Advent Welcome
Room in the Inn
A season-long church initiative framing the welcoming of immigrant neighbors as an act of Advent faithfulness — rooted in Matthew 25 and the incarnation narrative.
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Matthew 25:35 NIV
The Advent Welcome toolkit
Four themes for four Sundays — each grounded in Scripture and the Holy Family’s journey.
Esperanza
We wait in expectant hope — for the coming of Christ and for the flourishing of our neighbors. Our hope is not passive.
Peace
The Prince of Peace entered a world of displacement and uncertainty. His peace passes understanding — and calls us to act.
Joy
Joy is not the absence of hardship — it is the fruit of faithful presence. Mary sang of it. We participate in it.
Amor
Perfect love casts out fear. The love of Christ compels us toward the stranger — not away from them.
About this initiative
What if preparing for Christ’s coming meant welcoming those he said he would come in?
The Advent Welcome initiative, created by the National Latino Evangelical Coalition (NaLEC), invites congregations to see hospitality toward immigrant neighbors not as a political act but as a spiritual one. Drawing on Matthew 25, it asks what faithful preparation for Christ’s coming really looks like.
This initiative provides churches with practical resources, theological grounding, and community across the Advent season. It is not partisan. It is biblical, Gospel-centered, and pastoral — rooted in the life of Christ and the movement of the Holy Spirit.
A word from NaLEC
Together, beginning the first Sunday of Advent, we will proclaim that the Evangelical church chooses to be the inn that opens its doors wisely, judiciously, and compassionately — not one that turns people away.
During Advent, we remember that our Savior entered the world through a family facing displacement, rejection, and uncertainty. The incarnation itself is God’s declaration that human dignity is of the utmost importance. This movement is not partisan. It is biblical.
Ways to engage
Find your place in Advent Welcome.
01
Reza
Download the Advent Welcome prayer and incorporate it into Sunday worship or personal devotion. Record and post on December 5th using #AdventWelcome.
02
Preach
Use the four Advent Welcome sermon outlines — grounded in Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love — to form your congregation around faithful hospitality this season.
03
Welcome
Open your doors: host a meal, a listening session, or a solidarity gathering with immigrant neighbors during Advent. Share the toolkit graphics with #AdventWelcome.
Everything you need to participate.
Advent Welcome: Overview
An introduction to the Advent Welcome campaign — inviting churches to practice hospitality toward immigrant neighbors as an act of welcoming Christ himself.
Leer en línea Guía de Oración · Formación EspiritualAdvent Welcome: Prayer
A structured prayer guide for the Advent Welcome initiative, interceding for immigrant families and practicing the hospitality of Advent.
Leer en línea Promo Material · Spiritual FormationAdvent Welcome: Promotional Graphics
Downloadable graphics for churches joining the Advent Welcome campaign — ready for bulletins, social media, and digital displays.
Leer en línea Esquema del sermón · Formación espiritualAdvent Welcome: Sermon Outline
A sermon outline for Advent on welcoming the stranger as welcoming Christ — theologically grounded and ready to adapt for your congregation.
Leer en líneaMantente conectado al movimiento.
Updates on initiatives, resources, and ways you and your community can take faithful action.