One of the beautiful things about guiding children in the rhythms of the Eucharist is that it holds together both an incredible simplicity and an irreducible complexity.

We catechize children when we invite them into God’s love throughout our worship and prayers. When we pick up toddlers to participate in the Eucharist, whisper to children of their own baptism days during another baptism and pass the plate to them during the offering, we have an opportunity to experientially share God’s sacrificial love and provision for them.

Dr. Emily Hunter McGowin’s new book, Households of Faith: Practicing Family in the Kingdom of God, is an excellent primer on biblical foundations for nuclear and church families.

When we make the goal of children at church something as a means to the end of adults being able to engage in worship, learning and community, we’ve done a disservice to children and failed to see them as valuable parts of our congregation.

Advent is a gift for the church of all ages. Here are tips and tricks I have seen work for some families to make for a thoughtful Advent season.