Advent as a family: a prayer for every night

Advent is the season of preparation for Christmas: four weeks of waiting that begin four Sundays before December 25. This journey gives you a prayer for every night from December 1 to 24, designed to be prayed as a family in five minutes: a short Bible reading, a reflection, a prayer and a question to talk about with the children before bed. It is the full text of Cordeo's Advent Challenge.

When it is prayed: One night per day, from December 1 to 24. If Advent begins before December 1, you can start on the first Sunday of Advent and move the calendar forward; what matters is reaching Christmas Eve having prayed all 24 nights.

How to pray it

Turn off the screens and, if you have an Advent wreath, light the candle for the week.
Read the night's reading.
Read the reflection, or sum it up in your own words if there are small children.
Pray the night's prayer together.
Talk about the question of the day: everyone answers in one sentence.

The 24 nights

Day 01: Hope that Illuminates the Path

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

Today we begin the season of Advent, a time of waiting and preparation. Hope is the thread that accompanies us on this journey. In our daily lives, we face moments of uncertainty and challenges that can cloud our vision. However, the coming of the Messiah reminds us that there is always light in the darkness. As we meditate on the promise of Christ's coming, we are called to renew our faith and trust that God has a plan for each of us. This time of waiting is not just an exercise in patience, but an invitation to open our hearts to the wonders that God is about to do. Just as Mary waited with faith and love, may we also learn to wait with joy and certainty, knowing that the Savior is near and that His love never abandons us.

Prayer of the day

Lord, on this first day of Advent, I ask that you renew my hope. Help me to trust in your promises and to prepare to receive you in my heart. May your light illuminate my days, and may I always find in you the peace I seek. Amen.

To talk about as a family: What does it mean for me to wait on the Lord during this Advent?

Day 02: The Light of Prophecy

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in the land of the shadow of death, on them the light has shined.
Isaiah 9:2

On this second day of Advent, we reflect on the prophecy that brings us hope. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that, in the midst of darkness, the light of God shines forth. This light is the very Messiah we eagerly await. In the everyday moments of our lives, we often find ourselves in situations of uncertainty, where darkness seems to reign. However, the promise of Christ's coming invites us to open our hearts and to wait in faith. Each day of this Advent is an opportunity to let that light shine in our lives, guiding us and transforming our reality. As we meditate on the prophecies, let us remember that they are not just words of the past, but living promises that accompany us and fill us with hope on our journey toward meeting the Savior.

Prayer of the day

Lord, I thank You for the promises You have given to Your people. Help me to live in the light of Your love and to wait with faith for the coming of Your Son. May each day of this Advent draw me closer to You.

To talk about as a family: What areas of my life need the light of hope?

Day 03: The Voice Calling in the Wilderness

The voice of one who calls out, “Prepare the way of Yahweh in the wilderness! Make a level highway in the desert for our God.
Isaiah 40:3

On this third day of Advent, we hear the powerful voice crying out in the wilderness, a call to preparation and waiting. That voice invites us to reflect on our own lives and the areas that need to be transformed. Just as the wilderness is a place of solitude and desolation, sometimes our hearts can feel empty and distant from God. In this Advent season, we are called to prepare the way for the coming Messiah. This involves opening our hearts, acknowledging our weaknesses, and allowing the light of Christ to illuminate our lives. What deserts are within us that need to be nourished with the hope and love of God? As we prepare our spirits, we also prepare to live with greater joy and gratitude for the arrival of Jesus. Let us take this time to draw closer to Him and rediscover the joy of His presence.

Prayer of the day

Lord, in this time of waiting, help me to hear your voice in my desert. I want to prepare a way for you in my heart and allow your love to transform my life. Amen.

To talk about as a family: What steps can I take today to prepare my heart for the Lord?

Day 04: The Light that Guides

Where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him.
Matthew 2:2

On this fourth day of Advent, we contemplate the star that guided the wise men to the birth of the Messiah. This star not only illuminated the physical path to Bethlehem but also symbolizes the light of hope that shines in our lives. In the midst of the darkness of the world, the star reminds us that there is always a divine guide leading us toward truth and peace. During this time of waiting, we are invited to seek that light in our daily lives, allowing it to guide us in our decisions, relationships, and in our faith. Just as the magi followed the star with faith and perseverance, we too are called to follow the light of Christ, who comes to transform our lives and bring us salvation. Let us reflect on how we can be reflections of that light in the world, especially in this Advent season.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, I thank you for being the light that guides my life. Help me to follow your path and to share your light with others. May my heart be open to your coming and the hope you bring this Advent. Amen.

To talk about as a family: What does it mean for me to follow the light of Christ in my daily life?

Day 05: Shepherds in the Field

There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.
Luke 2:8

On this Advent journey, we contemplate the shepherds in the field, who, in the darkness of night, received the light of the announcement of the Savior's birth. These simple men, dedicated to caring for their sheep, remind us of the importance of vigilance and attentiveness in our daily lives. Amid our routines and concerns, God manifests Himself in unexpected ways. Just as the shepherds heard the message of the angels, we too are called to be attentive to the voice of God in our lives. In this time of waiting, let us reflect on how we can be shepherds in our surroundings, caring for and guiding those around us toward the light and hope that the Messiah brings. Let us open our hearts to the joy that comes with His arrival.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, I thank You for the example of the shepherds. Help me to be attentive to Your voice and to be a guide for others. May this Advent fill my heart with hope and love for those around me. Amen.

To talk about as a family: How can I be a shepherd in someone's life today?

Day 06: Door of Light

Again, therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world.He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12

On this sixth day of Advent, we reflect on the figure of Jesus as the 'Door of Light.' In a world filled with shadows and confusion, His light guides us and gives us hope. With each passing day, we draw closer to the celebration of His birth, an event that transformed history and our lives. The waiting for the Messiah is not only a time of anticipation but an invitation to open our hearts to His light. Let us allow His light to illuminate our decisions, relationships, and the paths we choose. In our daily routines, we can find moments to be bearers of that light, reflecting His love and compassion towards others. As we approach Christmas, let us remember that every act of kindness, every gesture of love, is a way to live in the light of Christ.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, in this Advent season, I ask that you illuminate my life and that of my loved ones. Help me to be a reflection of your light in the world. May each day be filled with your love and hope.

To talk about as a family: How can I be a light in the lives of others today?

Day 07: The Light of Our Waiting

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in the land of the shadow of death, on them the light has shined.
Isaiah 9:2

Today we reflect on the Advent wreath, a symbol of the light that is gradually igniting in our waiting. Each candle that is lit reminds us that we are in a time of preparation and hope. The light of these candles invites us to live in expectation of the birth of the Savior, who brings light to our lives. In the midst of the darkness that sometimes surrounds us, the Advent wreath becomes a beacon that guides us, reminding us that Christ is the light of the world. In our daily lives, we can be bearers of that light, bringing hope and love to those around us. May each lit candle inspire us to be witnesses of the joy that the Messiah brings, and to share that light with those who still walk in shadow. Thus, in this waiting, we can prepare to receive the Christ Child with hearts full of faith and love.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, ignite my heart with your light and help me to be a reflection of your love in the world. May each day of this Advent bring me closer to You and to the joy of your birth. Amen.

To talk about as a family: How can I be a light in the lives of others during this Advent?

Day 08: The Light that Comes

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it.
John 1:5

On this Advent day, we reflect on the heavenly Light that brings hope amidst the darkness. The arrival of the Messiah is like a beacon that illuminates our path, reminding us that, even when we face difficulties, we are never alone. The light of Christ guides us and gives us strength to move forward. In our daily lives, we often feel overwhelmed by the shadows of sadness, anxiety, or uncertainty. However, it is in these moments that we most need to open our hearts to the divine light. As we prepare to receive Jesus, we can ask Him to shine His light in our lives and help us be bearers of His light in the world. May each day of this Advent be an opportunity to let that light shine in us and through us, bringing hope to those around us.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, in this Advent, I ask that your light shine in my life. Help me to be a reflection of your love and hope for others. Amen.

To talk about as a family: What areas of my life need the light of Christ?

Day 09: Encounter at the Well

but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst.
John 4:14

Today we reflect on the encounter at the well, where Jesus meets the Samaritan woman. This meeting reminds us that, in our waiting for the Messiah, we are also called to seek and find God in our everyday lives. Just like the woman, we can approach the well of our own needs and longings, and there discover the living water that only He can offer. In this Advent season, the well becomes a symbol of the search for the sacred in the ordinary. Each day, we have the opportunity to open our hearts and allow the love of Christ to transform our spiritual thirst. How often do we feel empty and in search of answers? In this time of waiting, let us remember that the Messiah is already with us, offering us His love and His peace, inviting us to a deep and renewing encounter.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, in this Advent season, I thank you for the living water you offer me. Help me to seek you in every moment and to quench my thirst for you. May each encounter with you renew my hope and faith.

To talk about as a family: Where can I find God in my daily life?

Day 10: The Workshop of Nazareth

Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother called Mary, and his brothers, James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?
Matthew 13:55

Today we contemplate the Workshop of Nazareth, a place where simplicity and daily work intertwine with the divine. Jesus, the Son of God, grew up in an environment of labor and dedication, where Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary taught Him the value of effort and humility. In this Advent season, we are invited to find God in our daily activities. Just as Jesus learned to work with His hands, we too can find Christ in our everyday tasks, in the love we put into each action. The waiting for the Messiah is also an opportunity to recognize His presence in the ordinary, in our families, in our work, and in the little things. Let us reflect on how we can make our day-to-day a space for the arrival of the Savior, allowing His light to shine in our lives.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, I thank You for the example of Your life in Nazareth. Help me to find Your presence in my work and in my relationships. May each day be an opportunity to draw closer to You and to live with love and dedication. Amen.

To talk about as a family: How can I make my workplace a meeting place with God?

Day 11: Guiding Stars

The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork.
Psalm 19:1

On this starry night, we contemplate a sky that reminds us of the greatness of our Creator. Each star shines with its own light, just as each of us has a purpose while we await the Messiah. The arrival of Jesus is the answer to our hopes and longings. In the midst of darkness, His light guides us and gives us hope. As we look at the stars, let us think about how we can reflect that light in our daily lives, bringing comfort and love to those around us. In this Advent season, let us be bearers of the light of Christ, sharing His love and peace in every encounter. May this waiting transform us and prepare us to receive the Savior with open hearts.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, thank you for being the light in my life. Help me to be a reflection of your love and hope this Advent. I want to share your light with others and live in the joy of your coming. Amen.

To talk about as a family: How can I be a light in the lives of others today?

Day 12: Ascending Toward the Light

I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from?
Psalm 121:1

On this Advent day, as we contemplate the image of a mountain path, we remember that our life is a journey toward the light that is Christ. Just as the mountains rise majestically, our hopes must also be lifted toward heaven. The waiting for the Messiah invites us to reflect on the paths we choose in our daily lives. Often, we face challenges that seem like impossible mountains, but with every step we take, the Lord walks alongside us. In our quest for peace and love, it is essential to remember that, like the psalmist, we can lift our eyes on high, trusting that our help comes from God. This Advent, as we ascend our own mountains, let us open our hearts to the arrival of Jesus, who illuminates our paths and transforms our difficulties into opportunities for faith and hope.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, in this time of waiting, help me to recognize your light in every step of my journey. Strengthen my faith as I climb my daily mountains. Amen.

To talk about as a family: What mountains do you need to climb with God's help?

Day 13: Joy in the Waiting of the Lord

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4

On this Advent day, joy becomes the thread that weaves through our waiting. The letter to the Philippians invites us to rejoice in the Lord, reminding us that true joy does not depend on our circumstances, but on our relationship with Him. As we draw closer to Christmas, we reflect on the arrival of the Messiah, who brings hope and light to our lives. In the midst of daily worries, it is easy to let sadness overwhelm us. However, the call to joy is a reminder that, even as we face difficulties, God is with us. The joy of Advent is anticipation; it is the delight of knowing that the Savior is near. Today, let us seek moments to rejoice, to share smiles and love, and to remember that we are part of a story of salvation that fills us with hope and peace.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, today I ask you to fill my heart with joy. Help me to recognize your presence in my life and to share that happiness with others. Amen.

To talk about as a family: What moments of joy have I experienced in my waiting for the Lord?

Day 14: Winter Flower

The wilderness and the dry land will be glad. The desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose.
Isaiah 35:1

On this Advent day, we reflect on the 'winter flower,' a symbol of hope and renewal. In the midst of cold and darkness, the flower emerges, reminding us that even in the most challenging circumstances, God brings light and life. The waiting for the Messiah is like that flower blooming in the desert; His arrival transforms our surroundings and our hearts. With each passing day, we draw closer to the celebration of the birth of Jesus, who came to bring comfort and redemption to our daily lives. In these moments of waiting, let us allow hope to blossom within us, cultivating the joy and peace that only He can offer. May every small act of love and kindness we perform be like a flower that beautifies the world around us.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, in this Advent season, help me to be a bearer of hope and love. May my life be a reflection of the light that You bring to the world. Amen.

To talk about as a family: What flowers of hope can you cultivate in your life today?

Day 15: Bethlehem, the City of Birth

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being small among the clans of Judah, out of you one will come out to me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings out are from of old, from ancient times.
Micah 5:2

Bethlehem, a small and seemingly insignificant town, became the place where God chose to manifest His love to the world. In this Advent season, we reflect on how the simple and humble can be the backdrop for great events. Just like Bethlehem, our lives may seem ordinary, but each day is filled with opportunities to recognize God's presence. The waiting for the Messiah invites us to open our hearts and prepare the way in our daily lives. In this time of preparation, let us remember that the Savior comes to those who are willing to welcome Him, no matter how small or insignificant they may feel. May the hope of His birth inspire us to be beacons of light and love in the world, especially in the most challenging situations of our lives.

Prayer of the day

Lord, in this Advent season, help me to recognize your presence in the simple things of my life. May the humility of Bethlehem inspire me to open my heart and receive you with joy. Amen.

To talk about as a family: What small things in my life can I offer to the Lord?

Day 16: Walking Toward the Light

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in the land of the shadow of death, on them the light has shined.
Isaiah 9:2

On this 16th day of Advent, we reflect on the 'Way of Light.' The prophecy of Isaiah reminds us that the Messiah is the light that illuminates our darkness. In our daily lives, we often face moments of uncertainty and pain, where we feel lost. However, the arrival of Jesus invites us to step out of the darkness and walk toward the light. As we prepare for His birth, we can ask ourselves: what shadows exist in my life that need the light of Christ? By opening our hearts to His light, we find hope and direction. In this time of waiting, let us allow the light of Jesus to shine in our actions and thoughts, transforming our everyday lives and guiding us on the path toward the love and peace that He offers us.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, in this Advent, I ask you to illuminate my path. Help me to recognize the shadows in my life and to seek your light. I want to be a reflection of your love in the world. Amen.

To talk about as a family: What shadows of my life do I need to bring into the light of Christ?

Day 17: Olive Branch, Symbol of Peace

The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat; The calf, the young lion, and the fattened calf together; and a little child will lead them.
Isaiah 11:6

On this Advent day, we reflect on the olive branch, an ancient symbol of peace. The arrival of the Messiah promises us a transformed world, where harmony replaces discord. In times of uncertainty and conflict, remembering this promise fills us with hope. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, invites us to build bridges instead of walls, to be agents of reconciliation in our families, communities, and in the world. As we approach Christmas, let us consider how we can be bearers of peace, just as Mary, who with her 'yes' brought the Savior into the world. May this waiting inspire us to act with love and compassion, sowing seeds of peace in every interaction. In our daily lives, every kind gesture, every word of encouragement, can be an olive branch that we offer to those around us.

Prayer of the day

Lord, I thank You for the peace that You bring to my life. Help me to be an instrument of Your peace in the world. May I reflect Your love and reconciliation in every action during this waiting. Amen.

To talk about as a family: How can I be a messenger of peace in my surroundings?

Day 18: The Stable, Meeting Place

She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:7

Today, as we reflect on the stable, we remember that the place where Jesus was born was a humble and simple space. In the midst of poverty and the darkness of night, God chose to manifest Himself in the most ordinary. This invites us to recognize that the arrival of the Messiah is not limited to great events, but is found in every corner of our daily lives. In our waiting for His coming, we can find Him in moments of silence, in the embrace of a loved one, in solidarity with our neighbor. The stable teaches us that the greatness of God is revealed in the small, and that sometimes the best gifts come wrapped in humility. As we approach this Advent season, let us ask God to help us discover His presence in our own stables, in our daily struggles and joys.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, thank you for being born in a stable, reminding us that your love knows no barriers. Help me to find your light in the simplest places of my life. Amen.

To talk about as a family: Where can I find the presence of God in my daily life?

Day 19: The Complete Crown of Hope

For to us a child is born. To us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God.
Isaiah 9:6

Today we reflect on the 'Complete Crown' that symbolizes the fullness of hope brought to us by the birth of our Savior. In this Advent season, each candle lit in our crown represents a light that dispels the darkness in our lives. Jesus, the child who is born, is the answer to our deepest hopes and longings. Just as the crown is made up of different branches, our lives are intertwined with various experiences: joys, sorrows, struggles, and triumphs. In this waiting, let us remember that each of us is part of that beautiful creation designed by God. As we light each candle, we draw closer to the arrival of the Messiah, who comes to complete our lives and bring us the peace we so desperately need. Allow Him to be the center of your crown and your life.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, in this Advent, I ask you to illuminate my life with your light. Help me to recognize and live the hope that you bring. May each day draw me closer to you and to the peace you offer. Amen.

To talk about as a family: What areas of my life need the light of Christ today?

Day 20: Offerings of Love and Faith

They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:11

Today, on the 20th day of Advent, we reflect on the gifts that the Magi brought to the Child Jesus. These wise men, guided by the star, offered gold, frankincense, and myrrh, symbols of their recognition of the divinity and royalty of the Messiah. In our waiting for the Savior, we too are called to offer something valuable from ourselves: our faith, our time, and our love. What gifts do we bring today before the presence of God? In our daily lives, we can offer a smile to someone in need, a moment of listening to a friend, or an act of kindness to a stranger. Just as the Magi knelt before the Child, we too can humble ourselves and acknowledge that all we have comes from His love. May this Advent inspire us to give our best in every action and thought.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, in this Advent season, I want to offer you my heart and my actions. Help me to be generous and to recognize your love in every small gesture. Amen.

To talk about as a family: What offering are you willing to make in your daily life?

Day 21: The Call of the Bell

The voice of one who calls out, “Prepare the way of Yahweh in the wilderness! Make a level highway in the desert for our God.
Isaiah 40:3

On this day, the image of a bell resonates in our hearts, calling us to prepare. Just as the bell rings to gather people, the voice of God invites us to draw near to Him. In this Advent season, we remember that the Messiah comes to bring hope and renewal. Each toll reminds us of the importance of being attentive to His coming and preparing our hearts to receive Him. In our daily lives, we often get carried away by distractions, forgetting the peace and joy that Christ brings. This is a time to reflect on what we need to cleanse and align in our hearts, so that His light may shine more brightly within us. As we hear the sound of the bell, let it guide us toward a closer relationship with the Lord, ensuring that we are ready to receive Him at Christmas.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, in this Advent season, help me to hear your call. I want to prepare for your coming and open my heart to your love. May each day be an opportunity to draw closer to you and live in your light. Amen.

To talk about as a family: What actions can I take today to better prepare for the arrival of Jesus?

Day 22: The Light that Guides Our Souls

You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.
Matthew 5:14

In this Advent, the image of a candle in the window invites us to reflect on how we can be light in the midst of darkness. The waiting for the Messiah is also a call to illuminate the path of those around us. Just as a candle provides warmth and hope, our faith can be a beacon that guides others toward the love of God. In our daily lives, we often face moments of uncertainty and sadness. However, by igniting our inner light, we remember that we are called to be witnesses of the hope that Jesus brings. This time of waiting reminds us that, like the candle, each of us has the capacity to shine, to be light in the lives of others, anticipating the arrival of the Savior.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, help me to be a light in the lives of those around me. May my faith shine brightly and bring hope to hearts in darkness. Amen.

To talk about as a family: How can I be a light to others this Advent?

Day 23: The Night of Vigil

My soul longs for the Lord more than watchmen long for the morning; more than watchmen for the morning.
Psalm 130:6

Today, on this night of vigil, we find ourselves in a moment of active waiting. Just as the watchmen await the arrival of the new day, we await the coming of the Messiah. This Advent invites us to be attentive, to live in a hope-filled expectation. The night may symbolize the darkness in our lives, but it is also the space where the light of Christ begins to shine more brightly. Like Mary, who watched with an open heart, we too are called to prepare our hearts to receive Jesus. Amid our daily routines, we can find moments of silence and reflection, where the vigil becomes an act of love and surrender. Let us remember that every small gesture of love is a way to prepare the way for the Savior.

Prayer of the day

Lord, on this night of vigil, help me to stay alert and prepared. May my heart be a place where Your light shines brightly. Amen.

To talk about as a family: How can I make my life a vigil of love and waiting?

Day 24: The Light of Christmas Eve

The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
Luke 2:10

On this Christmas Eve, we celebrate the arrival of the Savior, the moment when hope became flesh. The light that shines in the darkness is Jesus, who brings joy and peace to our hearts. Amidst traditions, family gatherings, and the hustle and bustle, let us remember that the essence of this night is the love of God manifested in a child. The wait for the Messiah is fulfilled and invites us to open our hearts. In our daily lives, we often find ourselves in darkness, facing challenges and worries. However, this night reminds us that just as the shepherds received the good news, we too are called to share that joy. May the light of Christ illuminate our lives and inspire us to be bearers of His love in the world.

Prayer of the day

Lord Jesus, on this Christmas Eve, I thank you for coming to meet us. May your light shine in my life and in the lives of those I love. Help me to be a reflection of your love.

To talk about as a family: How can I bring the light of Christ to others this Christmas?

Frequently asked questions

When does Advent begin?

Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, between November 27 and December 3 depending on the year, and ends on Christmas Eve. This journey uses the 24 nights of December so it is easy to follow with children, like an Advent calendar.

What do you do each night?

A short Bible reading, a one-paragraph reflection, a prayer and a question to talk about. Five minutes in all. You can read it from the phone or listen to it narrated in the Cordeo app.

Does it work as an Advent calendar without sweets?

Yes. Many families use it that way: each night you open the day's prayer instead of a little window with chocolate. In the Cordeo app the challenge marks each completed night and you can share your progress.

Is it only for Catholics?

It is a Bible-based prayer with Christmas at its center, and any Christian family can pray it. The readings are from the World English Bible.

Other prayers

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, in the public domain.