A Simple Advent for the Rest of Us: Finding a Rhythm of Rest in a Busy Season
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, it’s easy to find ourselves stuck in overdrive. So. many. things. clamor for our attention. Passion gives way to pressure to squeeze as much as we can out of the Christmas season. Do more. Give more. Run harder.
But Advent is meant to quiet us, to still our frenzied nerves, and draw us closer to the heart of God. Advent isn’t one more thing to do. It is an invitation to release what doesn’t matter, for the One who matters most.
I’ve created a simple Advent resource guide to help you refresh your soul in a season that can quickly deplete it. If you want to push back on all the things that clamor for your attention to make space for the One who can give you life and energy for all the rest, I invite you to grab the guide at the bottom of the post.
The Meaning of Advent
The word “advent” means arrival, or coming, and the season invites us to celebrate the coming of Christ, by looking back on Christ’s birth and by anticipating Christ’s return in the future.
The Church has divided the year into seasons (the liturgical calendar) according to the life of Christ. Advent is the first season of the church year.
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. The Church commemorates the season using an Advent wreath. The four Sundays leading up to Christmas are represented by four candles, arranged around the wreath, representing different themes: hope, peace, joy, and love. There is a fifth candle, called the Christ candle, placed in the center of the wreath, which is lit on Christmas Day. The Church has curated Scripture readings to attend each Sunday of Advent to help us draw near to Christ. It’s a way of helping “every heart, prepare him room.”
Finding a Simple Advent Rhythm
When I first began engaging the season of Advent in my early 20s, I rose early each morning in December and joined my roommate around a wreath of candles. We lit the candles and read the Scriptures appointed for that day. This daily rhythm put hope and anticipation in my heart for all that Christmas and Jesus’ birth meant for my faith. The “God with us” warmed me with himself on those cold winter mornings.
As a mother, I’ve fought hard to hold onto early morning quiet times, especially when it comes to Advent. But I’ve found that the reality is that the kind of serene early mornings with God I enjoyed in my 20s are difficult, if not impossible, to recreate. My weekly reflection guide takes the life stage of a mother into account.
Set the Stage with a Simple Advent Wreath
God has not blessed me with the crafty gene. But if you would like to create an Advent wreath, you may find resources to do so here, and here, or you can buy one through my affiliate link here. Below is a picture of my simple make-shift Advent wreath.
I’ll also add ornaments, beads, or other small decorations. I’m learning that like with many things in life, there’s no one right way to do it. Use what you have and arrange it in a way that works for you.
While there are several Advent devotionals, like this one and reading plans available to use for Advent, I have created a simple reflection guide just for you.
An Advent Resource for you
I’ve created an Advent guide, including my biggest secret to creating the space and margin for a slow and soulful Advent. I also list several Advent devotionals and share how to make a simple Advent wreath, and how to create a fun activity Advent calendar for your little ones that doesn’t make you want to pull your hair out! No crafty genes required!
The Guide also includes four Advent reflections I’ve written based on the four themes of the season: hope, peace, joy, and love. They are meant to be read each Sunday of Advent. My hope is that this guide offers grace and breathing room, rather than one more thing to do. Think of this as an opportunity to take a quiet retreat from the crazy to get alone with Jesus and refocus your soul.
Advent begins Sunday, December 2. Enter your information below to get the Guide.
I’ve never traditionally celebrated “Advent” before, I’ve only focused on celebrating Christ’s birth on Christmas Day. I love the idea of taking more time across the whole month to reflect on Jesus and what His coming means. Thanks for putting this resource together Kate – it sounds perfect for my schedule, and I’m excited to check it out!
Alicia, I’m so glad I can be the one to introduce you. The rhythms of Advent heighten the enjoyment of this season so much! I hope you enjoy the series.