Advent is the 4-week season of preparation and anticipation that comes before the great celebration of Christmas. It helps us to slow down the chaos that can overwhelm us at this time of year and remember that we are waiting for something that money can’t buy and planning can’t produce.

We are waiting for the coming of God into the world. We are preparing for the gift of hope that is stronger than despair; peace that is stronger than fear; joy that is stronger than sadness; and love that is stronger than death.

Whether Advent is already part of your life or is something brand new to you, you are invited to join in the waiting with simple acts of generousity, marking time, and being together as the days grow darker but our eagerness grows brighter.

Advent Resources & Activities

This downloadable resource (also available at the church) includes a “reverse Advent calendar” guide and a simple set of prayers you might like to use for lighting candles each night of Advent.

Read the Gospel according to Matthew
Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year which also means a new lectionary year. We have spent the past 12 months reading the Gospel according to Luke and now we turn to account shared in Matthew.

Take some time this Advent to read the whole of Matthew. If you can make the space, try to do it in one day, taking time to notice any questions or emotions that arise and offering them to God in prayer.

Participate in #AdventWord
Receive daily reflections via email and share your own responses to the AdventWord prompts. AdventWord is a ministry of Forward Movement (who produce the Day by Day devotionals).
Sign up here.