Advent with Kids: A Short Reading for Each Sunday
Advent is the four Sundays before Christmas: a season of waiting and getting ready. In 2026 it starts on Sunday, November 29, and the Sundays after are December 6, 13 and 20.
Many families light one candle each Sunday, on a wreath or simply in a row on the table, and give each week a theme. A common set is hope, peace, joy and love. Below is one short reading for each Sunday: a verse, a question to talk about, and one thing to do together. Each takes about ten minutes, which is about as long as small children will sit still.
First Sunday, November 29: hope
Light the first candle and read:
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Talk about it: What is something you are waiting for? How does it feel to wait?
Do together: Make a paper chain with one link for every day until Christmas, and take one off each morning.
Second Sunday, December 6: peace
Light two candles and read:
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Talk about it: The Prince of Peace is one of the names given to Jesus. Is there someone you need to make peace with this week?
Do together: Choose a few toys or clothes to give away, to make room for Christmas in someone else's home.
Third Sunday, December 13: joy
Light three candles and read:
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
Talk about it: How do you think Mary felt when she heard the angel? What news has made you happy this year?
Do together: Sing a carol together, or play a Christmas song and dance in the kitchen.
Fourth Sunday, December 20: love
Light all four candles and read:
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Talk about it: Jesus came as a baby, to live with us. Who could use some love from our family this week?
Do together: Write a Christmas card to someone who will be alone this year, and deliver it together.
On Christmas Eve
Read the song of the angels:
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Then read your child a Christmas letter from Jesus with their name in it: type their first name, print it, and keep it for Christmas morning. You'll find more ideas in our Christmas letter from Jesus to a child.
A song for the season
If your children love a song on repeat, a Christmas song with their name puts their name in the chorus, with sleigh bells and every word on screen. And for family far away this year, a Christmas message from Jesus says their name and tells them who asked him to come.