I didn’t grow up celebrating Advent. In fact, for many years, the word itself felt like something reserved for “more traditional” Christians or families who followed specific liturgical calendars. My family loved Christmas, of course—but Advent was just one of those words floating around that we never fully understood.
If that’s you too, friend, take a deep breath. You’re not behind. You’re not “less Christian.” Advent is simply an invitation—one that many of us discover as adults—to slow down, make room for Jesus, and prepare our hearts for the miracle of God-with-us.
And the homestead, with its rhythms, stillness, and sacred ordinary moments, is the perfect place to practice it.
What Is Advent? (A Simple Explanation)
Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “arrival” or “coming.”
Traditionally, Christians observe Advent during the four weeks leading up to Christmas. It’s a season meant to help us:
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Prepare our hearts for celebrating the birth of Christ
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Reflect on God’s promises and wait with hope
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Remember that Jesus is coming again for His people
But you don’t need fancy devotionals, a liturgical background, or a perfect home to practice Advent. You simply need a willingness to pause and reflect.
Many Christians who didn’t grow up with Advent feel unsure about how to begin. But at its core, Advent is about:
✨ Hope
✨ Peace
✨ Joy
✨ Love
Every week highlights one of these themes—reminders we all need, especially during the busyness and emotional weight of the holidays.
Why Advent Matters on the Homestead
Life on the homestead naturally teaches waiting—waiting for harvest, for growth, for healing, for rest. Advent mirrors that same kind of holy anticipation.
Here’s what practicing Advent has looked like for my family:
1. Creating a Simple Advent Wreath
Not fancy. Not perfect.
Just four candles—three purple, one pink—placed on a wooden tray or surrounded with greenery from our land. Lighting one candle each week helps us mark time intentionally in a season that tends to rush by.
2. Reading Scripture Together
We take a few minutes in the evening—sometimes around the table, sometimes by the tree—to read a short passage about hope, peace, joy, or love. No pressure. No long lessons. Just the Word and a moment of togetherness.
3. Slowing Down the Season
Homestead life forces a quieter pace. Advent invites us to honor it. We cut back on rushing, over-decorating, and over-committing and let the season unfold gently, like fresh snow on the pasture.
4. Looking for Jesus in the Ordinary
Whether it’s feeding the animals in the cold, baking bread, or lighting a candle, Advent opens our eyes to Emmanuel—God with us—even in the simplest chores.
How to Start Advent (Even If You Never Have Before)
If Advent is new to you, here are easy ways to begin:
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Pick one small practice (a candle, a Scripture reading, or a weekly reflection).
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Choose a set time, even just once a week.
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Let it be imperfect. God isn’t measuring your execution—He’s meeting your heart.
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Invite your family, but don’t force it. Start slow. Let curiosity grow naturally.
The beauty of Advent is that it isn’t about performing—it’s about preparing.
Advent Reminds Us What Matters Most
In a season filled with noise and pressure, Advent on the homestead helps us remember:
🌲 Jesus came quietly, simply, and unexpectedly.
🌲 He meets us in our waiting.
🌲 He is our hope when life feels heavy.
🌲 He fills our homes with peace we don’t deserve.
🌲 His love lights up even the darkest seasons.
You don’t have to have grown up with Advent to experience the depth and sweetness of it now. God meets us right where we are—whether that’s in a country church, a busy city, or a cozy farmhouse kitchen with muddy boots by the door and a candle flickering on the counter.
This year, let Advent draw you closer to Him.
Slow down.
Light a candle.
Let Hope arrive again.
