Advent is a season filled with joy, expectation, and the deep spiritual longing for the arrival of Christ. For Christian families around the world, the four weeks leading up to Christmas are more than just a countdown to December 25th. Advent is a sacred time that invites believers to prepare their hearts, refocus their minds, and intentionally draw closer to God. This spiritual journey is not one meant to be walked alone—it’s especially powerful when experienced together as a family.
In our modern age, Advent can easily be overshadowed by the rush of holiday shopping, crowded calendars, and the constant stream of digital distractions. Children are often pulled into the festive whirlwind, and even parents can feel overwhelmed by the season’s demands. But Advent calls us to slow down, look up, and rekindle the sacredness of Christmas. It’s a time to return to the manger—not with haste, but with hearts fully engaged and spirits fully aware.
This is where family Advent devotions come in. By committing to daily or weekly devotional practices during Advent, families can establish Christ-centered traditions that not only educate but also spiritually nourish each member. Whether it’s lighting candles on the Advent wreath, reading Scripture around the dinner table, or reflecting together through guided prayers, the practice of Advent devotionals brings spiritual unity and timeless meaning to your household.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 15 of the best family Advent devotions available today. These selections are varied in format and style, ranging from traditional Scripture readings to creative storytelling and hands-on activities for children. Many of these resources are built to accommodate busy schedules while still making room for meaningful reflection and connection. If you’re looking to deepen your family’s celebration of Advent this year, you’ll find something here to inspire and guide you.
Before we begin our list, let’s take a deeper look at what Advent really means, where it comes from, and why it’s worth prioritizing in your family’s spiritual life. By understanding the rich history and theology behind this season, your devotional time will not only be structured—it will be alive with purpose and passion.
The Meaning and Origin of Advent
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming” or “arrival.” In Christian tradition, Advent refers to the coming of Jesus Christ. This includes both His first coming, as a baby born in Bethlehem, and His promised second coming in glory at the end of time. These twin themes—anticipation of the Incarnation and preparation for Christ’s return—form the heart of the Advent season.
Historically, Advent has been observed by Christians since at least the 4th or 5th century. Originally, it was a time of fasting and penance similar to Lent. Over time, the season evolved into a more celebratory and reflective period marked by Scripture readings, prayer, and acts of charity. Today, many denominations around the world follow the liturgical calendar and use Advent as a time to spiritually prepare for the Christmas celebration.
The Structure of Advent
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. This means the season lasts between 22 and 28 days, depending on the calendar year. Each Sunday of Advent carries a specific theme, often centered around hope, peace, joy, and love. Churches may use an Advent wreath with four candles (and sometimes a fifth for Christmas Day) to symbolize each of these themes.
For families, incorporating these weekly themes into devotionals provides a structured and deeply meaningful way to walk through the season. Whether through lighting candles together, reading Scriptures aligned with each theme, or participating in community service, Advent becomes more than a tradition—it becomes a spiritual lifestyle.
Benefits of Practicing Family Advent Devotions
Advent devotionals provide more than a ritualistic routine—they foster family unity, instill spiritual values, and help children understand the true meaning of Christmas. These devotions offer a chance to pause and reflect amidst the chaos, allowing every member of the household to encounter God in their own way.
Here are just a few of the spiritual and emotional benefits of practicing Advent devotions as a family:
Builds Faith Foundations: Children learn the story of Christ’s coming and how to apply biblical principles to their lives.
Strengthens Family Bonds: Shared prayer and reflection time enhances connection and emotional intimacy.
Instills Gratitude: Devotions help focus on spiritual gifts over material ones during the holiday season.
Creates Lasting Traditions: Engaging in meaningful practices each year fosters memories and habits that last a lifetime.
The rest of this article outlines 15 of the most impactful family Advent devotionals, including books, online series, printable kits, and interactive tools to help your family engage in this sacred time.
1. The Advent Storybook by Laura Richie
This beautifully illustrated devotional tells 25 Bible stories leading up to the birth of Jesus. Each day includes a Scripture reference, a short story, and reflection questions that help children connect the dots between Old Testament prophecy and the Christmas miracle.
2. Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp
With poetic storytelling and rich theology, this devotional is perfect for families seeking to understand God’s redemptive plan. Accompanied by beautiful artwork and daily Jesse Tree ornaments, it turns Advent into a hands-on journey of grace.
3. The Wonder of the Greatest Gift: An Interactive Family Celebration
Also by Ann Voskamp, this unique pop-up book includes 25 devotionals, ornaments, and a Jesse Tree to help children trace Jesus’ lineage and God’s promises. A perfect blend of tradition and creativity.
4. Focus on the Family Advent Devotionals
This free online resource provides a daily devotional series with Scripture, stories, and activities. Perfect for busy families looking for quick yet meaningful content that can be shared during mealtime or bedtime.
5. The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Guide
Using the popular Jesus Storybook Bible, this guide offers 24 stories that lead children to the birth of Christ. Downloadable plans are available online, including printables and crafts.
6. The Shepherd on the Search
This fun devotional uses a small shepherd doll that kids can find each day, leading to the nativity on Christmas. Each devotional reading points to Scripture and builds excitement around the story of Christ’s birth.
7. Truth in the Tinsel
A creative and crafty devotional for younger children, this 24-day guide uses simple daily ornaments that reinforce key biblical stories. It’s ideal for hands-on learners.
8. The Advent Candle Devotional
A traditional devotional that includes weekly readings to accompany lighting an Advent wreath. Themes of hope, peace, joy, and love are explored through Scripture and reflection.
9. Family Life’s Journey to the Manger
An audio-based devotional series that’s perfect for listening in the car or around the fireplace. Each episode includes biblical storytelling, music, and conversation starters.
10. Names of Jesus Advent Countdown
Each day focuses on one of the names of Jesus (e.g., Prince of Peace, Light of the World), combining Scripture, discussion, and a matching ornament to hang.
11. The Advent Jesse Tree by Dean Meador Lambert
An older classic, this book offers 25 devotions centered on the Jesse Tree tradition. Each day includes Scripture, a symbol, and a meditation tailored for both children and adults.
12. A Jesus Christmas: Explore God’s Amazing Plan by Barbara Reaoch
Structured to help children see the Christmas story through the lens of God’s eternal plan, this devotional builds anticipation and teaches biblical truths in a simple format.
13. Waiting for Christmas by Crystal Bowman
Designed for preschoolers, this colorful devotional offers rhyming stories, simple prayers, and engaging illustrations perfect for short attention spans.
14. Come, Lord Jesus: The Weight of Waiting by Kris Camealy
Though more suitable for older children or teens, this devotional dives deep into what it means to wait on God during Advent. Ideal for thoughtful family discussions.
15. Advent Blocks: The King is Coming
A physical block set paired with a devotional book that helps children count down to Christmas while learning about biblical themes. Visually engaging and spiritually rich.
Conclusion
Advent is more than a prelude to Christmas; it is a sacred opportunity to root your family in the story of God’s love. Choosing a devotional that fits your family’s rhythm and spiritual goals can transform the way you experience the season. Whether you opt for crafts, storytelling, Scripture reading, or interactive games, the goal remains the same—to draw nearer to Christ as a family.
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