What Is Advent?

The arrival of a notable person, thing or event. An appearance, an emergent. A birth. This is how advent is defined by dictionary sites. Advent is a season observed by many Christians. It leads up to the Christmas season and is a time of expectancy, anticipation and preparation. A waiting period for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Advent is a reminder of what God has done and what He will do. A time to remember the longing and waiting that God’s people did until finally a baby was born in a manger. Advent is also a time to remember that Jesus will come again (He has told us He will). And we will not know the year, the day, the hour.  Celebrations should not stop when the Christmas season is over. Let Advent, let Christmas be a reminder to each of us to continually prepare our hearts. To spiritually prepare every day for the moment when Jesus returns. Let’s focus our hearts on the anticipation of His return.
Let’s have an advent heart, not just a season, every day.

How Do We Participate?

As you participate in TRC’s Advent calendar, we encourage you to share your experience with others. Do not let the activities overwhelm you, they are merely suggestions to give you inspiration and ideas. You can add to them, change them or skip them! This is designed to encourage conversations in your home to be focused on Jesus and His word daily. To encourage spiritual growth in everyone. Our desire is that you and your family will grow closer to God and each other and create a habit of including Jesus in your every day.

We are including a daily scripture, activity and links for ideas, recipes, suggested items for purchase. Again, these are all for your choosing. Some items might be found in your home already or at your local store for less than online. We also know that you have a busy schedule and some activities might not work on certain days for you. Feel free to move things around that fit your home. We will also include a list of books that might help during this season, check your library to see if any of these can be borrowed.

Thank you for participating in this fun activity to bring TRC families together and to share the love of Jesus with our community, family and friends.

The Rock Church Family Advent Calendar 

Scripture: Luke 2:8-12
Discussion: Read the Nativity story and talk about who each character is, what role they play, which character you like best, relate to, etc.
Activity: Set up your Nativity Set Links: Kids Nativity Set 1 Kids Nativity Set/Wooden Nativity Set/Toddler Nativity Set
Share: Your family ready to start the advent adventure, family setting up nativity.
Scripture: Luke 12:40 + 1 Peter 1:3
Discussion: Discuss the excitement of anticipation, the arrival of Christmas, what were the Nativity characters feeling waiting on the birth of Jesus?
Activity: Create or set up a Countdown
LInks: Simple Countdown Idea / Purchase a premade countdown
Share: What your family is most excited about this season, what your are anticipating, making your countdown craft.
Scripture: James 1:17-18
Discussion: What good and perfect gifts has God given you? Did you know you are God’s prized possession? What is your most prized possession?
Activity: Make a list of what we are thankful for and blessed with
Links: Thankful List
Share: What your family is most thankful for this season
Scripture: Matt 2:9-10
Discussion: Why do you think the star brought them so much joy? What brings you joy? How do we navigate while traveling now?
Activity: if possible, check out the stars at night and discuss what you see. Make a star tree topper or a star for your home as a reminder of today’s scripture.
Links: Star Tree TopperStar Craft
Share: Your family checking out the stars, or making a star craft.
Scripture: John 13:34
Discussion: How can we tell others we love them? What is your favorite way to be told you are loved? (hugs, words, gifts, etc)
Activity: A meaningful way to tell others they are loved, is to make and send them a card telling them how much you love them. Make cards to send to your loved ones.
Links: Card idea 1 / Card Idea 2
Share: your family making cards (but don’t give away the surprise on who is receiving them)
Scripture: Isaiah 7:14+ 1 Peter 1:8-9 Discussion: Jesus’ birth brought so much hope. Because of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection, we can have an eternal life with him. Can you have hope without trust? What are some things you have hope for every day? What are you hoping for this Christmas season?
Activity: Make a hope list and a wish list together- talk about the difference
Links: Wish List idea
Share: everyone making their lists
Scripture: Phil 4:4-5
Discussion: How can you always be full of joy in the Lord? How can we show we are considerate in all we do?
Activity: Enjoy a family game night while having your discussions Share: what your family’s favorite game is
Scripture: Matt 20:28
Discussion: Talk about how you can serve others like Jesus did
Activity: Come up with ways to serve someone in your family, school, work, neighborhood, church. Let everyone serve others today, or this week.
Links: 101 acts of kindness
Scripture: Isaiah 9:6
Discussion: Did you know Jesus had so many names? Can you think of other names for him? What does your name mean?
Activity: Use google or a baby name book and help each other find out what their name means, or why they have the name they were given.
Scripture: 2 Cor. 9:7-9
Discussion: God is very generous. He wants us to cheerfully share and give with others. Do you like to share?
Activity: Find things you no longer want or need that you can give to others as a blessing. Pray over these donations, that they will meet the needs of the recipient and give them joy.
Scripture: Psalm 118:24
Discussion: What has been the best thing about today? What made you glad?
Activity: Everyone get cozy and enjoy a Christmas movie together
Share: what is your favorite Christmas movie?
Scripture: John 8:12
Discussion: What did Jesus mean when he stated: I am the light of the world? How important is it for us to be a light to our world? What does that look like?
Activity: Go enjoy looking at Christmas lights, participate in the scavenger hunt below, or everyone vote on your favorite houses/displays.
Links: Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt 
Share: your family outing
Scripture: Matt 6:4
Discussion: Have you ever received something and didn’t know where it came from? If you could give something to someone and them not know it came from you, what would it be?
Activity: Drop off treats, ornament, some kind of small gift to a friend or neighbor and be a silent ninja about it!
Links: Bag Tag Idea 
Share: you have to be careful sharing this, or it might give it away!
Scripture: Luke 2: 13-14
Discussion: How awesome that everyone was praising God when they heard about the birth of our Savior. What’s your favorite way to praise God? Do you like singing? Everyone share their favorite Christmas song
Activity: Have a caroling or karaoke night. Or even a dance party at home!
Link: Christmas Worship Playlist
Share: Everyone having a blast!
Scripture: Matt 5:14-16
Discussion: How can you be a light to others? Why is important to let your good deeds shine out for all to see?
Activity: Consider making cards, crafts, decorations, or writing encouraging notes to those who are without family this season. Deliver these to a nursing home or hospital.
Scripture: John 3:16
Discussion: You probably already have this verse memorized. But today really reflect on it, read it in other bible versions. Talk about why this verse is so important and known by so many.
Activity: This verse brings comfort- like Hot Chocolate! Enjoy a nice warm cup with family. Check out the recipe below for a classic version, or share your favorite. Don’t forget the toppings!
Links: Hot Chocolate Recipe
Share: Show us your hot chocolate night
Scripture: 1 John 4: 11-12
Discussion: Who do we love that might not know Jesus? How can we share Jesus with them? Talk about who you should invite to church with you.
Activity: Send a text, make a call, invite someone to the next church service to sit with you
Link: Peoria / Goodyear / Oklahoma City
Share: post the invite on your social media
Scripture: Col 3:16-17
Discussion: Learning about Jesus birth and life can be fun for everyone. How can we help others learn about him? How do we represent Jesus?
Activity: Put your wisdom to the test…Let’s play Christmas Bible Trivia! It’s ok if you don’t know some of the answers, that’s just more to learn! Maybe after trivia, a snowball fight will break out!
Links: Trivia Game Snowball fight kit
Share: all the fun you had today!
Scripture: Psalm 16:11
Discussion: What are Christmas traditions your family has? Are there any you would like to start? What are your favorite Christmas memories? Make sure everyone gets to share. Activity: Discuss starting a new tradition or make a keepsake for 2023
Share: What your family traditions or best memories are
Scripture: Ecc 3:13
Discussion: Talk about hosting a family dinner and inviting others to join you or delivering a meal to others. You would need cooks, waiters, entertainers, dishwashers.
Activity: Host a meal, deliver a meal, or send someone a giftcard for a meal on your family!
Share: Let us know if you had a dinner party and how awesome it was.
Scripture: Zephaniah 3:17
Discussion: All is Calm. Take time today to just be still, be calm, reset. Talk about the importance of having down time, quiet time with Jesus.
Activity: Wear your Christmas pajamas and enjoy the calmness of today. Play some Christmas worship music, and meditate on all you have learned so far this season. Share: Well if everyone is in Christmas pajamas, we need to see it.
Scripture: Phil 4:8
Discussion: Talk about how you keep your focus on these things. How we guard our minds and hearts. How do we know what is pleasing to God?
Activity: Want to build a Gingerbread house?
Links: Gingerbread Craft (not food) Most local stores sell Gingerbread kits or you can make your own
Share: Definitely share your creations
Scripture: Luke 2:11
Discussion: The Savior was born today! We should celebrate by making or having your favorite treats. What are your favorite ways to celebrate good news? Take turns talking about what your celebration would look like.
Activity: Make special treats together. If you want to make Christmas cookies, we have a classic recipe below. Or you can purchase kits and decorate them.
Links: Classic Sugar Cookie
Share: Of course we want to see what you made today, or how you would celebrate!
Scripture: Matt 26:26-28
Discussion: What is communion? Why do we partake in communion? Talk about the communion elements. Have a prayer moment together.
Activity: Set up a communion time - and take communion as a family (purchase juice and crackers) Attend a Christmas Eve service at The Rock Church.
Share: Bring someone to church with you, share Jesus with friends + family
Scripture: Luke 2:1-23 + Matt 2:10-11
Discussion: What is the meaning of Christmas?
Activity: Enjoy spending time with friends + family, giving + receiving gifts, making memories. You can even host a Happy Birthday Jesus celebration.
Share: Make sure you tell everyone Merry Christmas + Happy Birthday Jesus today!
Scripture: Luke 2:1-23 + Matt 2:10-11
Discussion: What is the meaning of Christmas?
Activity: Enjoy spending time with friends + family, giving + receiving gifts, making memories. You can even host a Happy Birthday Jesus celebration.
Share: Make sure you tell everyone Merry Christmas + Happy Birthday Jesus today!