Congregational Care & Family Ministries

Rev. Jeff Hodge  (updated 12-01-22)  
Advent Calendars are a meaningful way to Countdown to Jesus’ birth.  
Advent calendars are a fun and popular children's Advent activity as well as a great catechesis tool. Advent calendars teach children to join with the Church in the waiting, expectation, and preparation of the coming of Jesus Christ. The Advent Calendar is believed to have been created by Christians in the early 19th century to mark the days of Advent leading up to Christmas. The first known Advent calendar was handmade in Germany in 1851. Be sure to pick up your free advent calendars in the education wing, lobby or the dining room and enjoy opening a new window each day as you journey closer to Christmas!
Advent Resources for Families  
The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming" or "visit," begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the beginning of the church year for Christians. During Advent, we prepare for and anticipate the coming of Christ. We remember the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our own longing for and need of forgiveness, salvation, and a new beginning. Even as we look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem, we also look forward anticipating the second coming of Christ as the fulfillment of all that was promised by his first coming. (Umc.org/advent) Here are some online materials to help you observe and celebrate the seasons at home.