distancing in mind, you may have to hang them on a doorknob) Talk about how you think they will feel when seeing these... You can keep it secret or let them know you are leaving it.

Sun Dec 20 to Thur Dec 24, 2020

For the fourth week of Advent we light all 3 purple and one pink candle each day
The third purple candle is called the ANGEL candle it represents LOVE... some say PEACE
The angles announced the good news of a Savior. God sent his only Son to earth to save us, because he loves us! (John 3:16-17)
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Now four candles shining bright make a ring of heavenly light.
Like the angles circled 'round, Glory of the Lord shines down.
They announce Saviors' birth.
"Peace! Good will to all the earth."

Family Challenge: RELAX! Don't worry about rushing around doing last minute things. Enjoy your family. Remember it isn't about the gifts and cookies and trees and such, it is about our Savior Jesus Christ being born into this world just for US!!