First Sunday of Advent from Family Christmas Online™

1. Light the first Advent candle.

2. Have someone read Isaiah 9:2-6; Isaiah 7:14; and Matthew 1:18:24

3. Talk about why people were anticipating a Messiah and what they were expecting the Messiah to bring them.

4. Pray together, remembering how everyone in our world need the Messiah, and how we can bring the light of hope to others.

5. Sing the following carols together*:

"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" (Emmanuel is another name for the Messiah. It means "God with us.")
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

"Away in a Manger
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay;
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

*Note: If it would help your family worship to download and play MP3 accompaniment files for these carols, you may find them at:

To go to the Second Sunday of Advent page, click here.

To return to the Advent page, click here.

If you've been reading our pages, you know that we have big things planned, and a lot on our plate, so keep checking back. And contact us with any questions or suggestions you have in the meantime.

Paul and Shelia Race

www.familychristmasonline.com