WAITING IN WONDER — CHRISTIAN ADVENT READINGS FOR FAMILIES
A Quiet Invitation Into a Slower Christmas
Every year, Advent comes with the same tug: a longing to make Christmas Christ-centered…and a calendar that threatens to crowd out the very One we’re celebrating.
If you’ve ever felt that tension — wanting to do less but go deeper — you are not alone.
Waiting in Wonder was born out of that very ache: the desire to prepare our hearts without rushing, striving, or stacking more tasks onto already-full December rhythms. This gentle devotional invites your family into something different — a slower, gentler, Scripture-rooted way to walk through Advent.
“Christmas is full of wonder: angels singing, shepherds hurrying, wise men traveling, and God Himself arriving as a tiny baby. Each year we are invited to wonder again.”
— W is for Wonder
What Makes Waiting in Wonder Different?
Most Advent plans for families fall into one of two extremes. They are either too fluffy and light or too difficult to sustain through the season.
Waiting in Wonder is neither.
It is Scripture-rich and simple.
Beautiful and practical.
Poetic and deeply grounded in biblical truth.
It’s doable.
Through 26 alphabetical readings — one for each letter from A to Z — you’ll trace the story of Jesus’ coming through a rhythm that is slow, accessible, and deeply meaningful.
Just a few minutes.
Open and go.
Easy enough for families with little ones… meaningful for all ages.
A Glimpse Inside the Advent Devotional
Imagine… a candle lit, a Bible open, little fingers turning pages, and the soft hum of Scripture read together in a quiet moment.
Just one letter a day.
Just a few moments to build memories our children carry into adulthood.
Each day includes:
- a main verse
- a short devotion rooted in Scripture
- a Gospel connection that points everything back to Jesus
- a moment of reflection and closing prayer
Designed to Fill the Twenty-Six Days of Advent
These Christian Advent readings for families were created to fill the space between the first Sunday of Advent and Christmas morning, which always has at least 26 days (and maybe a few extra depending on the year.) Waiting in Wonder begins with the letter A devotion that first Sunday and end with a wonderful message about God’s zeal for us on Christmas morning.
Over the course of the twenty-six days, you will share with your family foundational truths about theology, prophecy, Christology, and spiritual foundation.
But With Gentle Grace.
There is no pressure to begin or end on any certain day. If you get “behind” or start late, the days are short and simple enough to easy catch back up again. This devotional isn’t meant to add pressure or stress in any way whatsoever, and you shouldn’t let yourself feel like you have to do things a particular way. Just gentle, Christian, family discipleship.
Inside Waiting in Wonder, You’ll Find Essential Biblical Truths
“Jesus came the same way we all do — small, soft, and dependent. He came close so He could truly be with us, not far away or unreachable, but near.”
— I is for Immanuel“God chose a humble town for a glorious purpose, showing that His promises always come true, even in the quietest places.”
— B is for Bethlehem“What looked like weakness wasn’t weakness at all. The tiny baby in the manger held the greatest power the world has ever known — the power to save us, forgive us, and make us new.”
— V is for Vulnerable
Why You Will Love the “Waiting in Wonder” Devotions
- Scripture-based devotions that seek to honor God with every word
- Gospel-centered storytelling that desires to stay true to God’s word while bringing it to life
- Additional scripture readings and prophetic connections for those who desire to dig deeper
- Brief, structured format that is ready to go and easy to follow
- Every devotion working together to paint the big picture of God’s plan for salvation.
This devotional doesn’t add pressure.
It simply creates space.
Who It’s For
Waiting in Wonder is for you if:
- you’re looking for easy advent devotions that point to jesus
- you want your home to feel peaceful during December
- you want something Scripture-rich but NOT overwhelming
- your kids are young — or you’re reading as a multi-age family
- you’ve tried Advent plans before and abandoned them halfway
- you want beauty, simplicity, and Gospel-centered truth
- you love routines that feel gentle and grounding
- you want a resource you can return to year after year
Bonus: Waiting in Wonder is denominationally flexible (but not weak)— Christian advent readings for families who believe Jesus is the Son of God.
What’s Inside
This digital Advent package will be available for immediate download after purchase and includes four separate files. A “Read Me First” file with information about the printing formats and tips for printing will get you started, followed by three print files to choose from depending on your printer needs and budget.
Available in three printing formats:
- Staples professional booklet – This file is formatted and ready to upload to Staples for a professional print booklet. This one is also the most mobile friendly version for viewing on your phone.
- DIY at-home booklet – Formatted for double side printing and booklet folding at home.
- Easy-print letter size – A two-column landscape format for single or double side print with a cornet staple
Created to Pair With the ABC Advent Cards (Sold separately.)
*Beautiful, watercolor-style scripture cards designed to pair with the devotional readings.*
This devotional was designed to flow alongside the ABC Advent Cards — giving your family a visual anchor, a Scripture reference, and a gentle rhythm to return to every day.
The cards give you something you can hold.
The devotional gives you meaning, Scripture, and heart connection.
You can use them together or separately — but when paired, they create meaningful advent traditions your children will remember.
These ABC Advent cards come in a ready to print file for double side printing on cardstock and can be used as handheld cards or hung on ribbons as a countdown chain.
Let This Be the Year Advent Feels Different
Slow the season.
Make room for awe.
Remember that you don’t have to do MORE to put Jesus at the center of Christmas, because he’s already in the middle of it. All you need to do is come sit at his feet and worship.
Let this be the season you strip away the extra and unnecessary to unwrap the infant savior. Let this be your call to choose simple worship over complicated plans and busy traditions.
“When we quiet our hearts, we make room to notice God’s presence. In the stillness, He shapes us in gentle ways.”
— Q is for Quiet
If your family is longing for a gentler, Scripture-centered Advent, Waiting in Wonder is here to guide you.
Download the Devotional
A peaceful, Scripture-rich Advent devotional for families who long to slow down, breathe deep, and return to the heart of Christmas. Through 26 simple, meaningful ABC-themed readings, Waiting in Wonder helps your home find a sacred rhythm of anticipation — without rushing, striving, or adding more to your plate.
Get the Matching ABC Advent Cards
ABC’s of Advent Christmas Countdown
A Christ-centered way to help your kids count down to Christmas during the advent season, these beautifully illustrated ABC Advent cards tell the biblical story of Jesus’ birth with watercolor pictures, reference scriptures, and key words.