Sunshine, sandals, and… Advent candles?

It might feel too early to be talking about Christmas. However, summer is an ideal time to start preparing for a more meaningful holiday season. And if you’ve ever longed to make the message of Christmas more meaningful, memorable, and missional for your family, friends, or small group, there’s a new resource coming your way that can help.

Celebrate the Christ of Christmas—Together!

When I was growing up, I didn’t know much about Advent. The four weeks before Christmas came and went without candles, wreaths, or much reflection beyond the Sunday sermon. But now? The Advent season has become a treasured part of how I center myself on the true meaning of Christmas.

That’s why I’ve written Light a Candle, a simple, interactive small group book for this upcoming Advent season: to help all of us celebrate the Christ of Christmas—together!

What’s in an Advent Candle? A Lot More Than Wax

Advent, which means “arrival” has been celebrated by followers of Jesus for centuries. Each of the four Sundays before Christmas focuses on a central theme: Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace—all symbolized through the lighting of candles. Together, they invite us to look back at Jesus’ first coming and forward to His return, grounding our lives in His promises.

These symbols are powerful, especially when shared. A small circle of candles can spark big conversations about faith, longing, and the light that Christ brings into our world—even now.

Start Planning Your Group This Summer

Light a Candle is designed to be used by small groups in a variety of settings:

  • Families with kids around the dinner table
  • College students gathering in dorm rooms
  • Young adults sharing a potluck meal
  • Empty nesters and retirees finding connection
  • Neighbors, curious about what Advent really means

And yes, even your church’s small group, who might be looking for something fresh.

In each weekly session, you’ll light a candle, read a short, novelized reflection of the Greatest Story, discuss a question or two, hear or sing a song, and share prayer together. The book is easy to use, biblically grounded, and beautifully designed to be both a spiritual guide and an outreach tool.

Evangelism Can Start with a Candle

We might think of evangelism as something formal, structured, or even intimidating. But what if sharing Jesus this Christmas could be as simple as inviting someone over, lighting a candle, and starting a conversation?

That’s the Light a Candle heartbeat: helping you create a warm, welcoming space to encounter Christ anew—whether with longtime believers or those who are just beginning to ask spiritual questions.

Coming Soon—And Just in Time

My FREE Light a Candle e-book will be available this fall—just in time to prepare for Advent. But summer is the ideal time to start praying, planning, and inviting others to join you.

So, while the days are long and the nights are warm, take a moment to think ahead.

Who could you invite into your Advent circle this year?

Whether you gather with a few or many, Light a Candle will be here to help you make this Christmas more than merry—it can be meaningful.

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Romans 15:13 (NIV)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and, as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

This verse weaves together the Advent themes featured in ‘Light a Candle’—hope, joy, and peace—while sharing the overflow that comes when we gather around Christ.

 

 

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