Entering the Advent Season: Waiting With Hope

As we move closer to Christmas, many of us feel the excitement building in our homes. The twinkling lights going up, our children shaking their Advent calendars, and a sense of joy filling the air. But Advent isn’t only a countdown to presents. It’s a season the Church gives us to slow down, pay attention, and prepare our hearts for the arrival of Jesus.

The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning arrival. Something important is coming. Someone important is coming. And so, Advent invites our children and us to practice holy waiting.

Let’s face it, our children know all about waiting (and so do we!).

· Bored waiting: like standing at the bus stop, wondering when it will finally show up.

· Worried waiting: like sitting in the dentist’s office, hoping that today’s appointment will be quick.

· Excited waiting: like counting down the days until a birthday party.

But Advent waiting is different. It’s hopeful waiting where we are anticipating the birth of Jesus, the One who brings light, healing, and promise to our world.

This season helps us lift our eyes from the busyness of December and focus on the gifts Jesus brings: hope, peace, joy, and love.

The Advent Wreath: A Family Tradition of Meaning

Many churches and homes use an Advent wreath to guide their waiting. Its circular shape reminds us of God’s never-ending love that surrounds us and holds us throughout the year.

Each candle we light has a special meaning and offers an opportunity for conversation and prayer as a family.

1. Hope – The First Candle (Purple)

This candle reminds us that no matter how dark or difficult life feels, God’s light is coming. It invites us to teach our children that Jesus is our steady source of hope.

2. Peace – The Second Candle (Purple)

This candle represents the peace Jesus brings. Peace is not just quiet homes, but quiet hearts. It encourages us to be peacemakers: patient, forgiving, and gentle with one another.

3. Joy – The Third Candle (Pink)

This bright candle invites us to rejoice! Joy isn’t mere excitement; it’s the deep happiness that comes from knowing we are loved by God. As Christmas nears, it reminds our families that Jesus is the source of true joy.

4. Love – The Fourth Candle (Purple)

This candle symbolises God’s perfect love—a love we are called to share in real, practical ways. It encourages our children to look for ways to be kind, generous, and caring.

The Christ Candle – The Centre Candle (White)

Many families light this candle on Christmas Day to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World.

Helping Our Children Practice Advent at Home

Advent is a perfect time to model simple spiritual rhythms for our kids. It can be as easy as:

· Taking one deep breath together before dinner

· Pausing to remember what we are thankful for

· Asking: “How can we share love or kindness today?”

· Connecting the day’s Advent calendar door to one of the four themes: Hope, Peace, Joy, or Love

Perhaps your child is hoping for a special gift or looking forward to seeing family. Advent allows us to widen our hope and wonder:

· How can we bring peace to someone today?

· How can we share joy?

· Who can we love through kindness or service?

Small acts done with great love help our children see Christmas not only as a celebration, but as a calling.

As parents, Advent gently reminds us that we don’t need to create a perfect holiday season. What our children need most is what Jesus brings: hope for today, peace in their hearts, joy in being loved, and the security of God’s unending love.

May this Advent season be a time of meaningful waiting for your family. One that is full of slow moments, precious conversations, and reminders of the One who came to bring light to the world.