A few weeks ago, my sister wrote to me and asked if I had any suggestions for Advent calendars. She wanted to make one, but wasn’t sure of what activities to put on it that a) weren’t geared for kids and b) had some spiritual significance. I did a tiny bit of internet browsing and couldn’t come up with anything that was workable, either. So I decided to create my own. I assigned one scripture for each day and then an activity. The activities vary and are at least loosely connected to the scripture. Some samples: listening to “Zechariah and the Least Expected Places,” using Psalm 51 as a prayer of confession, choosing something joyful to do, and reading a passage with lectio divina (instructions included). Although this isn’t written specifically with children in mind, I think you could easily use it with older children and teenagers.
I enjoyed putting this together, and I’m looking forward to using it myself. If you are looking for something to guide your reflection during Advent and help you engage the themes of Advent—and the God who came in the flesh and will come again—please feel free to use it, too. It is available as a free printable. You are free to print and distribute this, but I do ask that you don’t sell it—I’m making it available for free and would like to keep it that way. Have a blessed Advent!
