Preparing Our Hearts and Homes for Advent

Advent is more than a countdown to Christmas—it’s a season of spiritual preparation, reflection, and anticipation for the coming of Jesus. Isaiah 9:6 reminds us of the promise of a Savior, calling Him Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. By intentionally preparing our hearts and homes, we can embrace the joy, hope, and light of Christ, creating meaningful family traditions that honor His arrival and cultivate a posture of worship.

Highlights

• Advent is derived from the Latin word for “coming” and lasts four weeks, focusing on Christ’s first and second comings.

• Attend special Advent services to reflect, pray, and celebrate the birth of Jesus.

• Use an Advent calendar to daily engage with Scripture, small treats, or family moments that highlight Christ’s arrival.

• Light an Advent wreath weekly to symbolize expectation, reflection, and Christ as the light of the world (John 8:12).

• Create visual reminders like Advent chains or prepare a manger to help children and families anticipate Christ’s birth.

• Share the story of Jesus with others each week, following the example of the shepherds in Luke 2:17-18.

• Advent encourages both personal reflection and communal celebration, fostering gratitude, faith, and joyful expectation.

Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas!

Full Transcript Below:

Preparing Our Hearts and Homes for Advent 

By Lynette Kittle

Bible Reading:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace—Isaiah 9:6

Preparing a home for the arrival of a new baby is a busy time, full of choosing clothes, bedding, accessories, and more. It’s an exciting time of getting everything ready and waiting for the day to come. It’s a time when families and friends come together to help prepare and celebrate the coming birth.

As well, during the Advent season, we can remember, prepare, and celebrate anew the coming of Jesus as a newborn baby into our world.

Some Christians may ask, what is Advent? 

Even though I grew up as a pastor’s daughter, we didn’t really emphasize Advent; it was something celebrated in more liturgical churches like Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran, so we didn’t really learn or practice the observance growing up.

The word Advent is derived from the Latin word “coming” and is a time of antic