Here you’ll find each week of Advent in one place—devotionals, prayers, activities, and tools to help you engage with the season more deeply. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning to catch up on previous weeks, we’re honored to journey with you. We encourage you to share this page with others so together we can spread the hope and joy of Advent throughout our community.
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Devotionals
Hope
A hammer, a chisel, heavy lumber, and the smell of sawdust. These are the tools of Joseph’s trade. His workshop is his world, his livelihood, his comfort zone, and hisidentity. He’s a good guy. He does the right thing. He’s trusted, knows his business, and knows what to expect.
The work is hard but rewarding, challenging but predictable.
He’s engaged to Mary. But it’s complicated. He has to think about it.
When the angel visits Joseph and the full story is revealed, Joseph’s life is no longer
predictable. He does what the angel commands, but he’s way out of his comfort zone now.
He’ll need a new set of strengths and new tools as he faces the greatest adventure any man will ever know. He’s to be a father to the King of Kings.
Read Matthew 1:18 - 25
Peace
I think many of us enter the Christmas season feeling both excited and exhausted. We hope that if we plan enough, buy enough, and do enough, we can create the perfect day for our children, grandchildren, family, and friends. But in all the rushing to make everything magical, our hearts often end up weary.
Between long to-do lists, crowded stores, and high expectations, peace can feel out of reach. We tell ourselves that once the gifts are wrapped and the cookies are baked—then we’ll finally be able to rest. But when Christmas comes and goes, there’s often a quiet ache, like something is still missing.
Picture your version of the perfect day: warm sweet rolls and coffee in the morning, gifts opened to soft Christmas music, a table filled with your favorite foods, and ending the night with a cozy movie. That longing for a perfect day is a glimpse of God’s grace—a reflection of the peace and wholeness we were created for, the kind we’ll only fully experience in eternity with Him.
But when we try to manufacture that peace through our own striving, we miss it. The 25th will come and go, and our hearts will still feel empty.
That’s why God has already given us everything we need: Jesus.
He is our peace—the One who quiets the chaos, heals the ache, and fills the longing no perfectly planned Christmas ever could.
Joy
Love
Released on Dec.21
Looking back on my family's Christmas cookie deliveries, I wonder how the recipients felt as we drove away from their house. It makes me think of the shepherds out in the fields, just them and their sheep, when suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared out of nowhere: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” —Luke 2:10–11
The shepherds were terrified by the angels’ appearance, but their fear quickly turned to joy as they were told of the Messiah’s birth. They hurried to Bethlehem to see what had happened (v. 15). The noun joy in Greek translates to chara, meaning happiness or delight. The Greek verb for joy is chairó, meaning to rejoice or be glad. Let’s read on in Luke 2:16–18: “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told to them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” The shepherds took their feeling of joy and acted on it by rejoicing in Jesus’ arrival and sharing the good news with those around them.
A cheerful heart leads to cheerful behavior. Jesus brought joy to the shepherds the day He was born, and He continues to bring joy to us today. Are you looking for it? If you have His joy, what are you doing with it?
Reflections
Hope
1. What is your comfort zone? Where do you find your identity?
2. What can we learn from Joseph’s story in Matthew 1 and Luke 2? What did he feel? What decisions did he make? What do we learn about his character?
3. How has the coming of Jesus changed your life, your purpose, and your identity?
4. What new strengths does your faith in Jesus require?
5. What new tools has the Holy Spirit given you?
Peace
1. Where am I trying to create peace through my own effort?
2. What would it look like to rest in the peace that Jesus already offers?
Joy
1. Who is one person that you can share the gift of our Savior with this Christmas season?
Love
Released on Dec.21
Prayers
Hope
Lord,
As we reflect on Joseph’s courage this Advent, fill our hearts with the same steady hope that carried him. When life feels uncertain and our expectations shift, remind us—just as You reminded Joseph—that Your plans are good and Your presence is sure.
In our waiting, strengthen us with the hope that does not fade. In our doubts, anchor us in the truth that You are working even when we cannot see it. Let the light of Christ rise in us and renew our confidence in Your promises.
May Your hope steady our steps, calm our hearts, and shine through our lives.
Amen.
Peace
Lord Jesus, in the midst of our busy days and our longing for everything to be just right, help us to rest in You. Remind us that peace isn’t found in perfect plans or moments, but in Your presence. Quiet our hearts, calm our minds, and fill us with the unshakable peace that only You can give.
Amen.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 4:7
Joy
Lord Jesus, in the midst of our busy days and our longing for everything to be just right, help us to rest in You. Remind us that peace isn’t found in perfect plans or moments, but in Your presence. Quiet our hearts, calm our minds, and fill us with the unshakable peace that only You can give.
Amen.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 4:7
Love
Released on Dec.21
Creativity corner
Hope
Get to know St. Joseph. Make something with wood.
When someone asks, “What do you want for Christmas?” you’ve got an answer (that
isn’t a Masarati or a Vintage 1969 Honda CB750 Motorcycle)… Instead, make
something with wood. Here’s your gift guide:
Peace
Slow down and bake some delicious Orange Sweet Rolls that your family can enjoy on Christmas morning!
Joy
Here is a quick and easy recipe for mouth watering sugar cookies that you can make in bulk to share with everyone.
Love
Released on Dec.21
