From the first Sunday of Advent
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas: November 29 in 2026 and November 28 in 2027. A chain from that Sunday to Christmas Eve has 26 links in 2026. If you use an Advent calendar that starts on December 1, change the first date and the chain drops to 24 links.
The readings move through the prophets, the story of Zechariah and Mary in Luke 1, the birth in Luke 2 and the light of John 1. Each link gives the passage and a few words about it, so a family can read it from any Bible translation. The kind-deeds list is there too, for families who want an act of kindness each day instead.
The colors follow the Advent candles: purple, with rose for the third week. Links that fall on the Sundays of Advent are marked so they line up with lighting the wreath.
Questions people ask
When does Advent start in 2026?
Sunday, November 29, 2026. Advent always starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which falls between November 27 and December 3. In 2027 it starts on November 28.
Should an Advent chain have 24 or 25 links?
It depends on when you start. From December 1 to Christmas Eve is 24 links. From the first Sunday of Advent it is 22 to 28, depending on the year. Add a link for Christmas Day itself if you like to finish on the day.
Which readings are on the links?
Short passages from Isaiah, Micah, Jeremiah, Luke, Matthew, John and the Psalms, in the order of the Christmas story. Each link names the passage and its theme rather than quoting it, so it works with any translation.
Does it work with an Advent wreath?
Yes. The Sundays of Advent are marked on their links, so you can light the next candle on the day that link comes off.
Can I use my own church's reading plan?
Choose "My own list" and paste the readings, one per line. They print in order, starting with the first link you tear off.