Advent was a special time for my family when I was growing up. I loved turning off all the lights and gathering around our tree, warming our backsides by the fire.

Being the serious child I was, I loved the devotion, prayer and feeling connected with my mom, dad and sister. But the ultimate best part was when Dad pulled out his twelve string guitar and we sang Come On Ring Those Bells. Ahh…

We’ve attempted to recreate the same atmosphere with out kids for Advent. Sunday we turned the lights off, lit the first advent candle and for a whopping 3 minutes there was peace on earth. Then the kids became restless as the story went on and on and they started a heated argument about who would strum mom’s guitar first and who would blow out the candle.

I guess I overshot their attention span. Rather than agonizing about it like I did last year, Aaron and I decided to let them be who they are and meet them where they are. So we’re taking it down a few notches the rest of advent and focusing on what we most want them to have: an experience that helps them remember the reason for Christmas. We want a lot more than that but for now…

This is a little poem I wrote a couple of years ago for 3-4 year olds and still seems relevant for our 5 & 7 year olds. I usually read it and they get to act it out with the Fisher Price Nativity characters. Maybe it will meet your kids/grandkids where they are too.

Check out the free PDF of the Children’s Advent Poem I designed for you as you exit this site.

A Children’s Advent Poem

There once was a stable
Full of donkeys, sheep and cows
It was a dirty, stinky place
But God chose it anyhow

A mom and dad came looking
For a place to spend the night
The stable was the only choice
No other bed in sight!

The world was a lonely place
God wanted to show His love
So He became a baby
And came down from up above!

“Now it’s time to celebrate!”
The angels sang with cheer
“Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men
Go tell your friends he’s here!”

Three wise men came a long, long way
God led them with a star
They brought Jesus special gifts
But he just wants your heart

The baby became a grown-up
“God loves you”, Jesus sang
“This is my special gift to you”
Let all the earth proclaim…

That – Jesus loves me, this I know
Now I can love Him too!
Away in a manger, Jesus was born
He came for me and you!