Advent is that period of quiet reflection intended to prepare our hearts and lives for the coming of Christ and the twelve-day feast of Christmas.Of course, our culture subverts this pattern – frantically celebrating the feast throughout December and running out of steam by Boxing Day!
The Confident Disciples team have been looking at some Advent resources to help you and your community, in the midst of all the busyness, to slow down this Advent, and remember that Christ has come, and He is coming again.
Practicing the Way – Advent Meditations: Peace on Earth
Practicing the Way is a suite of online free resources based on the book of the same title by American pastor, author and podcaster, John Mark Comer. The resources provide a pathway for apprenticeship to Jesus and include an eight-session course, nine core spiritual practices, and a rule of life builder.
Practicing the way have produced an Advent Guide to help you and your community spend time reflecting on the prince of peace this season. This four-week guide examines peace from four different perspectives. Each week contains a reading from Scripture followed by a simple reflection, questions, and guided prayer. There are additional links to optional resources if you wish to reflect further.
LICC – Down to Earth: An Advent Devotional Journey
The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC) has produced a 25-day Advent devotional journey providing a fresh perspective on the familiar Christmas story, and inspiration to follow the down-to-earth Saviour in our everyday lives.
Throughout December four different Biblical themes are explored: the humility Jesus shows in his incarnation; the huge scope of his redemptive work on Earth; the invitation he gives all kinds of people to be part of that work; and what it looks like for the church to go out into his world, joining in his down-to-earth mission.
The journey is perfect to do either on your own or with your church family, and comes with accompanying sermon plans and videos for use in the four Sundays of Advent and Christmas Day.