Your Advent Service Checklist: 7 Must-Haves for for Churches

'Tis the season to create meaningful experiences at your church! As we approach the holiday season, many churches will look to assemble thoughtful and powerful Advent services. Whether you're a pastor, worship leader, or part of the church staff, having the right elements in place can make all the difference for powerful Advent services. We've compiled a checklist of seven must-haves to help create truly engaging Advent Services that will move your congregation's hearts toward Jesus this Christmas season. Let's plan ahead and make this Advent season genuinely engaging!

1. Create an Advent Wreath

One of the most recognizable symbols of this season is the Advent wreath. Advent wreaths often take center stage. They are displayed up front and near the altar in the church sanctuary. While you can purchase an Advent wreath, many churches choose to make them themselves to show community and togetherness. To make an Advent wreath, you will need evergreens (real cuttings or artificial). And they always include candles.

2. Make Sure You Have Your Advent Candles!

An Advent wreath's candles stand for the four themes of the season: hope, joy, peace, and love. The color scheme of the candles depends largely on your church's faith tradition, but typically, there are 1 pink and 3 purple candles. It is customary to light one candle each week leading up to Christmas. Here are a few tips on lighting your Advent candles:

1. First Sunday of Advent: Light one purple candle. This candle represents Hope. At the end of the service, extinguish the candle.
2. Second Sunday of Advent: Light the Hope candle before the service begins. Then during the Advent portion of your service, light a second purple candle for Peace.
3. Third Sunday of Advent: Once again, make sure your Hope and Peace candles are lit before the service. When it is time, light the pink candle for Joy.
4. Fourth Sunday of Advent: With the previous candles lit, it is time to light the last purple candle. This one represents Love.

Some churches also have a fifth white candle to represent Christ. When included, the Christ candle sits in the center of the wreath and is lit on Christmas Day. Electric candles are a great option for those who prefer a safer alternative to traditional candles.

3. Prepare Advent Devotionals

To strengthen the spiritual preparation of their congregation during this time, some churches will offer thought-provoking Advent devotionals. These devotionals encourage reflection and personal application. Whether your church chooses to purchase a pre-made devotional or create one, the focus of the devotional should be on moving hearts to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday. If you plan on giving out Advent devotionals, be sure to distribute them a few weeks before Advent begins so that your congregation members are able to participate even if they are not with you on the first day of Advent. Devotionals encourage people to thoughtfully engage with the season and to meditate on how the birth of Jesus affects their lives. Make these Advent devotionals accessible in print and online formats.

4. Choose Advent Worship Music

Traditional carols and hymns are a great choice when incorporating music into your Advent worship service. Some faith traditions have Advent hymns specifically for this time and different from the more recognizable Christmas carols. Make sure your worship team has time to practice so that they are prepared to lead the music, especially since these songs are not sung as often as more standard worship music.

5. Choose Relevant Bible Readings

Churches that participate in Advent with a wreath and the lighting of candles often begin the Advent portion of the service with a Scripture reading. Choose Bible passages that resonate with the Advent season and align with your service's theme. These Scripture verses don't need to be read by the pastors. Instead, ask members of the worship team, deacons, elders, or other church staff and volunteers to lead the readings.

Common Bible Readings for Advent

• First Sunday: Isaiah 9:2-6
• Second Sunday: Isaiah 40:3-5
• Third Sunday: Isaiah 12:2-6
• Fourth Sunday: Luke 1:46-55

For more Scripture reading ideas, see "Advent Bible Verses" by our friends at Bible Study Tools.

6. Make Sure to Have Volunteers

If you want your Advent services to be a welcoming environment, you're going to need volunteers in various roles who can help make strong connections with the congregation. You'll need volunteers to greet visitors, manage the Advent wreath, offer readings for the lighting of candles, and host related events, like cookie exchanges, hot cocoa bars, or potluck dinners. With the help of volunteers, the church can create a welcoming and warm environment that encourages active participation and strengthens connections between members.

7. Don't Forget Your Social Media Campaign!

Use social media platforms to spread the word about your Advent services. You can reach a wider audience outside your members through Facebook, Instagram, or any other platform your audience frequents. During this social media campaign, be sure to share service times and highlight important aspects like the weekly Advent readings.

Advent Is a Special Celebration

Taking time now to prepare for the upcoming holiday season is essential for both church leadership and its members. Whether you're looking for traditional or unique ways to celebrate the holiday season with your church community, incorporating the recommended must-haves into your plan of action can create a special celebration that will be remembered well into the future.