The season of Advent is a special time within the liturgical calendar that invites us to prepare for the arrival of Jesus, both at his birth in Bethlehem and at his return in glory. For children, this period can be a unique opportunity to strengthen their faith, live as a family, wait, and understand the deep meaning of Christmas.
What is Advent?
Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church and marks the weeks leading up to Christmas. During this time, we are invited to reflect on hope, peace, joy, and love, fundamental virtues for Christian life. Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and extends until Christmas Eve.
For children, Advent can be more than just waiting for Christmas. It’s an opportunity to teach them the value of waiting with patience and hope, as they prepare to receive Jesus into their hearts.
How to Explain Advent to Children
- Teach them about the meaning: Explain that Advent is a time to prepare for Christmas, not only externally, but also internally, by renewing love for Jesus. You can tell them how Christians await the coming of Christ in two moments: the first in Bethlehem and the second in his glorious return.
- Talk about virtues: Each week of Advent focuses on an important virtue: hope, peace, joy and love. It’s the ideal time to talk to children about these values and how they can live them in their daily lives.
- Reflection and prayer as a family: A good way to introduce the spirituality of Advent is to do a little family reflection every night before dinner. You can read passages from the Bible, pray together and light the candles on the Advent wreath, symbolizing the light that Christ brings to the world.
Activities to Live Advent with Children
- The Advent Calendar: This activity is one of the most popular, and consists of a calendar with 24 small doors that open every day in December until Christmas Eve. Behind each door there can be a Bible verse, an image of Christmas or a small activity that children can do, such as helping around the house or praying a mystery of the rosary.
- Advent Wreath: The Advent wreath is one of the most significant symbols of this time. It consists of four candles, each representing a week of Advent. As the days go by, a new candle is lit, remembering the progress towards Christmas. This is a perfect time to teach children about the light of Christ.
- Christmas Crafts: Take advantage of the Advent season to do Christmas-related crafts with children. They can make cards, tree ornaments, or even small nativity figures, while learning about Christmas characters.
- Acts of Charity: Teaching children the true Christmas spirit involves living it in service to others. You can organize activities such as collecting food, clothing or toys for those most in need, teaching children that Jesus’ love is also expressed in acts of generosity.
Prayer and Reflection
It is important that, during Advent, children also learn to pray and reflect. A simple prayer like this can be appropriate for dinner time:
“Come, Lord Jesus, come into our hearts and fill our lives with your peace and love. We await you with joy. Amen.”
Advent is a time of inner preparation, and as parents, we can guide our children to live it with joy, hope and faith, so that Christmas is not just an external celebration, but a true experience of encounter with the Baby Jesus.
