For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the weeks preceding Christmas are a sacred time of preparation, reflection, and anticipation. An LDS advent calendar offers a meaningful way to shift the focus from the commercialism of the holiday season to the spiritual significance of Christ's birth, transforming the countdown into a daily practice of faith and gratitude.
Understanding the Advent Tradition
The concept of an advent calendar originates from German Lutheran traditions, dating back to the 19th century, where families marked the days of December leading to Christmas Eve. The term "advent" itself means "coming" or "arrival," referring to the anticipated birth of Jesus Christ. While the commercial versions popular today often feature chocolate, the core idea remains a period of hopeful waiting and intentional preparation for the nativity.
The LDS Perspective on Waiting
Within LDS theology, waiting is rarely a passive experience. Scripture teaches that believers are to "watch and pray always" (Luke 21:36), preparing themselves for the Second Coming of Christ, not just His historical birth. An LDS advent calendar aligns perfectly with this principle, encouraging daily mindfulness and spiritual readiness. It serves as a tangible reminder that the greatest gift is not found under a tree, but in the person of Jesus Christ.
Designing a Devotional Calendar
Creating an effective LDS advent calendar involves more than just numbering doors. The focus should be on scriptural study, prayer, and acts of service that embody the Christmas spirit. Many families opt to create their own version using a simple folded cardboard box or a reusable fabric bag, filling it with envelopes or small boxes labeled with dates.
| Date | Theme | Suggested Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 1 | Hope | |
| Dec 5 | Peace | |
| Dec 10 | Joy | |
| Dec 15 | Charity | |
| Dec 20 | Love | |
| Dec 24 | Sacrifice |
Incorporating Modern Elements
Today's Latter-day Saint families have the unique advantage of blending tradition with digital resources. Gospel-focused apps and websites provide a wealth of daily devotionals specifically curated for the season. Parents can use these tools to find age-appropriate stories, music, and discussion questions to enrich the daily ritual without spending hours preparing materials from scratch.
The Focus on Giving
Unlike the consumer-driven aspect of December, an LDS advent calendar emphasizes receiving spiritual gifts rather than accumulating material items. Each day encourages a form of giving—whether it be a heartfelt compliment, a task done for a sibling, or a donation to those in need. This outward focus on charity and service ensures that the calendar becomes a tool for strengthening relationships and building testimony, rather than a countdown to excessive spending.
Creating Lasting Memories
The beauty of this tradition lies in its ability to create lasting family memories. Gathering around the calendar each evening to read a scripture, sing a carol, or share a prayer grounds the excitement of the season in something eternal. These small, consistent acts of faith weave a tapestry of tradition that children carry into adulthood, instilling a deep and abiding love for the gospel during the most wonderful time of the year.
