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Five Resources for Celebrating Advent

November 26, 2013 By Jean Wise

advent
 
Advent started early for me this year. Actually Advent 2014 began a month ago when I signed a contract to write an Advent devotional book for Barbour Publishing.  With a deadline looming, I have been deeply pondering and cherishing the Christmas story long before the leaves fell from the trees and the turkey began to defrost.
 
 Advent 2013 starts this coming Sunday. What a wonderful time to look past the commercial craziness of Christmas shopping and partying to embrace the Christ Child and his good news for all of us. I hope each of you take some moments the next few weeks to walk with God, listen to his story and rejoice in his salvation.
 
  Here are some resources to help light your journey to Bethlehem this year:
1. Did you know in the Celtic traditions, they begin celebrating Advent 40 days before Christmas? Here is an interesting website with some ideas and information about this type of approach to Advent.  
2. Creighton University’s Online Ministries has wonderful Advent resources. 
On that website I found this unusual prayer for Shopping during Advent:

Dear God, as I look through my gift shopping list, I hold up to you each person listed on it.

Slowly, one by one, I ask that the fire of your abundant love burn within each of them. 

 I pray that the gift I find for each person will bring joy into that life.

But, help me to keep a balance this season,

Lord. Let me keep my buying in perspective, not to spend more than I need to or can afford.

  Let me not give in to the pressures of this world and not equate love with money spent.

 

Let me always remember the many, many people who have so much less in material things.

 Help me to buy wisely, so that my choices will not burden those in other countries who are so deeply affected by this country’s economy.

And finally, loving God, help me to find time in the frantic moments of each day to become centered on you. 

 Walking through a store, riding on the bus, hurrying down a street:

let each of these times be moments

 when I can remember your incredible love for me and rejoice in it.

3.  Looking for an international flair to your Advent? Check out the resource page from the World Council of Churches. 
4. Anglicans Online has an extensive resource list including the explanation of the O Antiphons.
5. Several sites and writers have Advent devotions available. There are also some wonderful books out there also. Here is a  free devotional from Luther Seminary you may enjoy:
One extra:  Just discovered this huge list of ideas for Advent worship.  

You may like seeing my latest book, released in 2016: Christmas Seasonings: 101 quotes and prayers to flavor the season.

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What is your favorite way to celebrate Advent?

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Filed Under: Seasonal, spiritual practices

Comments

  1. blankJean Wise says

    December 1, 2013 at 2:02 am

    I love advent calendars and this year made a point to get one for the grandkids. These advent devotions are finally in first draft form. Now the rewriting and editing begins before I can submit them. Writing them has deepen my love for this season

  2. blankHugmomma says

    November 27, 2013 at 5:20 pm

    The only experience I have with a “formal” celebration of advent is with a lovely little paper calendar my neighbor brought over for the children. The sweet nativity image with filled with numbered windows that were to be opened each day till christmas. Beneath the window, was a scripture for them to read and then we would discuss.

    The children kept careful count of whose turn it was to open a window, and the pretty little calendar is certain to make another appearance on the refrigerator soon.
    Congradulations!! On your wonderful opportunity. You are certainly the lady for the job!

  3. blankHugmomma says

    November 27, 2013 at 5:20 pm

    The only experience I have with a “formal” celebration of advent is with a lovely little paper calendar my neighbor brought over for the children. The sweet nativity image with filled with numbered windows that were to be opened each day till christmas. Beneath the window, was a scripture for them to read and then we would discuss.

    The children kept careful count of whose turn it was to open a window, and the pretty little calendar is certain to make another appearance on the refrigerator soon.
    Congradulations!! On your wonderful opportunity. You are certainly the lady for the job!

    • blankJean Wise says

      December 1, 2013 at 2:02 am

      I love advent calendars and this year made a point to get one for the grandkids. These advent devotions are finally in first draft form. Now the rewriting and editing begins before I can submit them. Writing them has deepen my love for this season

  4. blankDolly@Soulstops says

    November 27, 2013 at 5:36 am

    Dear Jean,
    Congrats on your contract to write an Advent devotional…when is it coming out?
    Happy Thanksgiving and the prayer…yes, to an expectant hush and not rush…Thanks so much for your prayers for my time in Texas…Hope we can talk later so I can share all the surprising ways God provided…I still felt a little sick on Thurs but much improved by Friday and normal on Sat.

    Hugs to you,
    Dolly

Healthy Spirituality – a sacred space to nurture your faith, grow closer to God, and belong to a community, walking together on life’s journey. This blog is written by author, speaker and retreat leader Jean Wise

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