At the end of this post, you’ll find a free PDF with the Advent Prayer Book
Advent is a beautiful time for families to slow down, pray together, and prepare their hearts for the coming of Jesus. As we journey through the four weeks of Advent, we are invited to grow in hope, peace, joy, and love while remembering the true meaning of Christmas.
To help your family make this season more prayerful and meaningful, we’ve created a Free Catholic Advent Prayer Book for Kids & Families. This printable resource is designed to help children participate in family prayer and discover the beauty of preparing for Jesus.
What Is Advent?
The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” During Advent, the Catholic Church prepares to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas while also looking forward to His promised return in glory.
Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year. It is a season of joyful expectation, hope, and spiritual preparation.
Through prayer, Scripture, and family traditions, children can learn that Christmas is more than decorations and presents: it is a celebration of God’s love for us through the gift of His Son.
Why Pray Together During Advent?
Family prayer is a beautiful way to help children grow in their relationship with God. Setting aside a few minutes each day to pray together can help make Advent more meaningful and remind children to keep Jesus at the center of Christmas.
Here are a few simple ways to incorporate prayer into your family’s Advent routine:
- Pray around the Advent wreath: Gather together and light the appropriate candle for each week of Advent.
- Read Scripture: Share short Bible passages that tell the story of God’s promise of a Savior.
- Practice gratitude: Invite each family member to share something they are thankful for.
- Make room for Jesus: Encourage small acts of kindness, generosity, and love throughout the season.
Even a few quiet moments of prayer can help your family grow closer to Christ.
Make Advent a Special Family Tradition
You don’t need an elaborate routine to make Advent meaningful. Choose a consistent time to pray together, perhaps before dinner or at bedtime. Let children take part by reading a prayer, lighting the Advent wreath with adult supervision, or sharing their intentions.
The most important thing is to help them understand that Advent is a time to prepare not only our homes, but also our hearts, for Jesus.
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Catechism of the Catholic Church helps us understand the beautiful meaning of Advent. It teaches us that God spent many years preparing His people for the coming of Jesus. Through the prophets, He promised to send a Savior who would bring hope and salvation to the world (CCC 522).
How to explain this to children:
You could say: “Before Jesus was born, God’s people were waiting for a very special promise to come true. God had promised to send a Savior, and He sent prophets to tell the people that this Savior was coming. The people waited with hope for many, many years. Then, at just the right time, God sent His Son, Jesus!”
The Catechism also tells us about John the Baptist, who came before Jesus to help people prepare for Him. John invited everyone to turn away from sin and get their hearts ready to welcome the Lord (CCC 523).
How to explain this to children:
“Imagine that someone very special is coming to visit your home. You would probably tidy up, prepare everything, and get excited! John the Baptist helped people get ready for someone even more special: Jesus. He reminded them to choose what is good, say sorry when they do wrong, and prepare their hearts for Him.”
Finally, the Church teaches that Advent is a time when we remember Jesus’ first coming at Christmas and prepare with hope for His return one day (CCC 524).
How to explain this to children:
“During Advent, we get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. But Advent also reminds us that Jesus has promised to come again. That is why we wait with hope and joy. We can prepare our hearts by praying, loving others, forgiving, and doing good things.”
A little reminder for the whole family: Advent is not just about waiting for Christmas or opening the next door on a calendar. It is about making room for Jesus in our hearts and learning to love Him more each day.
Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 522–524.
Download Your Free Advent Prayer Book
Make this Advent season a special time of prayer in your home! Our printable Advent Prayer Book is designed for families who want to bring the Catholic traditions of Advent into their daily lives.
Pray together this Advent – free printable
Free Catholic Advent Prayer Book (click here) –a printable prayer book to help children and families pray together, reflect on the meaning of Advent, and prepare their hearts for the coming of Jesus.
More Catholic Advent Resources for Kids
Looking for more ways to celebrate Advent and Christmas with your children? Explore these free resources:
- Free Catholic Advent & Christmas Printables for Kids – Activities and resources to help children discover the meaning of the season.
- Christmas Novena for Kids: Nine Days of Daily Meditations – A special nine-day prayer journey to prepare for the birth of Jesus.