Advent

Romans 8:18-19 – For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.

Ponder: Look up Old Testament references of prophecies of the Messiah. Meditate on the generations who waited and longed for the one who would take away the sin of the world. Do you long for the return of the King?
Pray: Pray in eager expectation and longing for Christ’s return.
Practice: Sing songs like “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” or “Hymn of Heaven,” and purpose to set your hope on the day Jesus comes again.

• Reading Plan: At Advent, we remember that Christ came to anticipate when He comes again. Throughout Scripture, God’s people had been longing for the Messiah who would come. This week, read prophecies both made about and fulfilled by Jesus Christ, and remember that He came to take away the sin of the world.
• Family Discipleship Plan: As a family, take the small ornaments in your Advent Family Resource Kit and hang them up in various places around your house: on door handles, stair railings, drawer knobs, milk jugs, favorite toys, or the rearview mirror in your car. Use these to help you Remember and Anticipate. Whenever you see these throughout the month of December, pause and thank God that Jesus came and is coming again.

Psalm 115:11 – You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD!

Ponder: How can we work to deepen our trust in the Lord?
Pray: Pray in thanksgiving for all that God has done.
Practice: Memorize Luke 1:32-33. Whenever you feel uncertain, fearful, or anxious, recite this verse as a reminder that God rules and reigns forever, and we can trust Him.

• Reading Plan: God kept His promises to send the Messiah, the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world. As we remember Jesus’ first coming, we trust that God will continue to keep His promises. This week, read passages that point us to the reality that our trust is not found in today’s circumstances, and set your hope in anticipation on the day when Jesus comes again.
• Family Discipleship Plan: Work together to make your family’s favorite dessert. As you are waiting to eat it, talk about how we might feel anxious or excited when we are waiting for something. Remind your child that God’s people wait expectantly for His return because He is trustworthy and true.

Matthew 2:10-11 – When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.

Ponder: What does the world try to convince us will bring us joy?
Pray: Pray in adoration, rejoicing in God for who He is!
Practice: Tell someone why you have joy in Jesus.

• Reading Plan: At Advent, we remember Jesus’ first coming to anticipate His second coming. This week, read the gospel accounts to remember and rejoice in the first coming of Christ.
• Family Discipleship Plan: Create a crown out of cardboard or cardstock. On the crown ask your child to write some of the characteristics of Jesus. Talk about each of these as a reason that we can rejoice in Him.

Matthew 6:33 – But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Ponder: How do you need to grow in seeking the Lord?
Pray: Pray over your life, family, and our church family in 2026. Pray that we would be faithful to seek the Lord above all else.
Practice: Make a plan for how you will seek the Lord in the coming year. Schedule a plan for your Bible reading and other spiritual disciplines. Prioritize the gathering and your Go Group (or join a Go Group). Consider who can help you grow in Christlikeness, and who you can help grow.

• Reading Plan: What are you seeking for, wanting, looking for, chasing after? In Christ, we seek the King whose kingdom is not of this world. This week, read and meditate on Scripture that reminds us our King is coming soon.
• Family Discipleship Plan: One night, spend time finding constellations in the sky. Use a telescope if you have one. Talk as a family about what it feels like to look closely for something or to look hard for something. Talk with them about how God’s people seek the King in the same way, earnestly, desiring to see Him.

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