Personal and Family Activities for Advent

For members of Perry Highway Lutheran Church and their families and friends, here are personalized and family-oriented activities to engage in during Advent 2023, inspired by the themes of the “God With Us: A Social Justice Advent Guide for Families“:

Weekly Advent Reflections at Home:

• First Week (Hope): Gather as a family to read and discuss Isaiah 2:1-5. Reflect on what hope means in your personal life and how you can be a source of hope for others.
• Second Week (Service): Engage with Psalm 72 and discuss ways to serve those in need within your community. Plan a small act of service, such as donating to a local charity or helping a neighbor.
• Third Week (Patience): Read James 5:7-10 together. Practice patience in daily life, perhaps through a family project that requires teamwork and time.
• Fourth Week (Inclusivity): Share the story of Jesus’ birth (Matthew 1:18-25) and discuss the importance of acceptance and love for all, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Advent Calendar of Kind Acts:

Create a DIY Advent calendar with simple daily acts of kindness and charity. This could include writing a thank-you note, offering help to a family member, or donating food to a local food bank.

Family Service Project

Choose a cause or a local charity and plan a family project to support it. This could range from collecting warm clothes for a shelter to preparing a meal for a neighbor in need.

Intergenerational Story Sharing:

Host a family evening where older members share stories of hope and resilience with the younger generation, fostering a sense of connection and continuity.  If you do not have older or younger members of your family present, why not invite members of our church family to participate?

Virtual Connection with Community:

If unable to gather physically, use video calls to connect with other church members for prayer, scripture reading, or sharing reflections on the Advent themes.

Crafting for a Cause:

Engage in crafting activities that can be donated or sold to raise funds for charity. This can be a fun way for families to create together and contribute to a good cause.

Prayer and Meditation:

Set aside time for personal or family prayer and meditation, focusing on the themes of Advent and the world’s needs.

Advent Journaling:

Encourage each family member to keep an Advent journal, noting thoughts, prayers, and reflections on the weekly themes.

Environmental Stewardship:

Embrace care for creation by planting a tree, starting a compost bin, or reducing waste as a family.

Supporting Local Businesses:

As a way to serve and uplift your community, make a conscious effort to shop for Christmas gifts and necessities from local small businesses.

As we embark on the journey of Advent this season, let’s embrace the opportunity to live out our faith through meaningful actions. I encourage each member of Perry Highway Lutheran Church, along with their families and friends, to actively participate in one or more of the following activities.

Pastor Ryan