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Rediscover the heart of Christmas: love received from God, given with joy.
As December speeds up and our calendars fill, here’s a small invitation to slow down. The Caring Advent Paper Chain takes a tradition many of us remember—those colorful countdown links inching toward Christmas morning—and turns it into a simple daily practice for receiving God’s love and giving it with joy.
You don’t need a perfect plan or extra hours in your evening. You need a printer, paper, scissors, a bit of tape and about five unrushed minutes. Each day you’ll tear off one link and do three things together: read a short Scripture, reflect with a kid-friendly prompt or activity, and pray a simple prayer.
That’s it! No elaborate setup, no pressure to say the “right” thing. Just a steady rhythm that helps ordinary moments become sacred ones.
This year’s paper chain invites you into a four-week journey of love.
In Week 1, you begin where all love begins: with God. We remember the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes—God’s love made visible and near—and we let that love settle into our everyday lives.
In Week 2, the circle widens to neighbors. The love we’ve received naturally spills over our fences and into front yards, hallways, sidewalks and school pick-up lines.
In Week 3, we lift our eyes to the city around us—the places we share with people we may not know by name but to whom we still belong.
And in Week 4, as Christmas draws close, we turn outward to the world God so loves, practicing love with actions and in truth.
Inside each link you’ll find a carefully chosen verse, a short reflection or hands-on idea that works for little ones and big kids alike, and a prayer to say together.
Many families decorate as they go—coloring the strips, adding stickers, jotting down names to pray for—turning the chain into a living record of the season. You’ll be surprised how quickly five minutes adds up to something lasting: a calmer pace, a deeper attentiveness, and a house gently oriented toward what matters most.
If December hasn’t looked “ideal” in the past, take heart.
This isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing less on purpose. If you miss a night, you can pick right back up. If your household is a mix of ages and attention spans, that’s perfect—everyone can participate, each in their own way. Grandparents can lead it when grandkids visit. Small groups can pull a single link and talk together. Individuals can use it as a tactile, prayerful countdown.
At Christmas, we witness a love that gives with joy—moving toward others with open hands and grateful hearts.
It’s a generous, self-giving love, first cradled in a manger and fully revealed on the cross. As we practice small, everyday acts of joyful generosity, our hearts are readied to rejoice in the wonder of Christmas Day.
If you’re ready to make this Advent calmer and more meaningful, we’d love to send you everything you need. When you sign up, you’ll receive the complete 25-day printable paper chain and a short Grown-Up Guide with simple tips and extra prayer prompts. We’ll also send brief weekly encouragements to keep you inspired, and you can follow along with other families using #caringadventjourney.
Make Advent meaningful, not hectic. Get the free Advent Paper Chain and Grown-Up Guide here.
Whether you use it around your table, in a classroom, with neighbors or on your own, let this season be different—love received, love given, one little link at a time.
Do Good:
- What if five minutes a day could re-center your family on the reason we celebrate? Meet the free Caring Advent Paper Chain—25 days to Read, Reflect and Pray. Refreshed for 2025!
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