Welcome to Celebrate Advent Through the Eyes of a Child

Since Jesus came to earth as a child, this year we decided to celebrate Advent by emulating the positive characteristics of a child. Below, you will find our guide for each day of December. Each day matches the number on our digital, interactive PDF Advent calendar. Simply download the Advent calendar to your phone, tablet, or computer. I like to save the calendar on my tablet and then send it to Apple Books. Clicking on each day will link to this post. Once you’re on this post, simply scroll below to find the correct day’s entry. If you’d like, please leave any comments in the comment section below.

Let’s celebrate Advent together!

Day 1 Faith-Filled

Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!” Luke 1:45

Activity: Faith comes naturally to children. It’s not hard for them to believe the impossible! Today we are going to take a step of faith, a leap of faith! Today we are going to pray for God’s will about a prayer request that has been on your heart and do one thing to show your faith that God is acting for you. Make the phone call, sign up for the class, give the gift, write the post. Make sure what you are trusting God for lines up with His word and His will and take a step. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, You know this request I’ve been praying for what seems like forever. It’s still here, and I’m still here praying it, Lord. I’m in it for the long haul. Today I choose to believe that You are at work lining up the circumstances, the people, the resources to work together for Your good. I choose to believe You’re changing hearts and creating the time and space for this answer according to Your will. Amen.

Day 2 Trust

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. In God, I praise his word. In God, I put my trust. I will not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:3-4

Activity: Until they learn otherwise, children are naturally very trusting. They trust you will feed them, clean them, dress them, and love them. We can work on our attitudes of trust. In the Greek, trust means “to wait joyfull.” So today’s activity is an unactivity of sorts. We’re going to wait for God’s answer. So, don’t make the call, don’t write the email. Pray and wait. While we are waiting, we are going to do something that brings joy! Sing a song, walk in the woods, or go to your favorite coffee shop with a good book or Bible study. Wait and enjoy God because your trust is in Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord, today I am exercising my trust from my prayer yesterday, but I am taking it a step further. I am going to praise you in it. By having the audacity to be joyful and do something I love, I am cultivating my trust by being joy-filled in the waiting. I praise you, Lord. Amen. 

Day 3 Imitate

“Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to release the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke,  to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Isn’t it to distribute your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house? When you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you not hide yourself from your own flesh? Isaiah 58:7-8

Activity: Children often imitate their parents – for better or for worse! For today’s activity, let’s ask ourselves, “What does God do?” He feeds the hungry, visits the lonely, clothes the naked, comforts the grieving, and loves His children. Today pour out of the blessings God has given you. Pay for a meal for another; donate to the Salvation Army or Right to Life. Visit your lonely neighbor or invite her over for a cup of coffee and some conversation. Do what God would do. Amen.

Prayer: Dear Lord, today I want to imitate You and join You in caring for others. First, I pray for those stuck in bondage of all kinds. In Jesus’ name, I pull down the work of the enemy and ask that you break every yoke that is binding people to drugs, alcohol, sex, mental illness, and any other addiction. Show me this day how I can join You in caring for others. May my path meet up with someone, or may You bring to mind a person who needs my tangible help today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 4 Vocal

In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

Activity: Most babies arrive in the world loudly announcing their needs to everyone within hearing.Young children are also usually not shy about expressing their needs and wants. Sometimes as adults we have learned to stifle that reflex. Let’s reactivate it in a good way. Activity: What needs do you have in your life? No matter how big or small, each one is important. Today your activity is to vocalize those needs through prayer. Invite God into this space and watch for His work in your life. If you feel led, share your need with another person who cares and will join you in prayer. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, As we grow up, we sometimes feel guilty about asking You for things. We think perhaps we’re being selfish. You tell us in Your word to not be anxious but to instead pray about everything. Nothing is too big or too little to bring before you. Thank you. I release the burdens I have been carrying about _____________ into your hands. I ask for Your will to be done and for the best resolution and provision for this need to be met. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

Day 5 Path of Life

and when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way. Walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

Activity: Children come into the world with possibilities before them. As parents, we don’t yet know what their path of life will be. It’s exciting to watch it unfold over the years. Sometimes as adults, we feel we are stuck in the path we have already chosen. However, that’s not necessarily true. We may have a new path for a new season of life. I love today’s activity. Our Scripture says, when you are walking you will hear a voice behind you saying, This is the way. Walk in it.” Take a walk today with God. Wherever you live, find a quiet, beautiful place and walk with God. While you are walking, ask Him to direct your steps. And then give Him opportunity to direct you. Don’t worry that you are on the wrong path. LIke Paul on the Road to Damascus, God is more than able to redirect your steps. Take a walk with God and listen to Him today. And be watching for confirmation of His calling in your life. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, I acknowledge that at times in my life, I have felt stuck. I pray for your guidance and direction as I figure out my path of life. I want to live a life of purpose and meaning. I desire to leave a legacy of faith and fruit for those behind me. Help me to listen well and fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I walk the path of life you have for me in each season of my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Day 6 Curiosity

Yahweh’s angel appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the middle of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. 3 Moses said, “I will go now, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” Exodus 3:2-3

Activity: Children go through a stage where they constantly say,”Why, Mommy? Why?” Like children, we can use our curiosity to our advantage. Today’s activity is to become a thinking person. Sometimes as adults we just accept the status quo — what the culture or the world says is true. We stop investigating to find out what God’s heart is on an issue, a fad, or a habit. For today’s activity, choose something God may be encouraging you to “get to the heart of the matter of” and thoroughly question it, explore it, and begin to settle it in your mind. Write it in your journal.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I don’t want to waste my life blindly following the latest fads, movie stars, or political rants. Help me to be a curious, thinking person who seeks your wisdom and discernment on issues big and small. May I thoroughly explore and investigate and come to the truth of a matter with your direction. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Day 7 Clean Slate

“Come now, and let’s reason together,” says Yahweh: “Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18

Activity: Children are born with a clean slate. While they still have a sin nature, they aren’t bogged down by a lifetime of sin and regret that adults sometimes struggle with. For today’s activity, decide you are going to trust God with that thing in your life you can’t seem to shake. It could be a sin, shame, regret, or abuse that was done to you. You most likely know what it is because it’s always in the background of your mind. If you haven’t already, confess it or ask God to help you work through the paint. Now it’s time to forgive yourself or someone else and live your life each morning with a clean slate. Don’t let it hold you back anymore. Condemnation is from the enemy, not from the Holy Spirit. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, for too long I have held on to shame, hatred, anger, grief, regret, or fear. I have let the enemy deceive me into believing I am damaged goods with a stain forever on my name. Today I resolve with God’s help to change my mindset and commit to believe the truth (no more lies) of what God says about me. Because of Jesus, I am clean, forgiven, pure, at peace, healed, and loved. Each day is a new beginning. I am a child of God and I have the mind of Christ. You created me for a purpose. With Your help, I will fulfill it. Amen. 

Day 8 Adventurous

Behold, I will do a new thing. It springs out now. Don’t you know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

Activity: Children don’t have a choice but to be adventurous because everything they try is a new experience! We are wise to nourish that characteristic throughout our lives. I love a new thing! While change can be hard, many times I find it exhilarating. Mary and Joseph definitely had to embrace change to follow God’s will. For today’s activity, break out of your rut and try something new. A new food, a new activity,or perhaps a new class. Ask God to bring something novel into your life! Carpe diem!

Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you that you made a world full of adventure. Help me not to settle for the same thing day in and day out. I want to constantly challenge myself to try new things. May I shake off the dust of my life and open myself to the new experiences you have waiting for me to accept and explore. I want to celebrate Advent with a fresh spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Day 9 Unconditional Love

 But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Activity: It’s a thing of beauty to experience the unconditional love of a child. A hug from a little one is a priceless gift. As parents, we all have those days when we forget about the gift. We get tired, lose our patience, or in some other way, we miss the mark. What’s amazing is how quick children are to forgive and love us unconditionally. God’s love for us is unconditional too. God doesn’t love us only on the days when we get things right; He loves us on the days when we don’t get it right too. For today’s activity, work on loving a prickly person in your life. What is one way you can extend unconditional love while still maintaining any boundaries you may need to maintain? 

Prayer: Dear Lord, it is amazing that you died for us while we were yet sinners. You did not ask us to clean up ourselves. You showed us unconditional love. Help us to emulate that love to others. We pray especially to be able to love those with whom we have hard relationships. Direct us on how to do this in a way that is healthy for ourselves and for the other person. GIve us your insight and wisdom, we pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 10 Authentic

I will give thanks to you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well. Psalm 139:14

Activity: Children start out in this world as their true selves. We’ve all been delighted (or embarrassed!) by a child who says exactly what they’re thinking. As adults, many of us learn to disguise our authentic selves to conform to what we feel others expect of us. For today’s activity do something God created you to do that you’ve put off doing because you’ve been afraid of what others might think. Voice your opinion, make a decision, join a group.. Or perhaps your most authentic voice is learning how to say no to a request that is not the best for you to do at this time. Be true to whom God has created you to be, which will align with His Word and His will for your life.

Prayer: Father, I thank you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made with an authentic voice and personality you have given me. At times I have felt the need to hide my true self and conform to others’ expectations or to the world’s current fad. Forgive me. Help me to find my voice, my talents, and my authenticity and live according to the calling on my life. In Jesus name. Amen. 

Day 11 Tiny Things

“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these among so many? John 6:9

Activity: When you watch a toddler, you see how enthralled they are with the tiny things around them — a piece of fuzz on the carpet, a stone on the ground, a seashell in the sand. I take such delight in tiny things! A tiny delicate flower, a tiny precious baby, a beautiful tiny moment in time when the world is frosted in snow and the sun illuminates it beautifully. All these tiny things bring joy to my heart.For your activity, take some time today to appreciate tiny things, to truly see them. Find three tiny gifts as you go through your day and record them in your journal. 

Prayer: Jesus, in the scripture today we see a boy who gave the tiny things he had and watched Jesus use them in a huge, magnificent way. God has created tiny things to be a blessing to us. In them we see God’s intricate creative touches – if only we take the time to stop and look. The lacy handiwork of a snowflake, the dazzling brilliance of a stone sparkling in the sun, the interplay of color, scent, and texture in a flower, the flutter of your baby’s eyelashes. Help us to see and be moved and then magnify their stature by sharing with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 12 Celebrations

Also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:13

Activity:Have you ever noticed how children love to make a celebration out of anything? Like them, I love a good celebration! Family movie night. A snowy day. A trip to the movie theater. As adults, we’re often derailed by the amount of work it takes us to create the celebrations of life. Let’s recapture the joy of celebrations.

Some celebrations are shared by a nation, such as Independence Day. Other celebrations are shared by a town or a family. Sometimes a celebration will be just between you and God. Usually, celebrations are best when shared with loved ones. For your activity today, make a list of things you can celebrate, things that God has brought you through or accomplished through you. Then invite a friend to share lunch, a walk, or a special treat and CELEBRATE!

Prayer: Dear Lord, You made feasts an important part of Israel’s life as you drew the people together in celebration and worship. Christmas is one such celebration for us. Give us the uninhibited joy of a child as we worship and celebrate Your birth this month. May the words of Christmas carols resonate in our hearts as never before. May the glow of candlelight remind us that You are the Light of the World. Amen.

Day 13 Dependance

 But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s mouth.’Matthew 4:4

Activity: Children are born into this world being dependent on us for everything they need in life. That is how God wants us to be with Him. You are going to like today’s activity. God’s word says we are more dependent on His Word to bring us life than the necessary bread we eat. What can be more necessary than the word necessary? Today take your bible, go to your favorite bakery or cafe and order your favorite buttered toast (or whatever you like on toast). While you are eating your delicious toast read Matthew 4 in your Bible. Journal about what you learn concerning how necessary God’s Word is to health and life while eating your toast.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank You that Your word sustains us. It gives us life, hope, encouragement, protection, and wisdom. Our lives would be void without it. Help us to share it with those around us. And may we reflect on the reality that at this season the Word Made Flesh came to earth and dwelt among us. Amen. 

Day 14 Wonder

How great are his signs! How mighty are his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. His dominion is from generation to generation. Daniel 4:3

Activity: It’s amazing to experience nature with a child. They are awed by the size of a tree, the crashing of waves, a bunny hopping through the yard, or picking a ripe tomato from the vine. Today, if the weather and your location allow, take a drive to an area where you can focus on the wonder and miracle of God’s magnificent creation. For example, I love to go to our local nature center and wander through the woods. I also love to walk the stormy shores of Lake Michigan on a blustery December day. Reflect on the wonder of our God during this Advent season.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Your wonders are all around us. You made nature to reflect the beauty of Your nature. We see Your light reflected in the sun and stars; Your strength in the mountains; Your power in the crashing waves; Your peace in a meadow; Your artist’s eye in the colors of leaves and flowers and insects and sunrises; Your provision in the bounty of a harvest; and Your love in the birth of Your Son, our Savior. We worship in wonder at our newborn King. Amen. 

Day 15 Forgiving

And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Activity: Little children have tender hearts. I know as a parent when I lost my patience or my temper, my children were so quick to forgive and forget. Sometimes as adults, we tend to “keep a record of wrongs.” For our activity today, let go of the minor annoyances that have been building up in your mind with a family member or friend. If you’ve been avoiding them, consider scheduling a tea or hike or something fun to try and break the negative pattern you’re currently experiencing.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be as quick to forgive others as You are to forgive me. I don’t want a bitter heart but a tender heart that does not keep a record of wrongs. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins. This Christmas, help me to extend that same gift to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Day 16 Faithful

He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. Luke 16:10

Activity: Children stick close to the ones and the places they love. As adults, sometimes the cares of the world or a busy schedule weigh us down, and we may slack off a bit in our commitment to church or Bible study. For today’s activity, let’s reconnect with our faith. Purchase a new devotional or prayer book. Make attending service or Bible study again a priority this week. God is waiting with open arms. 

Prayer: Dear God, I admit I sometimes waver in my faithfulness. Through busyness or weariness, my prayer life, church attendance, or devotional time falls lower on my priority list. Thank you that you are always waiting with open arms. Help me to realize that there may be seasons of life when I”m caring for others — so my faithfulness may need to adapt. And that’s ok. Help me to embrace my seasons and find my time with you in each one. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Day 17 Exhuberance

And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 WEB

Activity: Children stick close to the ones and the places they love. As adults, sometimes the cares of the world or a busy schedule weigh us down, and we may slack off a bit in our commitment to church or Bible study. For today’s activity, let’s reconnect with our faith. Purchase a new devotional or prayer book. Make attending service or Bible study again a priority this week. God is waiting with open arms. 

Prayer: Dear God, I admit I sometimes waver in my faithfulness. Through busyness or weariness, my prayer life, church attendance, or devotional time falls lower on my priority list. Thank you that you are always waiting with open arms. Help me to realize that there may be seasons of life when I”m caring for others — so my faithfulness may need to adapt. And that’s ok. Help me to embrace my seasons and find my time with you in each one. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Day 18 Sensitivity

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

Activity: Many children are sensitive little souls. They can get their feelings hurt easily, but I’ve also found them to be very empathetic to the plight of others. They sense when someone is upset or hurt and often respond by giving hugs and kisses. Whenever my grandson sees someone hurting, he drops what he is doing and soon you see paper strewn around the room and crayons and paints scattered about as he creates a work of art for the upset one. For today’s activity, pray God will show you someone who needs encouragement and then keep your antennae alert for the person. Respond as God leads you.

Prayer: Dear God, I admit I sometimes waver in my faithfulness. Through busyness or weariness, my prayer life, church attendance, or devotional time falls lower on my priority list. Thank you that you are always waiting with open arms. Help me to realize that there may be seasons of life when I”m caring for others — so my faithfulness may need to adapt. And that’s ok. Help me to embrace my seasons and find my time with you in each one. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Day 19 Helpful

I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant[a] of the assembly that is at Cenchreae, that you receive her in the Lord, in a way worthy of the saints, and that you assist her in whatever matter she may need from you, for she herself also has been a helper of many, and of my own self. Romans 16:1-2

Activity: Little children always want to help. “Me help,” the youngest ones may plead, as they follow you about. As we get older, we’re often so consumed with our own tasks that we don’t think much about joining someone else in their work. Well, for today’s activity we’re asking you to help someone else with a task or surprise them by doing it before they get to it. Perhaps you take out the trash, shovel the snow, weed the garden, or do the dishes when it’s not your turn. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for the helpers who have stepped up at important times in my life. The truth is, people need each other. We were not made to walk through this life alone. Help me, God, to pause from my own agenda and share the load on another’s task. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Day 20 Routine

Yahweh, in the morning you will hear my voice. In the morning I will lay my requests before you, and will watch expectantly. Psalm 5:3

Activity: Little children thrive on routines. They live their best lives when they have a schedule they can count on. Likewise, when adults have a daily routine that prioritizes our physical, mental, and spiritual health, we also thrive and live our best lives. For today’s activity, think about one thing you can add to your routine. Perhaps you want to add a daily cup of healthy herb tea, devote 15 minutes to stretching, or read a book on getting rid of a toxic mindset. Pick something that resonates with you and make it a routine part of your life.

Prayer: Dear Lord, as a busy woman, I often forget to care about myself as I spend so much time caring for others. Show me where I need to direct some focused care and attention to my body, soul, or spirit. I want to cultivate daily routines that lead to health and enable me to live out my calling and purpose. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 21 Playful

The streets of the city will be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.” Zechariah 8:5

Activity: Every child loves to play. Board games, word games, card games, team sports, or made-up games, playing is an important part of a child’s life. Play is also an important part of a child of God’s life. Today our activity is simple: play a game. Play something you enjoyed doing as a child. Go to a playground and swing, ride the merry-go-round, or go down a slide. Play a board game — I personally love Candy Land (the vintage edition), and I make my family play it with me every birthday. Ride your bike, go skating, or look at an old Christmas catalog online and relive a few childhood dreams. Most importantly, have fun!

Prayer: Dear Lord, I think it makes you happy to watch children play. May I be one of them again. Help me today to rediscover the gift of play. I don’t want to be serious all the time. May I laugh, skip, play hopscotch, jump rope, ride my bike, and rediscover the power of fun. Amen. 

Day 22 Creativity

He has filled them with wisdom of heart to work all kinds of workmanship, of the engraver, of the skillful workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of those who do any workmanship, and of those who make skillful works. Exodus 35:35

Activity: I am amazed at the creativity of my grandsons. Give them a few sticks, some stones, and a pile of dirt, and they keep themselves busy for hours. God, the great Creator has also gifted you with creativity. Unfortunately, creativity is deeply impacted by stress and busyness. For today’s activity, purposefully carve some time from your schedule to be creative. Pick up your paintbrush, your violin, or your drawing pencils, and let’s make something beautiful for God. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, almost every day I have these fleeting moments where I think of something I want to create: a bouquet of flowers, a felted animal, a small painting, a greeting card, a Christmas song on my dulcimer. But almost every day I push that feeling down in my “too busy to go there box.” Help me to realize in doing that, I’m missing out in connecting with You as Creator God. You have also made me with the desire to create. Help me this week to take the time to start a project that my heart is yearning over. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Day 23 Angelic

The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ† the Lord. This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.” Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:10-14

Activity: Holding a baby in our arms, we can’t help but think how angelic they look, so fresh from the heart of God. True angels are tasked with relaying God’s messages to His people. One night they announced good tidings of great joy. “Today in the city of David, Christ our Savior is born! “Today find a way to be one of God’s messengers and tell someone about the birth of our savior. Get a few Christmas cards with a solid Christmas message and give them to your neighbors, your child’s teachers, or the clerk in your grocery store. Find a way to share the Good News today!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the times in our lives when we have been visited by angels unaware. Somewhere, somehow, someone shared the message of God’s love with us. Today, quicken my heart to a person that needs to hear the Good News of your birth and help me proclaim it. Amen. 

Day 24  Christmas Eve

Thank you for your participation in the celebration of Advent. May God bless you and your family on this Christmas Eve. May the birth of the Savior infuse your family, your days, and your year with hope and purpose. Merry Christmas!