This is the Advent Wreath our first graders created and “lit” each Sunday in December. I wanted to share this with you in case your teaches or families might want to enjoy Sunday or weekday verses of scripture as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
The length of the Advent season depends on which day of the week Christmas falls on. This schedule includes all possible 28 days of Advent. For shorter seasons adjust this schedule by doubling up on some readings or eliminating the final two readings, which record events after Christ’s birth.
First Week
Sun. Is. 40:1-5
Mon. Is. 52:7-10
Tue. Is. 40:9-11
Wed. Gen. 3:8-15
Thu. Gen. 15:1-6
Fri. Deut. 18:15-19
Sat. Ps. 89:1-4
Second Week
Sun. Is. 11:1-10
Mon. Zech. 6:12-13
Tue. Mic. 5:2-4
Wed. Mal. 3:1-6
Thu. John 1:1-8
Fri. John 1:9-18
Sat. Mark 1:1-3
Third Week
Sun. Luke 1:5-13
Mon. Luke 1:14-17
Tue. Luke 1:18-25
Wed. Luke 1:39-45
Thu. Luke 1:46-56
Fri. Luke 1:57-66
Sat. Luke 1:67-80
Fourth Week
Sun. Is. 7:10-14
Mon. Luke 1:26-35
Tue. Is. 9:2-7
Wed. Mt. 1:18-25
Thu. Luke 2:1-20
Fri. Mt. 2:1-2
Sat. Luke 2:21-35
When: Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Because Christmas falls on different days each year, Advent can last 22 to 28 days.
What you need: Four candles, three purple and one rose, and an additional white candle for Christmas Eve. A Bible for readings and, for younger children, a selection of children’s Christmas stories that focus on the birth of Jesus. Repeating storybooks is fine since preschoolers prefer repetition.
Beginning the celebration: On the first day begin with either a prayer or a Christmas carol. Light the first purple candle, known as the prophecy candle. The liturgical color purple is a sign of penance and longing as we wait for the birth of Jesus. With the lighting, talk about Jesus being the light of the world. Read the Advent Scripture of the day. Conclude by singing or praying. Have one child blow out the candle.
Light the same candle each day of the first week. Follow with the reading, Christmas carols or other meaningful activities.
On the second Sunday light two purple candles, both of which are relit each night. Continue tis process and enjoy this short but meaningful time of worship with your class or family.
Special Thanks: Mr. Brian & Mrs. Jennifer’s First Grade Sunday School Class and Focus on the Family!
