As Christmas comes and goes, the lights dim, the schedules refill, and daily life returns with its familiar rhythm. Yet the heart of Advent—the expectancy, the slowing, the listening, the intentional watching for God—was never meant to be contained within just four weeks.
Advent is a season, yes, but it is also a posture.
A way of seeing.
A way of living.
Continuing Advent past Christmas means allowing the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love to take root in our lives long after the candles have burned down. It means living with open hands and open eyes, expecting God to be present in both the ordinary and the unexpected.
What It Means to Live Advent All Year
1. Keep Watching for God
After Christmas, the world often shifts back into hurry mode—but Advent teaches us that God speaks most clearly when we slow down. Continuing Advent means making space for stillness, listening, and spiritual attentiveness throughout the year.
2. Carry the Themes Forward
The themes of Advent do not expire.
- Hope becomes the way we face uncertainty.
- Peace becomes the posture we bring into conflict.
- Joy becomes the lens through which we notice blessings.
- Love becomes the guiding force behind how we show up for others.
These themes form the foundation of spiritual growth long after December ends.
3. Become a Light-Bearer
Advent prepares us to carry Christ’s light outward. Beyond Christmas, we are invited to become light-bearers in our relationships, workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities. This is where Advent becomes more than reflection—it becomes action.
Noticing God After Christmas
When the decorations come down, we begin to notice God in new ways:
- In the unplanned conversation that becomes a gift
- In the courage to try something new
- In the slow healing of a relationship
- In moments of unexpected comfort
- In the everyday beauty that might have gone unnoticed before
God is still arriving—in the quiet, in the waiting, and in the gentle unfolding of daily life.
Bringing Advent to Others:
These watercolor projects are designed not only for reflection, but for sharing—offering encouragement, comfort, and blessing to someone else. Each one is simple, heartfelt, and perfect for gifting.
Watercolor Project #1: “Hope Blossoms” Encouragement Card
Purpose: To offer hope to someone in a difficult or uncertain season.
How to Create It:
- Fold watercolor paper into a card.
- Create a gentle wash of blues and purples.
- Add small blooms of pink or gold, letting them spread softly—symbolizing hope emerging.
- Once dry, hand-letter a simple message on the front such as:
- “Hope Is Rising”
- “Light Is Coming”
- “You’re Not Alone”
How to Use It:
Give this card to someone who needs a reminder of the hope God is growing in their life—even if it’s still in its earliest stages.
Watercolor Project #2: “Peace Be With You” Bookmark
Purpose: To offer peace to someone who needs rest, calm, or encouragement.
How to Create It:
- Cut watercolor paper into bookmark-sized strips.
- Paint a minimalistic gradient—soft blues or greens blending gently from top to bottom.
- Add subtle linework or silhouettes such as:
- A small olive branch
- A simple wave
- A single horizon line
- Add a handwritten blessing like:
- “Peace Be With You”
- “A Quiet Moment for Your Soul”
- “May You Find Rest Today”
How to Use It:
Slip the bookmark into a book you’re gifting someone, or leave it anonymously where someone might discover it.
Watercolor Project #3: “Joy Shared” Mini Art Print
Purpose: To spread joy through a small, beautiful piece of art someone can keep or display.
How to Create It:
- Cut a piece of watercolor paper to postcard or small-print size.
- Paint bright, blooming watercolor shapes—circles, florals, or simple bursts of color.
- Allow colors to overlap and bloom freely to symbolize joy overflowing.
- Add a brief message at the bottom edge or on the back, such as:
- “Joy to Your Day”
- “You Bring Light”
- “A Little Joy for You”
How to Use It:
Gift it in person, send it in the mail, or tuck it into a friend’s notebook, workspace, or bag as a small surprise.
Continuing Advent in Community
Sharing these creative gifts is more than an art project—it’s a way of carrying the Advent spirit outward. Through beauty, encouragement, and intentional presence, you become someone who:
- Speaks hope
- Offers peace
- Shares joy
- Lives love
And in doing so, Advent continues—quietly, faithfully, creatively—long after Christmas has passed.
WAVES OF EXPRESSION 
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