“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
LUKE 21:25-28
The Season of Advent is almost here and for many, it is a time for rejoicing as we prepare for the coming of Christ. This year, Advent begins on Sunday, December 1st, which is also Thanksgiving weekend. It seems fitting that they are so close this year, as we need these moments to reflect on gratitude now more than ever.
The Episcopal Church has gathered together a plethora of resources to help individuals and congregations spread the Good News during Advent this year. You can a full list of resources by visiting their website here. However, here’s a quick breakdown of some resources that you may find useful.
Journeying the Way of Love: Advent Curriculum
This curriculum offers a variety of uses for individuals, families, small groups, and congregations. It offers 4 sessions that move through the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. The sessions are specially designed for use during Christian formation hour and instructions on facilitation are included.
Accompanying the Curriculum TEC has created an Advent Calendar available in English, Spanish, or French. This calendar offers daily suggestions for engaging in the practices of the Way of Love and it could be used with or without the full curriculum.
They also offer Bulletin Inserts and a Kids Advent Calendar. These are designed to be simple practices we can do each day to help us look, live, and love more like Jesus.
Digital Invitation Kit
Advent is a wonderful time to invite those who are seeking something more in their lives to join us in the Way of Love. TEC has created digital and printable invitations that can be customized for your congregation to promote your Advent and Christmas events. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and can be used for social media, websites, and printing out to hand out around town.
UTO Gratitude Resources
United Thank Offering has also created some resources for you to celebrate Advent and Christmas with your loved ones. They have provided a free Christmas Gratitude Game and a free Printable Letter to Santa that you can download. These are both fun ways to share stories of gratitude and help your child think of their Christmas list in a new way. You can also donate to UTO this season in honor of someone and they will receive an acknowledgement card.
Resources for Faith Formation and Racial Reconciliation
The Episcopal Church has put together some resources to help with Faith Formation and Racial Reconciliation during the Season of Advent. For faith formation, they offer a lesson plan that follows the Revised Common Lectionary and uses practical approaches to respond to the needs of volunteer teachers. You can download the Lesson Plan HERE.
Preparing to Become the Beloved Community offers an Advent Curriculum for Years A, B, & C that is available in English, Spanish, and French. You can learn more HERE.
AdventWord Daily Prompts
Every year, Forward Movement offers an inspirational online Advent calendar that features a daily prompt word. These prompts offer people a way to find quiet moments of reflection and stay connected to their faith during this busy season. These prompts are emailed directly to you but are also available to view on their website HERE.
I hope these resources help you and your congregations during this joyous season as we await the birth of Jesus Christ.