Advent Season-Looking for A Great Light

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; 

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 

Isaiah 9:2*

It's time to prepare for Advent. I've gathered a few resources to share with you, which I hope and pray (really, I pray) will prepare you to rejoice at Christmas that a great Light has come into our world. 

First up, an Advent workshop by Hannah Anderson with the Equipping Group. Take an hour and a half to listen to this engaging presentation. Come prepared to take notes. If you are like me and didn't grow up with Advent as part of your life, Hannah walks us through how to incorporate Advent into your current traditions. Even if Advent is not something you are interested in, her thoughts on how different religious community approach faith formation is well worth your time. You can find it at this link: Re-Engaging the Heart of Advent

As mentioned in the video, Hannah has written a book for Advent, Heaven and Nature Sing: 25 Advent Reflections to Bring Joy to the World. This follows on the heels of her book, and in the same vein as,  Turning of Days: Lessons from Nature, Season, and Spirit.   As I browsed the book, I found 25 days of devotionals that point to the Promised Son by exploring the natural world of swaddling clothes and aging, valleys and mountains, and evergreens and pigeons. This is a beautiful hardbound book, from the textured cover to the lovingly illustrated pages by the author's husband. You can see more about the book and sign up for a sneak peek at Hannah's website: Hannah Anderson. While at the site, check out the "Shop" tab in the upper right corner, where you can purchase notecards of some illustrations in the book. You can find her on Twitter and on Instagram.

The following resource is one that I have appreciated for several years now, Biola's Advent Project. This Advent resource stands out with its daily selections of scripture, devotional, and artwork, including poetry, visual art, and music. You can view it on the web each day or sign up to have a link sent to you. If you want samples of what is offered, look at Advent 2021. Be sure to look at the "About" tab at the bottom for interesting information about the artwork included. 

 

Advent: The Once and Future Coming Of Jesus Christ is a collection of sermons and articles by Rev. Fleming Rutledge that focus on the reality of  Christ coming to us in our darkness, bringing light that will not be quenched. This is an extensive volume; thankfully, she has suggestions for how to use the book. I will read many of the Pre-Advent works and then choose one or two from each chapter that corresponds with a particular Sunday of Advent. You can find more from Rev. Rutledge on her website and on Twitter.

For those who would like a free option for your phone, this app from Christian House Publishing produces audio of the Daily Prayer for the morning, evening, and night all year round. 

If you prefer not to use an app, you can scroll down at the linked website and find the daily prayer offered there. 

*ESV