Bienvenue à l'Avent
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.
Espoir
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.
Amour
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
Pray
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.
Accueil de l'Avent : Vue d'ensemble
Une introduction à la campagne d'accueil de l'Avent – invitant les églises à pratiquer l'hospitalité envers leurs voisins immigrés comme un acte d'accueil du Christ lui-même.
Lire en ligne Guide de prière · Formation spirituelleAccueil de l'Avent : Prière
Un guide de prière structuré pour l'initiative "Accueil de l'Avent", intercédant pour les familles immigrées et pratiquant l'hospitalité de l'Avent.
Lire en ligne Promo Material · Spiritual FormationBienvenue Aventure : Graphiques promotionnels
Graphiques téléchargeables pour les églises participant à la campagne "Bienvenue en Avent" — prêts pour les bulletins, les réseaux sociaux et les affichages numériques.
Lire en ligne Sermon Outline · Spiritual FormationBienvenue à l'Avent : Plan de sermon
Un plan de sermon pour l'Avent sur l'accueil de l'étranger comme l'accueil du Christ — théologiquement fondé et prêt à être adapté pour votre congrégation.
Lire en ligneRestez connectés au mouvement.
Updates on initiatives, resources, and ways you and your community can take faithful action.