Advent

A season to celebrate the coming of Jesus and anticipate His promised return.

Advent Devotionals



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Family Resources



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The Gift

The Gift is an annual opportunity for us to give back to God during the Christmas season. Last year, the people of Fellowship just over $690,000 to The Gift, which was prayerfully dispersed by the Elders. Over the years, many Fellowship needs, local outreach efforts, and global ministries around the world have been supported through The Gift. Over the next month, please consider donating to The Gift. In doing so, we express our gratitude to God for all He has done for us.

The Tradition of Advent

In the fourth century, worshipers began observing a season of preparation for Christ’s birth. As December 25 became established as the date to celebrate His incarnation, Advent became part of the traditional church year. 

Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30 and is a tradition embraced by the people of Fellowship Bible Church. The word Advent means “coming.” The prophets foretold Christ’s coming to earth, and He fulfilled that promise. We celebrate Advent together in our worship services and encourage you to observe the season at home. Although the early church focused primarily on Christ’s first coming, today we also celebrate the promise of His return. 

Observing Advent as a Family

Advent brings a Christ-centered focus to a season that has become highly commercialized. Gather your family around the Advent wreath weekly, or even daily, to reflect on the gift of Christ to the world. As you light the candles each week, include devotionals, prayers, and songs that your family will remember and associate with cherished Christmas memories. The devotionals and scripture readings prepared by Fellowship staff are good resources to include in your gatherings. 

Preparing the Advent Wreath

You can purchase an Advent wreath or make your own. Choose five candles in colors that are meaningful to your family. White, blue, and purple are the most common choices. Pink is often chosen to represent the candle of joy. Place a taller white candle in the center of the wreath to represent Christ. Light this candle on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The four surrounding candles represent hope, peace, joy, and love.  

Memorable Moments

Creating memorable moments often requires intentional planning and preparation, and celebrating Advent as a family is well worth the effort. Singing songs and reading Scripture together can create memories that children will carry throughout their lives. Allow the candles to burn for only a few moments at each gathering so they can remain part of your family’s Advent tradition for years to come. It is moving to watch grandchildren light the same candles their parents lit decades earlier. 

If our church staff can help you celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.