5 Fantastic Advent Devotionals for Busy Families

It's hard to believe that Advent is less than a week away! Being that it took me this late in November to write up a post of Advent suggestions (in the craziness and busyness of mom life!), I figured I should focus on easy, approachable Advent devotionals that will fit into any family's schedule. Here are five of my favorites this year:

Jesse Tree: God's Big Advent Story from Faith Formation Ministries

This fantastic free printable resource includes just four simple steps each day: breath, read, wonder, pray. This is a great option for families looking for something simple, but that goes beyond just reading a Bible story. You'll be amazed at the discussion sparked by the wondering questions, and there are countless ways you can use the beautiful symbols. You can check out just a few examples in this helpful post: Super Ideas for Making and Using Jesse Tree: God's Big Advent Story.

The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Calendar by Sally Lloyd-Jones 

This is a free printable resource that goes with The Jesus Storybook Bible. I especially like using this with young kids as it's short, but meaningful. The readings move through the Old Testament, anticipating Christ with each story. The guide has been updated this year, with beautiful circular symbols that can be made into ornaments, a coloring page and activity page, and a Christmas playlist from Sally Lloyd-Jones.

The Christmas Countdown: Creating 25 Days of New Advent Traditions for Families by Margie Harding

One of the things I like about this Advent devotional is that each day includes an adult challenge and a child prompt. Each week also has an overarching theme. In addition to the child and adult prompts each day includes a scripture reading, a key verse, a devotional and a family activity. Many of the days also include a Christmas carol you can sing together as a family. 

The Advent of the Lamb of God by Russ Ramsey

I read through this last Advent and really enjoyed it. Ramsey retells stories from the Old Testament in short narrative style chapters. It was a great way to bring the biblical account alive in a new and different way. This is a great read for a parent's Advent study, but would also be a great read aloud option for slightly older kids. The chapters are fairly short and easy to get through each night.

Advent Wreath Readings

Not sure you'll have time for any real devotionals, or readings? Keep it even simpler! Put together a simple wreath (I've written up several ideas in this Network post) and then light the appropriate candles for whatever week it is in Advent each evening at dinner. You can keep it really simple and just remind your children what week it is each night as you light that candles, emphasizing that Advent helps us prepare for and remember Christ's coming. Or, you could also use one of these simple readings from Reformed Worship to assign meaning to the candles each week.

Interested in checking out more Advent resources for church and home? Check out this Advent Resource Roundup I posted on the Network this week!