Practical Tips for the Advent Experience

Yesterday, I was inspired by something I read in my Advent devotion. I posted on Facebook about the waiting and preparing of Advent and the excitement that comes with that. It seems to me that every year at Advent, we talk about preparing ourselves for the birth of Jesus. It is one thing to say that, but completely another to do it! And, I haven’t seen lot of practical explanations (especially for youth) on exactly how we can participate in preparing and waiting other than just to flat out anticipate the events to come. Is it an active waiting? A passive one? So, I have been thinking and reading lots on some practical tips for how we can “prepare” and “wait” in Advent. Here are three practical tips on just how to prepare and wait for the birth of Christ!

Note: these thoughts are geared towards youth since that is who I serve in ministry; but friends, parents, acquaintances, I hope you might also find meaning in them!

Here’s my list:

1. Devotional
Bibles aren’t just for opening on Sunday while we’re at church. I mean, let’s face it, most of us don’t even bring our Bibles to worship, Sunday school or youth group! Regardless, I firmly believe we should be spending time in the Word of God and in interpretation for our lives, daily. With that said, I also recognize the busy-ness of life and struggle to find time for this myself. Maybe try this daily Advent tweet devotional: www.freshexpressions.org.uk/advent#07. It’s usually a two sentence thought on the meaning of Christmas and a challenge for you to ponder!

(What I have found that works for me is doing my devotion at the same time every day. Generally, for me, that is first thing when I arrive in the office … before I open emails or Facebook. Establishing this routine has been good. And, I do the same thing EVERY morning. I use www.d365.org. It’s an online short but practical and meaningful devotional. You have to click through this so for me it is an intentional experience and it plays music to “create” and set the mood for devotion. Establishing this routine over the past 4 months has been a challenge as I would forget or get busy. But, now I remember (most days) and am excited to start my day this way. Believe me, I understand the challenge here … so maybe start off committing to do a short term devotion like for the weeks of Advent or Lent. There are many great resources for study that are geared for each age group. Google what you are interested in! And, hey, you could always just open your Bible and read where it opens and then think about how the passage applies to your world! Whatever you do, just try to do it near the same time each day and see if that works for you!)

2. Quiet time
I don’t know what this might look like for you as a youth today. We live in a pretty loud and crazy busy world. Maybe it is journaling or drawing or even meditating. But in some way, spend some time in Advent thinking. As you consider preparing, think about those who have had or are having an impact on your faith journey. Even Jesus needed people to prepare the way for Him when He was on this Earth. Remember John the Baptist? Really, these people in your life who are a part of your faith journey are preparing the way for Jesus to enter your heart. Ask your parents who was with you at your Baptism. Think about those who welcome you to church each week or teach you Sunday school.

3. Music
Youtube is FULL of amazing Advent experiences; that is musical takes on the meaning of Christmas. Take a moment and put yourself in the Nativity story. With whom do you most identify? Mary? Joseph? The wise men or shepherds?

Here are a few suggestions of songs that give perspective of the characters in the nativity story! They come from some of my favorite Christian artists … just for your viewing pleasure:

Chris August – Come Now Our King





Sidewalk Prophets – Hope Was Born This Night





Francesca Battistelli – You’re Here





Kirk Franklin – The Night Christ Was Born





Kari Jobe – Adore Him / Christmas Eve