Advent Resources for the Tired Soul

More than ever, we need to seek the hope of Jesus’ coming this Advent. Here are some resources to guide you along the way. 

By Editorial Staff

H

ow can we find God in this darkest of seasons? First, we need to make space, in our schedules and in our hearts, to meet him. This alone isn’t easy – but having wise companions to encourage and guide us can help, which is why Advent resources abound.

Especially in 2020, when we are not able to observe the Advent season in community, we can connect with the larger body of Christ through meditations, devotionals, stories, liturgies, and music. We have tried to include as many diverse voices as we could find; if you know of others, please contact us and we will be happy to add them.

May the below resources serve you and guide you well as we all wait for the light to break through the darkness.

ONLINE RESOURCES

Invitation to Advent (on Instagram)
Two BIPOC pastors are offering a daily spiritual reflection on the names of Jesus at the intersection of faith, justice, and soul care/contemplative practice. Follow them on Instagram @theadventseason.

Evangelical Lutheran Church: Advent Study 2020
This is a four-week study that explores the themes of keeping awake, being prepared, seeking comfort, and experiencing the ever presence of God.

Living Faith Anglican Church Playlist
A playlist of worship songs for Advent.

Vanderbilt Divinity Library
A great collection of images and prayers for each day in Advent.

Advent Devotional Readings from Christianity Today
This series of essays focuses on hope during these trying times.

The United Church of Canada
A compilation of worship ideas, prayers, music, and related material for Advent.

Open Network
These videos aim to help Christians learn about and practice Advent. They cover the themes of peace, hope, joy and love.

The Jesus Storybook Advent Guide
From the author of the beloved Jesus Storybook Bible comes this Advent guide for children.

Free Homeschool Deals
A list of free resources for kids to learn about Advent.

BOOKS

Advent: The Once & Future Coming of Jesus Christ
By Fleming Rutledge
In this book, with her trademark wit and wisdom, Rutledge explores Advent as a time of rich paradoxes, a season celebrating at once Christ’s incarnation and his second coming, and she masterfully unfolds the ethical and future-oriented significance of Advent for the church.

Mary Had a Baby: An Advent Bible Study Based on African American Spirituals
By Cheryl Kirk-Duggan
This study has four sessions, one for each week of Advent, and is perfect for small groups, Sunday school, midweek sessions, and choir workshops. Each lesson includes Scripture, song lyrics, devotional and contextual information, and discussion questions to stimulate deepening faith and a sense of community.

Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent
By Enuma Okoro
The Advent story we so often associate with the joy of Christmas actually begins with deep sorrow and longing. But thankfully, in the kingdom of God, there is always more to the story than meets the eye, writes Okoro.

Advent for Everyone: A Journey with the Apostles
By N.T. Wright
Wright's engaging and accessible writing and imagery help us see Advent both in relation to the Bible's message and in our own lives today. Each week discusses key themes for the season: thanksgiving, patience, humility, and joy.

Keep Watch with Me: An Advent Reader for Peacemakers
Edited by Claire Brown and Michael T. McRay
This is a collaborative daily devotional featuring diverse contributors: black, white, LGBTQ, Latinx, Palestinian, incarcerated, Native American, Australian, Americans, Irish, South African, clergy, laity, activists, authors, organizers, and more. Keep Watch With Me offers stories, reflections, prayers, and spiritual practices to sustain and challenge the faith of those who work for justice and peace, and long for the coming of God with us.

Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God-With-Us Then, Here, and Now
By Scott Erickson
From celebrated artist-storyteller Scott Erickson: 25 days of heart-stirring images and thought-provoking meditations to rekindle the wonder of God-with-Us in this season. Honest Advent creates a space for you to encounter the Incarnate Christ in unexpected places.

Photo by Jenna Velez from Pexels