Advent Resources
What is Advent?
Advent in 2 Minutes – Not quite sure how to explain what exactly Advent is? This video by Busted Halo can help.
What is Advent? – “For many Christians unfamiliar with the liturgical year, there may be some confusion surrounding the meaning of the Advent season. Some people may know that the Advent season focuses on expectation and think that it serves as an anticipation of Christ’s birth in the season leading up to Christmas. This is part of the story, but there’s more to Advent.”
Calendars and Devotions
#AdventWord: A Global Advent Calendar – The Anglican Communion Office and Society of Saint John the Evangelist (SSJE) are teaming up to offer a daily word, meditation, and beautiful image delivered via email and revealed on Pinterest and Instagram. Pray with your camera phone and contribute to this global Advent calendar through Twitter and Instagram.
Episcopal Relief & Development Advent Toolkit – provides tools and inspiration, including a calendar, to help plan and carry out an Advent program centered around Gifts for Life.
O Antiphons – In the 7 days leading up to Christmas, the Brothers at the Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE) teach about the ancient, yet ever new “O Antiphons” appointed for each day.
Advent Calendar for Kids from a US homeschooling site comes a rich resource for children.
For Children and Families
Liturgy Training Publications: Build Your Own Bethlehem activity book
Liturgy Training Publications: Fling Wide the Doors, 3D Advent Calendar with activities
Church Publishing Incorporated: What We Do in Advent activity book
Comprehensive List of Advent Resources from Anglicans Online
Who Will You Invite to the Manger? – One of a variety of resource and activity lists available from Mustard Seeds including, “What About Simplifying This Christmas” and “Advent Activities for Families, and Kids.”
Advent paper chain. This year try an advent calendar with a difference – an advent paper chain. It is fun for the kids to make themselves and is an economical – as well as decorative, alternative to the shop-bought advent calendars.
Faith at Home: Advent ideas and resources for families and church school teachers
For Adults
Welcome to the Church Year: An Introduction, Vicky K. Black
The Prayer Book Guide to Christian Education, Sharon Ely Pearson & Robyn Szoke, Editors
A Gracious Rain: A Devotional Commentary on the Prayers of the Church Year, Richard Schmidt
Advent Wreaths and Jesse Trees
King of Peace Advent Page – A parish resource page about the traditions of Advent, including Advent wreaths and Jesse Trees.
These resources have been curated from a variety of sources, including Episcopal Church Foundation Vital Practices, Anglicans Online, Living Compass, and other web resources.