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family advent devotionalIt's nearing the official start of the holiday season in Asheville. Lights and decorations are being put up as the last of the autumn leaves start to fall off the trees. As they gather with their loved ones, people in the area will express gratitude for their family, friends, and the chance to live in such a beautiful place.

Many individuals will travel across the United States for their holidays, while others will spend them in western North Carolina. Whether you are moving about the country or staying put, Thanksgiving and Christmas are filled with a mix of magical moments and stress. 

At Emmanuel Lutheran School, we want to help families and students focus on the incarnation of Christ during this Christmas season. Here are a few tips for leading your family devotional during Advent. 

Advent Family Devotional in Asheville, NC

The first advent of Jesus was the most anticipated event in human history. From the moment the promise was made at the Fall (Genesis 3), generations waited with eager anticipation for the coming Messiah. The Advent season is the time that families celebrate the fulfilled promise of salvation through Jesus. 

Some tips to help you lead your students to remember Jesus is the reason we celebrate during Advent include:

1. Study Advent-Related Scriptures

Some of the key passages of Scripture to read and study are as follows:

  • Genesis 3: The Fall of Man and the Promise of Jesus. 
  • Isaiah 7, 9: The reiteration of Jesus’ incarnation and the assurance that the Messiah would be Emmanuel - God with us. 
  • Matthew 1: The story of Mary and Joseph and the reason Jesus was given his name. Jesus literally means he was sent to save his people from their sins. 
  • Luke 2: The birth narrative of Jesus, the shepherds, the Wise Men, etc. Also, Luke 2 includes the story of Simeon and Anna. 
  • John 1: The description of Jesus’ incarnation and divinity. 

2. Sing Advent-Related Songs

The Christmas season has its own set of songs and universally recognized music. In addition to the cultural songs of the season, some of the most powerful Christian hymns are about the Advent of Christ, such as:

  • Joy to the World
  • Hark the Herald Angels Sing
  • Silent Night 
  • O Holy Night
  • Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
  • Oh, Come All Ye Faithful
  • O Come O Come Emmanuel
  • Come Let Us Adore Him
  • Infant Lowly, Infant Holy
  • O Little Town of Bethlehem
  • Away in a Manger
  • It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
  • What Child is This?
  • Go Tell It on the Mountain
  • Angels We Have Heard on High
  • I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
  • God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Sing the songs of Advent to help remind yourself and your family about the Good News of the Savior who came and saved us from our sins. 

3. Emphasize the Gift of Jesus

Spend more time talking with your kids about the gift that is Jesus rather than wasting countless hours attempting to discover what presents they want for Christmas. Help them understand that we have all received the greatest gift the world has ever known. 

Christmas at Emmanuel Lutheran School

During the Advent season, our faculty and administrators spend time and energy helping students focus on Christ. However, it’s not just during the holidays; we focus on Jesus and the gospel all year long. If you would like your student to grow at a school that emphasizes growing in discipleship as well as academic excellence, reach out to the team at Emmanuel Lutheran School today!