Advent 2026: dates, readings and prayers

What Advent is

Advent means “coming.” For four Sundays before Christmas, Christians remember the long wait for the Messiah, celebrate that he came as a baby in Bethlehem, and look forward to the day he will come again. It is a season of hope in the dark, which is why candles belong to it.

Churches mark it in different ways. Here is a simple practice for home: one evening a week, light a candle, read the passages, and pray.

Week 1, from Sunday 29 November: Hope

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.

Isaiah 9:2

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Light the first candle. Read the passages slowly, then ask: where do I need hope this year?

God of hope, the people who walked in darkness saw a great light. Shine into the dark places of our world and our hearts, and fill us with hope as we wait for you. Amen.

Week 2, from Sunday 6 December: Peace

“Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her forced labor has been completed; her iniquity has been pardoned. For she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.” A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rugged land a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all humanity together will see it.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Isaiah 40:1–5

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.

John 14:27

Light two candles. Read, then ask: where can I make peace this week?

Prince of Peace, comfort your people. Quiet our hurried hearts, and make us peacemakers in our homes and streets. Amen.

Week 3, from Sunday 13 December: Joy

Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is His name.

Luke 1:46–49

Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Light three candles; in many churches the third is pink, for joy. Read, then name three gifts from this year.

Lord, with Mary my soul magnifies you, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Give us joy that holds even alongside sorrow. Amen.

Week 4, from Sunday 20 December: Love

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire. This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:1–7

This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:9–11

Light all four candles. Read, then think of one person who will be lonely this Christmas, and how you could reach them.

Loving God, you sent your Son into the world so we might live through him. Teach us to love one another as you have loved us. Amen.

Christmas Day, Friday 25 December

Light the centre candle, the Christ candle, and read Luke 2:8–20 together. Thank God that he came near. If this Christmas carries grief or loneliness, bring that too: Jesus came into a real world, with real sorrow, and he is “God with us.”