LET'S PRACTICE ADVENT TOGETHER
Join us in participating in our daily Advent scripture, reflections and practices, either on your own or with your household, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and strive to live out the hope, peace, joy & love that this season brings.
Advent is not just the countdown to Christmas, it’s a deeply meaningful season that invites us to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus.
Your Daily Advent Guide
For background, Advent is the beginning of the year in the Christian calendar, marking the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word, adventus, meaning "coming” or “arrival.” During this time, we prepare for two significant comings of Jesus: His first coming through His birth in Bethlehem, and His second coming in His future promised return in glory. Advent is, therefore, a season of anticipation, longing, and expectation, and so Advent is a season of both hope and preparation.
The themes of Advent are:
Each week of Advent is dedicated to one of these themes, helping us centre our hearts on the meaning of Christmas and the fullness of God’s promises.
HOPE
We celebrate the hope we have in Jesus Christ, who is the fulfilment of God’s promises.
JOY
As we wait for the coming of the Saviour, Advent invites us to experience deep joy in the love and grace of God.
PEACE
Advent calls us to focus on the peace that Jesus offers - a peace that passes human understanding.
LOVE
Ultimately, Advent is a time to reflect on the perfect love of God, which is made manifest in Jesus, who came to redeem us.
During the Advent season, we do several things:
Spiritually Prepare For Christmas
In the rush of the end of the year routines, it’s easy to lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. Advent invites us to slow down and prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This season allows us to step away from noise and distraction and refocus on the Saviour’s arrival. Advent is a time of intentional waiting, reflecting on the significance of God’s gift of Jesus and what that means for our lives today.
Anticipate Jesus’ Return
Advent is not only about remembering Jesus’ first coming, but also about eagerly anticipating His second coming. As we light the Advent candles and reflect on Scripture, we remember that Jesus will return to make all things new. This gives us a renewed sense of hope and urgency in our faith, knowing that the God who came once to save us will one day return to complete His work. Advent calls us to live in expectant faith, always looking forward to the fulfilment of God’s promises.
Deepen Our Faith
Advent is an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with God. By engaging in prayer, Scripture reading, and reflection on the season’s themes, we grow in our understanding of God’s love, peace, hope, and joy. It’s a time for spiritual renewal, an invitation to draw closer to God, open our hearts to His transforming work, and prepare ourselves for all He has for us. Practicing Advent as a church family helps us centre our lives on Jesus, both individually and together.
Build Community Together
Advent is also a season of communal reflection and growth. As we come together for worship, share in Advent devotionals, or participate in acts of service, we build a stronger sense of unity and support. Advent reminds us that we are not alone in our waiting, God is with us, and we walk through this season together. It’s a time to strengthen our bonds as a church family and to encourage one another in faith.
Live Out The Advent Themes
During Advent, we can live out the themes of the season: hope, peace, joy, and love. As we reflect on these virtues, we’re called to embody them in our lives. We can spread hope to those around us who are struggling, offer peace to those in conflict, share joy in our communities, and extend love to those in need. Advent is not only about waiting for God’s love to be revealed, it’s also a call to be agents of that love in the world.
HOPE
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may
overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” —Romans 15:13
QUESTION: Where do you need to trust God in your life so that you may be filled with joy and peace; and overflowing with hope?
PRACTICE: Write down something that you are hoping for this Advent season on a Hope tag and pop it up on the Windsor Advent Tree in caféwindsor when you’re next at church, or write it down in a personal journal. Let’s be praying over the hopes of our community together as a church.
“You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.” —Psalm 119:114
QUESTION: What parts of God’s Word [the Bible] bring you hope? You might like to read them today.
PRACTICE: Find a candle to light at home that will act as a light of hope. Discuss with your household, or note in a journal, what hope means to you, and consider how you can share that hope with others in your community.
“Blessed is the person who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.” —Jeremiah 17:7
QUESTION: In what way is your hope in the Lord?
PRACTICE: Take a nature walk and reflect on the signs of hope in the world around you—like new growth or changing seasons. Collect some items from nature to create a hope-themed centrepiece
to place in your home as a reminder of God’s hope.
“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope; because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” —Lamentations 3:21-23
QUESTION: What are you feeling most hopeful about—for yourself and for the world?
PRACTICE: Make a salt dough star ornament (you can find a recipe here) for your home, or as a gift, to symbolise the hope of Jesus. As sure as the stars shine every night, so too is the promise of God and His hope for us. May this star
ornament serve as a reminder of God’s promises to us.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.—Isaiah 40:31
QUESTION: In what areas of your life does your strength need renewing? How can you bring your hope in the Lord into those
areas?
PRACTICE: Go for a walk in your neighbourhood and pray for the people and places you pass. Focus on the hope that your prayers can bring to your community.
“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Saviour; my God will hear me.” —Micah 7:7
QUESTION: What is your most vulnerable hope this Advent season? What’s it like waiting on God and watching for Him to move?
PRACTICE: Where and how could you share hope in your school, with your workplace, in your families, or with strangers? Make a list of small acts of kindness to perform throughout Advent. Share with your household, or note down in a
journal, how these acts bring hope to both the giver and the receiver.
“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” —Proverbs 23:18
QUESTION: What hope does this verse about hope give you?
PRACTICE: Write letters of encouragement to friends or family members who may need a boost. Send them out during Advent to spread hope.
PEACE
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” —2 Thessalonians 3:16
QUESTION: What specific areas of your life do you need peace in today? How can you bring
those areas to the Lord of Peace?
PRACTICE: Note down a prayer of peace on a Peace tag, highlighting an area in your life, or in the world, that needs the peace of Christ, and add it to the Windsor Advent Tree in caféwindsor when
you’re next at church, or write it down in a personal journal. Let’s be praying over the prayers of Peace on of our community together as a church.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”—John 14:27
QUESTION: How is God’s peace different from any kind of peace the world has to offer?
PRACTICE: Find a candle to light at home with those in your household that will act as a reflection of peace. In our busy, noisy world we fail to find real peace. You might like to make some time today to pull away from the noise and sit in
stillness to receive God’s peace.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:6-7
QUESTION: What anxious situations can you bring to God in prayer today in exchange for His wonderful peace?
PRACTICE: Pop on some calming or peaceful music, or sit outside and listen to the nature around you, and simply be. How does this make you feel?
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” —Romans 8:6
QUESTION: How is your mind “governed by the Spirit?” How can you bring your mind into line with the Spirit?
PRACTICE: Reflect and share with those in your household, or note it down in a journal, what brings you peace, and consider how you could implement those practices into your life more.
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” —Romans 14:19
QUESTION: Where might you be a conduit of God’s peace today?
PRACTICE: Make, find or purchase a Christmas tree decoration or decor item for your home that symbolises peace, and that reminds you of the peace of Christ. It could be a dove, a leaf, a flower, or something else entirely. Get creative!
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” —Psalm 34:14
QUESTION: How are you seeking and pursuing peace in all of your relationships?
PRACTICE: Spend some time praying for peace – for yourself, your family, your friends, your community, and our world. Where may you need to seek forgiveness? Where may you need to forgive? Consider how you can take the next step to restore a relationship in your life.
“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 Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” —Isaiah 9:6
QUESTION: What situations in the world, your neighbourhood, or your family, would you like to invite the Prince of Peace into?
PRACTICE: Take a walk around your neighbourhood, spend some time simply breathing in the fresh air, and notice the happenings around you. Who and what would you be praying for the peace of Christ for that you’re witnessing around you? How could you
practically share the peace of Christ with your community?
JOY
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with Joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” —Psalm 30:11-12
REFLECTION: Remember a time when God turned a hard or sad situation into a joyful one. Let it strengthen your trust in Him to do it again in an area where joy is needed.
PRACTICE: Note down something that you are celebrating or that brings you joy on the Joy tag, and add it to the Windsor Advent Tree in caféwindsor when you’re next at church, or write it down in a personal journal. Let’s be praying prayers of gratitude and thankfulness together over the celebrations of our church community.
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” —Nehemiah 8:10
QUESTION: What is the “joy of the Lord” and how does it make you strong?
PRACTICE: Find a candle to light at home that will act as a reflection of joy. Share with your household, or note in a journal, what the joy of the Lord is and how you have experienced His joy in your life.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” —Philippians 4:4
QUESTION: Do you feel joy when you think of the Lord? How does He delight you? What promises of God bring you joy?
PRACTICE: Share with someone what stories or promises of God bring you joy, or note them down in your journal. How many examples of God’s joy at work can you find in the Bible?
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” —Proverbs 17:22
QUESTION: How have you found this verse to be true? Reflecting
on recent times, what little messengers has God sent to you that are a source of joy?
PRACTICE: Share the joy! Do something that spreads kindness to others. Whether it’s a compliment, a homemade meal, mowing your neighbour’s berm, or something else entirely, spread some joy this Advent season!
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…”—James 1:2
QUESTION: In what ways do you face trials with joy? What is your joy based on? You might like to look up James Chapter 1, Verse 2 and continue reading through to the end of Verse 4 to find why we can face trials with joy.
PRACTICE: There’s joy in the journey. Reflect, write down or share the times in your life where you’ve found joy in the journey. What trial has led to a triumph? Where was a mess turned into a
message? How did a test turn into a testimony? In hindsight,
where was the joy of the Lord in those times of struggle? How does it make you feel knowing that He was right there with you?
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you
good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’” — Luke 2:10
QUESTION: How has the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus bought you great joy?
PRACTICE: Let’s be inspired by the awe and wonder of the birth of Jesus through the minds of children! If you have children in your household, use toys to retell the Christmas story, asking for their input! If you don’t have children in your household, watch videos of children retelling the Nativity story and prepare to be
inspired with a new outlook on the story, with some potential laughs along the way!
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”— Psalm 126:3
QUESTION: Look back over your life and recall all the great
things God has done in you and for you; allow this to fill you with joy.
PRACTICE: Do something that brings you or you and your household joy! Whether it’s watching a movie and eating some treats, baking, a family games nights, or checking out the local
Christmas lights!
LOVE
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.” —Romans 8:38
QUESTION: You might like to read this verse several times,
slowly. What is that like for you, knowing that absolutely nothing can separate you from God’s love?
PRACTICE: Note down one of the ways that God shows His love to you on a Love tag and add it to the Windsor Advent Tree in
caféwindsor when you’re next at church, or write it down in a personal journal. Together as a community, let’s be praying
prayers of thankfulness for God’s love and how He meets
each of us where we are at, as we are, with His love.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”—1 John 4:7
QUESTION: How does it help you love others, knowing that love comes from God? You might like to think about those in your life who are difficult to love. Spend some time asking for God’s love to flow through you to them.
PRACTICE: Find a candle to light at home that will act as a reflection of Christ’s love. Share with those in your household, or
note in a journal, what the love of the Lord is, how you have experienced His love in your life, and practical ways that you can share the love of Christ with others.
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”—1 John 4:16
QUESTION: How do you know and rely on the love of God?
PRACTICE: Take a nature walk and notice all the ways, big and small, that God shows His love for us daily. Is it in the sunset and the changing colours of the sky? Could it be heard through birdsong? Do you feel his love when breathing in fresh air? How
does God show His love to you through His creation?
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” —1 John 3:1
QUESTION/REFLECTION: What does it mean to you, to be a
child of God? Receiving God’s love is experiential rather than
intellectual. Take five minutes today to sit quietly, palms facing upwards and pray a simple pray like; ‘Father, I receive your love for me into my mind, my heart and my body.’ As your mind drifts repeat the prayer knowing that God is gentle and kind. You may feel something, you may not. Make yourself available to receive and let God do the rest.
PRACTICE: Sharing the love through food and story. Today, on Christmas Day, as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour with those in our lives, let’s share the love together by gathering for a meal and remembering the reason for the season—Jesus. Read the Nativity story together, and share what impact the birth of Jesus
has on your life today.