Do you want to add meaning and joy to your Advent journey, as you prepare your heart for Christmastide in hopeful expectation? Online resources can provide some inspiration in the midst of your busyness
AdventWord from SSJE
You can probably fit in a reflection on a single word, right? Maybe even talk about it as a family? AdventWord offers a great way to reflect on one little word each day, and respond with images and prayers that speak to your heart. There are at least four ways you can use AdventWord:
- You can print out the advent calendar for daily use
- You can subscribe by email: sign up here and each morning, starting on November 27, you will receive an email with an image, an Advent word and a short meditation.
- You can follow #AdventWord on social media on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and connect with for inspiration and reflections from around the world.
- You can help create a global Advent calendar online by posting your visual reflection of the daily #AdventWord on Instagram and Twitter. Upload and tag your individual photo with the hashtag #AdventWord and the word tag of the day. The Anglican Communion Office is asking Episcopalians and Anglicans around the world for daily social conversations conversations using one simple word.
One, simple word – isn’t it a great way to pause and think about the true meaning of Advent and Christmas?
ChurchNext video series “Getting more out of the Bible”
Learn how to get more out of the Bible through Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby’s inspiring words, and expect your Bible reading to become more practical, insightful, and transformative. Four topics that are included are approaching Scripture, Scripture in worship, studying Scripture, and encountering Scripture. This course is ideal for people who are new to the Bible and those who know the Bible well but are looking for inspiration and resources. Sign up for the class here.
Black & White Illustrated Advent Devotional Calendar
The 2016 Advent Devotional Calendar designed by Thomas Mousin and Merry Watters and published on their website is a simple calendar that suggests a scripture reading and devotion for each day of Advent. It’s easy to print and use at home. View & print this one-page calendar.
Episcopal Relief & Development Advent Calendar & Resources
Episcopal Relief & Development has a printable Advent Calendar as part an Advent Toolkit of resources that center around Gifts for Life. View and print ERD’s calendar.
Stop Hunger Now Advent Calendar and Activities
Stop Hunger Now has prepared “The Gift of Life” Advent materials to make your countdown to Christmas a season of growing awareness of how fun and easy it can be to feed our brothers and sisters around the world. The scriptures and activities will educate young and old as to how a little set aside with great intention adds up. Stop Hunger Now’s meals are saving lives, providing for many their only meal of the day. By the time Christmas rolls around, we anticipate you will know the gift of giving the gift of life and wellness. Download and print their calendar here.
Praying in Color Advent Calendars
Praying in Color offers adults and children a way to mark the day-by-day journey to Christmas by daily praying & drawing with a calendar template. The author says, “When I draw, color, and doodle my own Advent calendar, I feel like I’m building something rather than tearing it apart. It is a countup to Christmas, not a countdown. At the end of the 20-some days, the finished Advent calendar is a colorful reminder of what was in my head and on my heart. It is a record of my spiritual journey through Advent.” Various calendar templates are offered, along with suggestions for ways to pray with doodling. View and download Praying in Color Advent Calendars here and view and download other praying in color resources here.
D365.ORG DAILY DEVOTIONALS – FOLLOWING THE STAR
At d365.org, daily online devotions take on a seasonal theme starting Friday, November 25.and continuing through Epiphany on January 6. Make this unique meditative resource Following the Star a part of your personal preparation as you follow the star towards Jesus; you’ll encounter daily Scripture, prayer, and meditative resources. Following the Star is written for teenage youth and the adults who work with them. Subscribe to the website to receive a daily reminder or download the iTunes app d365 Daily Devotions by Passport, Inc. Download a bulletin announcement and more information from d365.org/share/
Names of Christ Advent Calendar
Teachsundayschool.com has a $3.99 printable Advent Calendar that assemble a 25-link paper chain with the names of Christ and a related Scripture. Families can read the Scriptures together as they celebrate the season.
Want more?
Episcopal Church Foundation Vital Practices has free advent resources here.
Not quite sure what Advent is? Struggling to explain it?
The video “Advent in 2 Minutes” from bustedhalo.com may be what you need!