- The first candle symbolizes hope and is called the “Prophet’s Candle.” The prophets of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival.
- The second candle represents faith and is called “Bethlehem’s Candle.” Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, which is also the birthplace of King David.
- The third candle symbolizes joy and is called the “Shepherd’s Candle.” To the shepherd’s great joy, the angels announced that Jesus came for humble, unimportant people like them, too. In liturgy, the color rose signifies joy.
- The fourth candle represents peace and is called the “Angel’s Candle.” The angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace–He came to bring people close to God and to each other again.
- The (optional) fifth candle represents light and purity and is called “Christ’s candle.” It is placed in the middle and is lit on Christmas Day.
Happy Birthday Jesus
Celebrate by making a cake for Jesus’s birthday.
DIY Decorations
What better way to celebrate this time of year than with making salt dough ornaments for your Christmas tree.
Movie and More Night
We all know the traditional holiday movies (ie The Grinch, A Christmas Story, Elf…). Gather your family and watch a Christmas movie while stringing popcorn for the tree.
Christmas Around the World
One of the best parts about Christmas is that it is celebrated around the world in so many different ways. In this advent activity, have each person choose a country and share how they celebrate Christmas.
A Gift of Words
Thanksgiving is a great time to show your thankfulness, but one of the great parts about being a follower of Christ is that we get to show why we are thankful every day. In the gift of words activity, have you and your family draw names and write a letter to that family member and tell them why they are important to you and place it in an envelope on the tree.
Christmas Charades
What would Christmas be without a little impromptu acting? In Christmas charades, you will draw carols from a stocking and take turns acting them out.
At Hope, we love sharing and celebrating the word of God. Come gather with us this holiday season, we’d love to have you!
