Using the O Come, Emmanuel devotional booklet
Set aside five minutes each day to follow a reflection from the Advent book O Come Emmanuel – whether it’s first thing in the morning, at lunchtime or before bed.
During Advent 2025, you could also listen to the reflections on the Everyday Faith app from the Church of England. Find out more and download via cofe.io/EverydayFaithApp
Keeping an Advent journal
You might like to keep an Advent journal. Writing down your responses, questions and passages that resonated with you can be a powerful way to keep track of your journey through Advent.
You could do this with your own materials or use this journal from the Diocese of York available to download here.
Using the antiphons as daily prayers
You could use the antiphons as daily prayers – at meals or bedtime. Light a candle for each day, perhaps using coloured candles or decorated jars.
You might source symbols or pictures online for the antiphons or design your own. You could decorate your Christmas tree gradually, adding one antiphon symbol each day from 17 December.
If your household enjoys singing, include verses of ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel’ – even young children should quickly learn and be able to join in with the refrain. You might also use the simple prayers:
Come, O Adonai, who appeared to Moses in the burning bush,
and gave him the Law on Mount Sinai;
Come, Adonai, and save us. Amen.
Come, O Root of Jesse, be a sign among the peoples;
Come, Root of Jesse, and deliver us now. Amen.
Come, O Key of David, free the captives and those in darkness;
Come, Key of David, lead us into light. Amen.
Come, O Morning Star, Everlasting Light;
Come, Morning Star, and shine on us. Amen.
Come, O King of the Nations, save us your creatures;
Come, King of the Nations, save us now. Amen.
Come, O Emmanuel, God with us;
Come, Emmanuel, and save us. Amen.