Advent is designed to be a season of waiting and reflection, marked by quiet anticipation of the joy to come at Christmas. It’s a time for subdued worship, for pondering the depth of our need for a Saviour, and for sitting with the weight of the world’s brokenness as we look forward to Christ’s return.
Yet for children’s and youth ministers, Advent can often feel less like a season of thoughtful preparation and more like a frantic sprint to Christmas Day. The difficulty isn’t always Advent itself—it’s the relentless demands of ministry that distort the season’s purpose.
Advent’s Intended Tone
Advent invites us to slow down and prepare our hearts, but ministry rhythms often collide with this intended tone. Instead of reflection and waiting, the season is packed with extra events and responsibilities: carol services, school assemblies, live nativities, youth parties, and family events. These activities are good and important, but they pile onto an already full workload.
What’s more, many of these extra responsibilities lack the reflective character of Advent itself. They pull us into the external busyness of the season while leaving little space for the internal preparation that Advent calls us to embrace.
Ministry Realities
The dynamics of ministry life can further exacerbate this imbalance. The expectations placed on children’s and youth ministers—both spoken and unspoken—can make it hard to say no, even when the load becomes unmanageable. There’s a constant temptation to measure success by the smooth running of programmes, the number of attendees, or the quality of events.
This pressure can shift the focus away from the gospel hope at the heart of Advent to the logistical demands of ministry. Add to this the reality that children’s and youth ministers often feel spiritually depleted, pouring into others while neglecting their own souls, and it becomes clear why Advent feels particularly challenging.
Why This Matters
Yet even in the chaos, Advent offers a powerful reminder: Emmanuel—God with us—came to bring peace not only to the world but also to the weary minister. The message of Advent is not one of unmanageable demands, but of hope, rest, and renewal. Rediscovering this message can transform how we approach the season—not just as a time to endure but as a time to encounter Christ afresh.
Reclaiming Advent: Caring for Ourselves Spiritually, Emotionally, and Physically
To reclaim Advent and find balance in the season, we need to be intentional about caring for ourselves as whole people—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. This isn’t just about survival; it’s about creating space to encounter the depth of Advent’s message and rediscover the joy of pointing others to Christ.
1. Anchor Yourself in Prayer and Reflection
Your first priority isn’t the perfect nativity play or the youth Christmas party; it’s your relationship with Jesus. Set aside time each day to sit quietly with God. Use an Advent devotional or read passages that focus on the incarnation, such as Isaiah 9:6 or John 1:14. Let these truths sink deeply into your heart.
Your ministry to others flows from your own relationship with Christ. When you take time to replenish your soul in Him, you’ll find the strength to shepherd others with joy.
2. Delegate Wisely
You are not called to carry this season alone. Lean on your team, your volunteers, and the wider church family. Equip them to take ownership of tasks and trust them with responsibilities. Delegating isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s biblical wisdom (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
When everyone plays their part, the ministry is strengthened—and so are you.
3. Create Clear Boundaries
Advent can pull you in a hundred different directions, but guarding your time for rest, family, and worship is crucial. Say “no” to commitments that stretch you beyond what is healthy. Prioritise attending church services, spending time with your family, and resting your body and mind.
As Ephesians 5:15-16 reminds us, stewarding your time wisely glorifies God and ensures you serve from a place of overflow, not exhaustion.
4. Celebrate Small Moments of Joy
Amid the chaos, don’t miss the glimpses of God’s grace. Watch for a child’s wide-eyed wonder during the nativity story, the sincerity of a young person’s prayer, or the shared laughter of your team over a cup of tea.
Pause, notice these moments, and give thanks. They are reminders of the Spirit’s work in and through you.
5. Keep the Long View
Advent is part of a much greater story—the story of redemption and restoration. Resist the pressure to make every programme or event perfect. Your role is not to manufacture spiritual transformation; it’s to point children, young people, and families to Jesus, trusting the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts (John 16:13-14).
And remember, Advent isn’t just about celebrating Christ’s first coming; it’s about anticipating His return. As you plan, prepare, and serve, keep Revelation 21:3-4 in mind: Christ’s coming points to the day when God will dwell with us forever, and all things will be made new. Let this eternal perspective sustain you when ministry feels heavy.
Rediscovering Emmanuel
Though ministry demands can distort the season’s purpose, Advent’s true message remains steadfast: Emmanuel, God with us. He is with you in the long hours, the endless tasks, and the quiet moments of reflection.
Let Him sustain you so you can continue to joyfully serve the children, youth, and families under your care. This Advent, may you not only proclaim the gospel of hope but also experience its rest and renewal in your own life.
