When we bought the wreath, I wasn’t too sure what to do with it, since I come from a Pentecostal tradition that doesn’t typically incorporate this ritual into its services. I searched the internet for advent readings, but I was frustrated to find that nothing seemed appropriate for my family, which includes children. So, I mashed together some of what I found and edited it so it is suitable for families.

Our children love gathering around the advent wreath. And they each anticipate having their turn at reading and lighting a candle.

As our family gets ready to celebrate advent again this Christmas season, I thought that some other Christian parents out there might benefit from the readings that I put together. For some families who have already considered adding this tradition to their family, perhaps this might even serve as a gentle push in that direction.

We typically aim to light one candle each Sunday. Sometimes Sunday don’t work so well, so we do it on Monday or Tuesday instead. And the first year we did it, we got started late, after Advent was already underway. Just do whatever works best for your family! I know some people are now using these readings at their church as well.

(Starting late does have its advantages—we got our wreath on sale ).

Each advent reading includes readings, a song, Scripture readings, prayer, the lighting of a candle, and a couple discussion questions. I printed of a few copies of each reading for our family to share.

You are welcome to edit the files as you need to. For our family, “Child 1” = a young child who needs help reading. For every parent reading part, I tried to include at least 2 readings for each child. I think each reading took about 5 minutes.

Download the word files by clicking the links below:

1. Advent Week 1
2. Advent Week 2
3. Advent Week 3
4. Advent Week 4
5. Advent Christmas Day

Feel free to share this with others who might find these readings helpful!

“ Get your free Advent Candle Readings for Families with Children here.

P.S. This year, advent officially begins on Sunday, December 1, 2024.

Andrew K. Gabriel, Ph.D., is the author of Simply Spirit-Filled: Experiencing God in the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit as well as three academic books, including The Lord is the Spirit. He is a theology professor at Horizon College and Seminary and serves on the Theological Study Commission for the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. You can follow him on Facebook or on Twitter.

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