Advent Resource Compilation
If you would like to observe Advent together as a family, but are not sure where to start, take a look at the list below. There are book, podcast, playlist recommendations, reading plans, and links to Advent guides that are free or inexpensive.
Book Recommendations
Jotham’s Journey. After running away from his father’s tents in a moment of anger, ten-year-old Jotham has lost his way, and his family. As he journeys through Palestine in search of his nomadic home, Jotham slowly discovers the miracle of the first Christmas, and some miraculous things about his own life and family. Written by Arnold Ytreeide, the book is a story as well as a devotional for parents to read to their children during Advent. The story is a bit intense in some parts so I’d recommend it for ages 8+. There are three more books to this series, written by the same author.
The Adventure of Christmas, by Ed Drew, is a devotional book of simple 10-minute family devotions for Advent that explore the Gospel accounts of the first Christmas in an engaging way. With all the Bible passages and questions already laid out, you can lead these devotions without needing any extra time to prepare. There are different sets of questions for 3-4s, 5-7s, 7-12s, teens and even parents, so the whole family can enjoy looking at the Bible together. You can buy the physical book online or purchase the eBook from the publisher.
Look! A Child’s Guide to Advent and Christmas. This beautifully illustrated book by Laura Alary presents Advent as special time for waiting and watching—paying attention—to the ways God comes to us. Told from the point of a view of a child, the story weaves together familiar Advent traditions like the Jesse tree and the Advent wreath, biblical stories and characters, and reflections on what these stories call us to do and be. Click here to watch it read aloud, and the above link to purchase.
The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book. This book is a guide to a complete and creative celebration of the holiday season, filled with Jesse Tree ornaments, crafts, games, recipes, songs, and activities for every day of Advent. For some free Jesus Storybook Bible resources, scroll down to the Advent Guides below for a link.
Podcasts
Sometimes it’s easier to listen than to read, so for those who love podcasts, consider the We Wonder podcast. Although it’s no longer updated, there are several Advent series in their archives (from 2019, 2020, and 2021). Designed for families to listen to together, each Advent episode is between 12 and 15 minutes long and encourages us to reflect on Scripture and ask “I wonder…” questions.
Albums & Playlists
Rain for Roots has a family-oriented Advent album, Waiting Songs, that encourages us to make time for waiting.
Kingdom Kids has great albums of kids’ worship. Their Worship in the Word (Christmas) contains a few Advent songs.
There are many Advent playlists out there, but consider this thoughtfully curated one by ArtandTheology.org. Although not specifically designed for children or families, many of the songs on this playlist are for all ages. Click here to listen to the abridged playlist (or if you want even more, try their 329-song list!).
Reading Plans
For those who prefer using an app, YouVersion has a variety of Scripture reading plans for Advent. You can choose from plans that have once-a-week readings or ones that you can read every day.
Here is a free PDF of a daily Advent Scripture reading plan from ParentCue.org.
Advent Guides
Little Way Chapel has an Advent guide with a calendar that you might find helpful if you are new to observing Advent, or just want a new approach! Note that it is not free but comes as a digital download for you to print at home and is reasonably priced. It is updated every year.
Every year, the publishers of The Jesus Storybook Bible make an Advent Reading Guide available for free. The guide includes a 24-day Advent reading plan, an Advent soundtrack, colouring pages, and bonus activities.
The Liturgical Home: Advent, a book by Ashley Tumlin Wallace, is a great resource to explain the significance of Advent, guidance for celebrating Advent at home (including activities and daily devotions), and even recipes! You can order the book in Canada here. Ashley’s website also has some resources for Advent, but also for other celebrations in our liturgical year.
Videos
The Bible Project has an Advent Word Study series with four videos, one for each week in Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Consider using this before or after you light your Advent candle each Sunday!
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