Advent Guide
Scripture, a reflection and a prayer for each day from Sunday, Nov. 29 to Christmas Day.
Start with week 1A season of holy anticipation
Advent invites us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus, the One who brings true and lasting peace. It’s the four-week rhythm the Church has used for centuries to slow down, look back to His birth, and look ahead to His return.
Shalom is the biblical word for the wholeness and wellbeing God offers through Christ. It’s more than calm feelings; it’s restored relationship with God and the peace He calls us to share. Join us this Advent as we read Scripture, pray, and practice rhythms that help us welcome and share the good news of His Peace on earth.
How to celebrate Advent
Families and individuals can celebrate Advent through daily Scripture readings, prayer, and acts of compassion. Most of all, Advent is a time of focused anticipation that lifts our eyes and hearts above the things of this world (the hurry, the strife, the consumerism) to the blessing and reason for celebrating this season: God has come to us!
Each Advent tradition offers ways to keep our focus and posture aligned with God’s.
- Light Advent wreath candles each Sunday: Hope, Peace, Joy (pink), Love, and finally the Christ candle in the center on Christmas Day.
- Use this guide for daily scripture, reflection, and prayer (some verses are repeated for retention and emphasis on different aspects).
- Create or use an Advent calendar as a fun way to mark each day. You can also pair it with small gifts or treats. Even adults can enjoy this opportunity to build anticipation into each day of Advent.
- Each week, plan a simple act of generosity to practice as a family: Bring food to a neighbor, give to missions, or write an encouraging message for someone. Practicing service and generosity brings comfort to others and leads us closer to Christ.
Week 1
Hope
The Prophets’ Candle
Nov. 29 to Dec. 5
The message of Israel’s prophets reminds us that hope shines brightest in the darkest moments. Isaiah’s prophecy of a coming light promised deliverance for a weary people. Hope in scripture is never an empty wish. It is a substantial expectation anchored in God’s character and faithfulness. When the prophets spoke of the Messiah, their words carried centuries of longing and trust that God would fulfill His promises. We have the same expectation today, a confident assurance that Jesus Christ, who has come, will come again as He promised. God keeps His word!
As you light the candle of Hope, remember that the light of Christ overcomes any and all darkness in us and in our world. His hope invites us to live in peace now as people of confident expectation of the complete restoration He is bringing.
Weekly act of generosity
Share hope by encouraging someone facing hardship. Holidays can be difficult times for many people who feel alone or have suffered grief. Make time for conversation, write a note, or deliver a meal to encourage someone who is struggling.
Daily readings
Sunday, Nov. 29TodayGod’s Light Dispels Darkness
Isaiah 9:2-6
Reflection
Even in the darkest seasons, God’s promises light our path.
Prayer
Lord, in the darkness of the world around me, and in the darkness of my own pride and sin, shine your light to lead us in the way of life, restoration, and peace.
Monday, Nov. 30TodayCertainty in Jesus
Luke 1:1-4
Reflection
Our faith stands firm because God’s word is reliable.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for sending your Word that we may be fully convinced and committed to your Truth. Anchor our hearts today in Your unchanging Word.
Tuesday, Dec. 1TodayGod’s Faithfulness Through Generations
Matthew 1:1-17
Reflection
People matter to God, and every generation tells the story of His faithful love.
Prayer
Faithful God, who fulfilled your promise to Abraham and David. Remind us today that we too have a place in your story. You know our names and have written our days in your book. We are here with purpose and for a purpose. That purpose leads to life with you.
Wednesday, Dec. 2TodayWaiting with Expectation
Psalm 130:5-7
Reflection
Waiting on God deepens our dependence and hope.
Prayer
Lord, teach me to wait in peace and trust. If your word is true and my story is not only known, but written by you, I can do all things through faith in you as my strength. You are my redeemer, deliverer, and my victory!
Thursday, Dec. 3TodayThe Word Becomes Light
John 1:1-14
Reflection
The Light of Christ is a light that gives true life.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for sending Jesus. In this season, as we prepare for the annual celebration of Jesus’ birth, remind us that your Son came to bring light to darkness and speak life into a dying world. Through Christ we can walk in your light and life.
Friday, Dec. 4TodayHope Through Peace with God
Romans 5:1-5
Reflection
Our future hope of glory is assured by the peace with God Jesus gives.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the assurance that our hope in you will not disappoint. We have full confidence today to walk in peace with you through the work of Christ and the presence of your Holy Spirit in us. May this hope be our peace in anything we walk through in this life.
Saturday, Dec. 5TodayRenewed Strength Through Hope
Isaiah 40:28-31
Reflection
Those who hope in the Lord rise above weariness and despair.
Prayer
Lord, renew our strength. When we grow weary in our journey, remind us that you are the Almighty Creator. Nothing is too difficult for you. When our efforts tire and life gets difficult, renew our strength. Raise our eyes. Raise our expectations. Re-energize our lives through your hope.
Week 2
Peace and Preparation
The Bethlehem Candle
Dec. 6 to 12
Peace (Shalom) is more than the absence of conflict; it is wholeness and harmony in God’s presence. As Bethlehem was prepared to receive its Savior, we too prepare our hearts to welcome the Peace of Christ anew. Jesus is the demonstration of God’s forgiveness and restoration of us. He is God’s Shalom displayed. We who were enemies outside of his favor are brought in and favored because of Christ. We can trust His goodness and love even when we don’t feel lovable or see His goodness in our world because Christ has come.
As you light the 2nd candle (the candle of Peace), remember that Jesus is the restoration of peace between us and a holy God. The Prince of Peace brings rest to the weary and unity to the divided. Through prayer, humility, and trust, we prepare the way for His peace to reign in us and through us.
Weekly act of generosity
Prepare a gift or meal for someone in need. Be an agent of God’s peace through kindness and care. The holidays can cause financial strain on many or can simply fill schedules. A meal or helpful gift says, “I see you, and God sees you.”
Daily readings
Sunday, Dec. 6TodayGod Prepares the Way of Peace
Micah 5:2, Luke 2:4
Reflection
God’s plans bring peace even when we can’t see the full picture.
Prayer
Lord, remind us that you are in control and have been working in all of history to accomplish your good purpose. May this truth prepare our hearts to know you are still working today in our current circumstances. You are the sovereign and ever-present God.
Monday, Dec. 7TodayPeace Through God’s Favor
Luke 2:14
Reflection
God’s grace brings Him glory and brings us peace.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your great grace demonstrated in sending your Son as the sacrifice for my sin. May I receive your grace and extend your grace today. May my life glorify you, Heavenly Father, and invite your peace on earth as it is in heaven.
Tuesday, Dec. 8TodayPeace Through Obedience
Matthew 1:18-25
Reflection
True peace flows from trusting obedience.
Prayer
Lord, help me to demonstrate peace with your plans through faithful obedience to your word. As Joseph heard and obeyed, may I accept my role in your mission and prepare the way for your work in my community by faithfully serving your purpose in my life.
Wednesday, Dec. 9TodayPeace from Christ Alone
John 14:27
Reflection
Christ’s peace comes from His nature.
Prayer
Lord, open my heart to receive and share your peace. May shalom that comes from you, reflects you, and draws me into your life be mine today to know and to share with others. Keep me from looking to myself or others for what only comes from you.
Thursday, Dec. 10TodayPeace Through Prayer and Gratitude
Philippians 4:6-7
Reflection
Prayer steadies the heart and mind and counters any anxiety.
Prayer
Lord, today focus my heart and mind on you, your goodness, and your faithfulness. Let gratitude for who you are and what you’ve done be the posture of my prayer as I offer my requests to you knowing you are for me and with me in all things.
Friday, Dec. 11TodayPeace Through Provision
Psalm 23
Reflection
Peace is the result of trusting God to meet every need.
Prayer
Lord, today, as we pray the 23rd Psalm, remind us you are with us in every circumstance, leading us to peace and nourishment and preparing a table for us to be fed and celebrated in the very presence of the enemy. Your presence, provision, and protection are our peace.
Saturday, Dec. 12TodayPeace Through Accepting God’s Will
Luke 1:28-38
Reflection
God’s favor brought peace (Shalom) to Mary’s fearful heart, leading to humble submission to God’s will.
Prayer
Lord, fill me with the quiet strength of your peace to know that all you are working in my life is good and is for good. Whether you work through natural or supernatural events, keep me from fear to say with Mary, “May your word to me be fulfilled!”
Week 3
Joy
The Shepherds’ Candle
Dec. 13 to 19
The third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, calls us to rejoice! Joy is not found in circumstances but in the presence of Christ. The shepherds were the first to hear heaven’s announcement of great joy. Their ordinary night became extraordinary as the glory of God filled the sky. This joy reaches beyond happiness; it is the deep assurance that God has sent his deliverer. His presence is with us today to be the hope and restoration of the world.
As you light the 3rd candle, the pink candle of Joy, rejoice and celebrate that Christ’s presence transforms despair into delight and fear into faith.
Weekly act of generosity
Gather to bring joy to others! Visit someone who can’t get out much, spend time at a nursing home, join a caroling group, or invite neighbors for a movie night. Bring joy through fun and fellowship, and let it remind you and others that presence matters!
Daily readings
Sunday, Dec. 13 (Gaudete Sunday)TodayTidings of Great Joy
Luke 2:8-11
Reflection
The gospel is the good news that brings great joy.
Prayer
Lord, fill me with the joy of knowing you are here! You are my deliverer! Help me share the joy of this life-changing message with everyone I can that “the Lord has come!”
Monday, Dec. 14TodayImmanuel, God with Us
Matthew 1:23
Reflection
God’s very name demonstrates His presence.
Prayer
Lord, your presence is the greatest joy in life. I do not fear because you are with me. I have hope because you are with me. In your presence is fullness of joy. Be near to me, O God, and open the eyes of my heart to be consciously aware of your presence.
Tuesday, Dec. 15TodayJoy of the Redeemed
Isaiah 35:1-6
Reflection
Even deserts bloom with joy when God restores His people.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your refreshing that causes the driest areas of my life and soul to flourish. You have delivered me from the curse of the enemy and the bondage of sin. You have redeemed me, so I rejoice and give you all of my praise.
Wednesday, Dec. 16TodayJoy of a Message That Cannot Be Contained
Luke 2:17-18
Reflection
The joy of the gospel is meant to be shared.
Prayer
Lord, help me remember that your goodness is for all people. Give me opportunity to share the truth of your advent to bring hope, peace, and joy to someone else and restore your shalom in the life of another.
Thursday, Dec. 17TodayJoy in Wonder
Luke 2:19-20
Reflection
Wonder keeps our hearts alive to God’s goodness.
Prayer
Lord, as Mary treasured your promises and shepherds were amazed by your visit, may we also be filled with wonder and awe at all you’ve done. May we never take for granted the incomprehensible wonder of your salvation. May the awe of your presence be our joy.
Friday, Dec. 18TodayJoy and Peace Through the Holy Spirit
Romans 15:13
Reflection
The Spirit in us overflows from us in the fruit of love, joy, peace, and more.
Prayer
Lord, fill my life with your Spirit as I trust in you. May rivers of living water flow from within me to bear fruit in every relationship bringing your love, joy, and peace into every relationship and situation in my life today.
Saturday, Dec. 19TodayJoy of God’s Goodness
Psalm 126:1-3
Reflection
Joy gives a song of praise celebrating God’s faithfulness.
Prayer
Lord, may I always recall your faithfulness in my life. Fill my heart with songs of joy for all you have done. May that joy be my strength and a blessing to others as I share your good works. You are so good!
Week 4
Love
The Angel’s Candle
Dec. 20 to 24
God IS Love. He comes in love, and in His coming, we know what love truly is (I John 3:16-20). The angels’ proclamation revealed the love of God made visible in Christ. Love came down at Christmas, not as an emotion or an idea, but in the person of Jesus Christ, Immanuel, “God with us.” In Him, we see the fullness of God’s glory; His compassion, humility, and grace. God’s love calls us to freely share with others what we freely receive: forgiveness, generosity, care, and goodness. We have all of these from God, and we share all of these with our family, friends, neighbors, and even enemies.
As you light the 4th candle, the candle of Love, open your heart to the God who is love and open your eyes and arms to others in reflection of His character to the world.
Weekly act of generosity
Show love in action: Invite someone to church this month or for Christmas Eve service. Open your home to others on Christmas Eve or Day, or serve at a local outreach, shelter or nursing home. Let’s show others how love in action can change the world!
Daily readings
Sunday, Dec. 20TodayThe Annunciation of Love
Luke 1:46-55
Reflection
Mary’s song reminds us of God’s love demonstrated in Christ.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your love. Thank you for your favor in privileging us with your presence. You have kept every word you have promised. You deliver your people. You lift the lowly and dignify the outcast. Your mercy and goodness endure forever. We love because you first loved us.
Monday, Dec. 21TodayPerfect Love Casts Out Fear
I John 4:7-18
Reflection
Love removes fear and frees us to live courageously.
Prayer
Lord, your love compelled you to come and endure the unthinkable for me. Help me overcome my fears to freely come to you when I miss the mark and overcome my fear to share your love with others. Give me an opportunity today to step out of my comfort zone for the good of someone else.
Tuesday, Dec. 22TodayLove Proven Through Obedience
John 14:23, John 3:16
Reflection
Obedience is love in action that demonstrates trust in God.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the obedience of Christ that is my salvation. Help me to love as you have loved me, and live according to your word and ways to experience the shalom you offer me.
Wednesday, Dec. 23TodayLove That Reconciles
Romans 5:8-11
Reflection
God loved us first, while we were still far from Him.
Prayer
Lord, you did not wait for me to get my life in order before you loved me. While I was still far from you, Christ came for me. Thank you for making me your friend and bringing me near. Help me show that same love to someone who feels far away today.
Thursday, Dec. 24TodayLove of God Through Peace with God
Luke 2:14
Reflection
God’s love brings Heaven’s peace to earth through Christ.
Prayer
Lord, let your love rule my heart this Christmas Eve. May my heart and home be at peace in your presence as we rest fully assured of your love demonstrated in sending your Son.
Friday, Dec. 25
Christmas Day
The Christ Candle (Immanuel, God with Us)
On Christmas Day, light the final candle, the Christ Candle, symbolizing the fulfillment of every promise. Hope, peace, joy, and love converge in the person of Jesus Christ, the light of the world. The mystery of the incarnation reminds us that God came not in a display of power but in the power of humility, to dwell among us and restore all creation to Himself.
Today we celebrate Jesus and rejoice that His kingdom of Shalom reigns forever.
John 1:14, Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:11
Reflection
Christ has come. Above all gifts He brings, His simple presence is more than enough to bring peace on earth!
Prayer
Lord, thank you for coming to me when I could not come to you. Thank you for your love, joy, peace, and hope. More than any of these gifts, may I be filled and fully satisfied with you. You are all we need. Today we celebrate, rejoice, and wonder in awe of you. To be with you is more than enough. Immanuel, we worship you!
Celebrate Christmas at Calvary
Calvary Church of Naperville gathers every Sunday in December at 8, 9 and 11 a.m., plus Sounds of Christmas and Christmas Eve. You’re invited.
See Christmas times