Advent is a beautiful season of waiting, hope, and joyful preparation as we get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus. With so much happening in December, it can be hard to stay focused on the true meaning of the season—waiting with hope, love, joy, and peace. Having simple, faith-filled activities on hand can make it easier for kids to understand what Advent is all about and help families pray, learn, and reflect together.
Below you’ll find a small collection of Advent-themed printables you can download for free. Whether you use them at home, in class, or at church, I hope they bring a little more meaning (and a little more calm!) to your Advent weeks. Enjoy!
What is Advent?
The word Advent comes from Latin and means “coming” or “arrival.” It is the time when as Christians we prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ and it lasts for the four weeks leading up to Christmas.
In ancient Rome, this word was used when people waited for the arrival of an important person, like an Emperor. We Christians wait for the coming of Jesus at Christmas!
Four Sundays of preparation
Advent is made up of four Sundays, a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior at Christmas. With the first Sunday of Advent, we begin a new liturgical year, which ends with the Feast of Christ the King.
During Advent, we do not pray the Gloria in Mass, so that it will sound even more joyful when Christmas finally arrives!
The Color of Advent
The liturgical color of Advent is purple (just like in Lent). That’s why the altar is kept simple and not too festive, as we wait in prayer and hope for the birth of Jesus.
The Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath is made up of four candles of different colors placed on a circle of green branches. Each Sunday, we light one more candle, marking the passing weeks as we prepare for the coming of the Lord. The green wreath reminds us of life and hope, and the candles bring more light each week, showing that Jesus, the Light of the World, is near!
Each Sunday, we light a new candle on the Advent wreath:
- The first candle (purple), reminds us of Hope.
- The second candle (purple), reminds us of Faith.
- The third candle (pink) reminds us of Joy.
- The fourth candle (purple), reminds us of Love.
Below are the Advent printables—feel free to download, print, and use whenever you need a little quiet moment of reflection.
Advent Crossword
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Advent Word Search
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Decode the message
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Coloring page
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