How Does Advent Work ?
Each week of Advent, gather around your candle holder and light the candle for that week. Begin with the darkest candle and move to the progressively lighter candles as you advance toward Christmas.
Read through the content online about each candle's meaning—Hope, Peace, Joy, or Love and take a moment to pray together, asking the Lord to form that truth in your hearts as you prepare for Christ’s coming.
On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, light the large center “Christ Candle”, celebrating the arrival of Jesus, the Light of the World.
Let this simple weekly rhythm help your home slow down, reflect, and worship as you anticipate His coming.
Read through the content online about each candle's meaning—Hope, Peace, Joy, or Love and take a moment to pray together, asking the Lord to form that truth in your hearts as you prepare for Christ’s coming.
On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, light the large center “Christ Candle”, celebrating the arrival of Jesus, the Light of the World.
Let this simple weekly rhythm help your home slow down, reflect, and worship as you anticipate His coming.
This Week's Devotional
READ THIS TOGETHER:
This week of Advent we talk about JOY—but not just happiness or excitement. We are asking a bigger question: Is God really who He says He is? Hope, peace, and joy aren’t just things God wants us to chase. They are part of who God is and what He brings into our lives. Joy is something God grows inside us as we stay close to Him—and it grows best when we share it together.
SCRIPTURE:
John 15:11 (NIV)“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
”Luke 2:10 (NIV)“I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
SHORT REFLECTION:
We often think joy comes from getting something—presents, fun moments, or good news. But Jesus teaches us something surprising: real joy comes from giving and sharing, not just receiving. Think about Christmas. Sometimes the best part isn’t opening your own gift—it’s watching someone else open theirs.
Parents feel this all the time.
When they work hard to create special moments, their joy comes from seeing their kids light up. That’s a picture of God’s joy. Jesus says He wants His joy to be in us—and not just a little joy, but complete joy. That kind of joy lasts. It doesn’t disappear when things get hard. And it’s not meant just for one person.When the angels announced Jesus’ birth, they said joy was for all people.
Not just rich people. Not just grown-ups. Not just the “good” or “religious” people. Joy is for everyone. In the Bible, joy is usually shared. People sing together, celebrate together, and remember together. God didn’t design joy to be experienced alone. Joy feels bigger and fuller when it’s shared with others.
Jesus’ joy grows when: we follow Him, we love one another, we encourage each other, we remember we are saved. Joy isn’t just a feeling—it’s something God builds between people. The world offers “my joy.”
Jesus offers “our joy.”
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
For Younger Kids:
When was a time you felt happy because someone else was happy?
Why do you think God wants joy to be for everyone?
Who can you share joy with this week?
For Older Kids & Students:
What’s the difference between happiness and the joy Jesus gives?
Why do you think joy feels incomplete when we experience it alone? How can shared faith and encouragement grow joy?
For Parents & Adults:
Where have you experienced more joy in giving than receiving?
Are there ways your family can create shared joy together this season?
How can your home reflect the joy God has over His children?
CLOSING PRAYER:
God, thank You that You are joyful and that You share Your joy with us. Thank You that joy is for everyone and that we don’t have to earn it. Help our family stay close to Jesus so His joy can grow inside us. Teach us to share joy, spread joy, and celebrate joy together.
Amen.
This week of Advent we talk about JOY—but not just happiness or excitement. We are asking a bigger question: Is God really who He says He is? Hope, peace, and joy aren’t just things God wants us to chase. They are part of who God is and what He brings into our lives. Joy is something God grows inside us as we stay close to Him—and it grows best when we share it together.
SCRIPTURE:
John 15:11 (NIV)“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
”Luke 2:10 (NIV)“I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
SHORT REFLECTION:
We often think joy comes from getting something—presents, fun moments, or good news. But Jesus teaches us something surprising: real joy comes from giving and sharing, not just receiving. Think about Christmas. Sometimes the best part isn’t opening your own gift—it’s watching someone else open theirs.
Parents feel this all the time.
When they work hard to create special moments, their joy comes from seeing their kids light up. That’s a picture of God’s joy. Jesus says He wants His joy to be in us—and not just a little joy, but complete joy. That kind of joy lasts. It doesn’t disappear when things get hard. And it’s not meant just for one person.When the angels announced Jesus’ birth, they said joy was for all people.
Not just rich people. Not just grown-ups. Not just the “good” or “religious” people. Joy is for everyone. In the Bible, joy is usually shared. People sing together, celebrate together, and remember together. God didn’t design joy to be experienced alone. Joy feels bigger and fuller when it’s shared with others.
Jesus’ joy grows when: we follow Him, we love one another, we encourage each other, we remember we are saved. Joy isn’t just a feeling—it’s something God builds between people. The world offers “my joy.”
Jesus offers “our joy.”
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
For Younger Kids:
When was a time you felt happy because someone else was happy?
Why do you think God wants joy to be for everyone?
Who can you share joy with this week?
For Older Kids & Students:
What’s the difference between happiness and the joy Jesus gives?
Why do you think joy feels incomplete when we experience it alone? How can shared faith and encouragement grow joy?
For Parents & Adults:
Where have you experienced more joy in giving than receiving?
Are there ways your family can create shared joy together this season?
How can your home reflect the joy God has over His children?
CLOSING PRAYER:
God, thank You that You are joyful and that You share Your joy with us. Thank You that joy is for everyone and that we don’t have to earn it. Help our family stay close to Jesus so His joy can grow inside us. Teach us to share joy, spread joy, and celebrate joy together.
Amen.
