What is a Christian Advent Calendar? The Names of Jesus, Explained
If you've ever stood in a Christmas shop holding a chocolate advent calendar and thought, there has to be something better than this, you're not alone.
A Christian advent calendar does something different. Instead of counting down to Christmas with sweets or trinkets, it gives you a reason to pause each day and actually think about what you're celebrating.
What does Advent mean?
Advent is the four-week season before Christmas. The word comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival." For Christians, it's a time of preparation and anticipation, not just for Christmas Day itself, but for reflecting on who Jesus is and what his coming means.
Many families and individuals mark Advent with a calendar of some kind. The tradition has its roots in 19th-century Germany, where Christians would light candles or mark off days in the lead-up to Christmas.
What makes a Christian advent calendar different?
A standard advent calendar counts down the days with something to open, whether that's chocolate, a small gift, or a beauty product. A Christian advent calendar uses those 24 days as an opportunity for reflection, Scripture, or devotion.
The best ones are designed to be used, not just opened and forgotten. They give you something to sit with, something to come back to, and something that makes Christmas feel like it means something.
What is the Names of Jesus Advent Calendar?
The Names of Jesus Advent Calendar is a 24-card set I designed to help you slow down and really see who Jesus is during December.
Each card reveals a name of Jesus, drawn from Scripture. Names like Immanuel, the Bread of Life, the Good Shepherd, and the Prince of Peace. These aren't just titles. They're windows into his character, his promises, and what he came to do.
The cards are beautifully illustrated and printed on quality card stock. They're made to be displayed, shared, and kept.
Here is how it works:
- Each day of December, from December 1, you open a new card
- The card reveals a name of Jesus and a short reflection
- You can use it alone, as a family, or in a classroom or small group
- Daily reflection emails are also available to go deeper each day
Who is it for?
I designed this calendar with a few different people in mind.
For families, it gives you a daily conversation starter that's simple enough for children but rich enough for adults. You don't need a theology degree to use it. You just need five minutes and a willingness to look.
For individuals, it's a gentle structure for Advent devotion. If December tends to feel like it gets away from you, this gives you an anchor.
For teachers and small group leaders, multiple copies work independently, so it's easy to use across a classroom or congregation without any coordination overhead.
How is it different from other Christian advent calendars?
Most Christian advent calendars I've seen fall into one of two categories. Either they're very children-focused, with simple images and little depth, or they're very text-heavy, which is lovely but not always easy to use with a family or in a busy morning.
The Names of Jesus Advent Calendar sits in between. The cards are visually beautiful, so they work as decor as well as devotion. And the reflections are substantive without being overwhelming.
When should I order?
Because the calendar is made to order and hand-assembled, I open orders well before December. If you're in Australia, I'd suggest ordering by mid-November to be safe. International orders should come in earlier.
You can find full shipping information on the Advent Calendar FAQs page.
Ready to order?
The Names of Jesus Advent Calendar is available now. If you have questions about how it works, shipping, or whether it suits your situation, the FAQs page has everything you need.