All about Advent

Advent is a special time in Christianity when people get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It lasts for four weeks leading up to Christmas. During Advent, Christians prepare their hearts and minds for the arrival of Jesus by reflecting on the story of his birth.

  1. Who visited Mary to tell her she would give birth to Jesus?
  2. Where was Jesus born?
  3. What do Christians do to prepare for Christmas during Advent?
  4. Why is Advent an important time for Christians?
  5. How does the story of Jesus' birth bring hope to people?

Symbols and Traditions

Advent is a special time of year when Christians prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth at Christmas. It begins four Sundays before Christmas and is a time of waiting and anticipation.

During Advent, Christians use special symbols and traditions to help them get ready for Christmas. One common symbol is the Advent wreath, which is a circle made of evergreen branches with four candles on it. Each candle represents a different week of Advent, and one candle is lit each Sunday to show that Christmas is getting closer.

Another important symbol is the Advent calendar, which is a special calendar with a door to open each day leading up to Christmas. It helps Christians count down the days until Jesus' birth.

Some traditions during Advent include singing special songs called carols, attending church services, and giving to those in need through acts of kindness and charity.

Overall, Advent is a time of joy, hope, and love as Christians prepare their hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

  1. What is the significance of the Advent wreath in the Advent season?
  2. How does the Advent calendar help Christians during the Advent period?
  3. What are some traditions observed by Christians during Advent?
  4. How does the Advent season prepare Christians for the celebration of Christmas?
  5. Discuss the importance of symbols and traditions in the Advent season.

My Family and Advent

Hi, my name is Patrick and I am 8 years old. I live in Ireland, a beautiful country where we have special traditions during Advent. Advent is a special time of year when Christians prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth at Christmas. It begins four Sundays before Christmas and is a time of waiting and anticipation.

  1. During Advent, we use special symbols like the Advent wreath. It has four candles, and we light one each Sunday to show that Christmas is getting closer.
  2. We also have an Advent calendar with doors to open each day leading up to Christmas. It helps us count down the days until Jesus' birth.
  3. We sing special songs called carols, go to church services, and do acts of kindness and charity to help those in need.
  4. Advent is a time of joy, hope, and love as we prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus.
  1. What are some symbols used during Advent?
  2. How do Christians mark the weeks leading up to Christmas with the Advent wreath?
  3. What is the significance of the Advent calendar in counting down to Christmas?
  4. What are some traditions practiced during Advent?
  5. Why is Advent considered a time of joy, hope, and love for Christians?

Comparing Advent to another Festival

After learning all about Advent, is there another festival that you celebrate or that you know that is similar in any way? Make a project comparing the similarities and differences between this festival and Adventand think about what symbols and traditions that are part of it. Think about the story of the festival, if it has one, where it is mainly celebrated - whether it is one country or all over the world. You can produce the project using any medium whether it's paper or on a laptop.

Slideshow - Advent
A full set of teaching plans for Adventteaching.