All Things Advent

*Updated for 2024* My recommendations, links, resources, etc. all in one place.

*Also, for 2024, I’m doing an Advent Book Giveaway (!), so feel free to enter for a chance to win some of the very books that are listed below!

My Advent Journey

I ‘found’ Advent and the liturgical life of the church about ten years ago. It was a slow wade into the high church stream, but ever since, I’ve been a fairly vocal & communal participant. Before and during Advent, I often readily share things I am learning, different practices I am starting, and overall thoughts on the season that has captivated my attention & heart from day one.

Although I’ve always been an Advent novice, every year around this time, I also get a handful of texts & DMs from folks asking about books to read, devotionals to use, family rhythms to practice, etc. And every year, as I’m crafting back long replies, I think, “Dang, I wish there was a single resource I could shoot their way!” So… now I’ve attempted to make my own (isn’t this how all resource writing starts?!)

I find it fascinating that Advent has seemingly grown in popularity in the West within the last decade. That might just be my anecdotal sentiment, but I think one look at the Christian book market & candy calendar sales would show us that Advent has become wildly popular in beautiful & annoyingly capitalizing ways.

I’d like to think that part of the explanation for the rise is that often in the West, many of us come from traditions or cultures that are grossly bankrupt of offering people handholds into navigating their longing; you know, those painful realities we all straddle of the “here-and-not-yet.” Many of us have never had firm rituals around grief, waiting, or preparing for the hoped-for-thing to come… but we all may have plenty of rituals around the joy & merriment of holiday celebrations & cookie parties & cozy decorations.

The problem is, only focusing on celebration alone makes hollow the many realities we all face: lost jobs & broken families, failed marriages and stressed bank accounts, conflicts & war & visits to gravesides that never stop feeling premature… but it’s precisely here that Advent meets us — an intentional season that points to the reality that we & the world are broken (or not as they should be), that we all long for light and hope beyond what we can feel & see, and that the practices & rhythms needed to help our hearts align with what our bodies are already moving through this world experiencing is a direly needed thing. In other words, Advent doesn’t work unless we regularly allow shared space for our understanding of our lack and our longing for something more. Like Bonhoeffer says,

"The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come."

Advent is also the start of the new year for the Western Christian liturgical church calendar. As its name adventus means ‘coming,’ it focuses on the coming of Jesus, the Messiah, to a world waiting to receive him. But it didn’t initially start that way!

Instilled in the fourth century, Advent was originally meant as a season of preparation for converts as they awaited baptism on Epiphany. Similarly to our 4-ish weeks, converts would spend 40 days in prayer, fasting, confession, etc., to prepare themselves for death & rebirth with Christ. Like most things, it eventually heavily morphed (a few hundred years later) and became a church practice of collectively preparing for Christ’s second coming. It would still be another 1000 years before the Advent we know today in this pre-Christmas season was formed.

Seeing Shepherds by Daniel Bonnel

But Advent’s ties connect the story all the way back to Ancient Israel — who awaited the coming of the Messiah and the hope of the prophecy foretold (recorded in Isaiah 9 and given about 600 years before Jesus came):

“The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
    on them light has shined…
For a child has been born for us,
    a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
    and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
    and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
    He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time onwards and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”

Today, as we participate in Advent, we join both Ancient Israel in remembering what it was like to wait, wait, wait in darkness for the light of the Messiah’s coming to unfold and forever change the world (!), and we who worship now also wait for him to come back in final expectation and fulfillment of all things, once again.

This season is thus marked by both grief & anticipation: grief over all that has been lost or unfulfilled and anticipation of all that is hoped for that will one day come to be.

And it will come in the one who entered into our midst — fully God and fully human — to one day restore, heal, and reconcile the entire Cosmos back to himself.

Ivanka Demchuk’s Annunciation — tempura and acrylic on wood.

Preparing the Way in our Hearts: All of my Currently Recommended Advent Resources!

I hope to make this a living post that continues to update as the years go by. Some of these resources I’ve shared before, and some are new, but hopefully, you can find something that serves you well! I’ve broken it down into categories for your liking.

Something to Listen to:

*Online Devotional* The Advent Project 2024 - Biola

• Daily readings and videos with musical selections, scripture, and devotional practice by various professors, faith leaders, etc. The readings and music are diverse and wonderful!

Advent Music:

• Other than the wonderful Handel’s Messiah (check out Handel’s Young Messiah for the nostalgic soundtrack of my childhood), this Advent playlist I found is pretty fantastic. Art & Theology put it together and I've been so grateful for their thoughtful curation! It's quite diverse musically and culturally, which is a joy. I’ve linked it to the image below.

• As always, Josh Garrel’s “The Light Came Down” is a crowd favorite for so many reasons!

• And throughout the years, I’ve been adding to my own Advent playlist. It’s a bit sporadic, but anything I hear that I like, I add. Feel free to enjoy it, too!

Something to Read: The following are books, devotionals, prayer cards, you name it.

1. Devotionals

Advent: The Season of Hope by Tish Harrison Warren

• This is a recent publication in the Fullness of Time series by IVP. I just love how Tish masterfully ushers us through the tensions we feel as humans walking through life with God. So well done and, as always, gorgeously written.

All Creation Waits by Gayle Boss and David G. Klein

• I used this book three years ago for my advent readings and it was such a different kind of delight and engagement! The authors use wildlife and the natural world to elucidate themes of Advent and the coming of Christ; it is a beautiful and very meditative read (also great for kids!)

The Anticipated Christ: A Journey Through Advent and Christmas by Brian Zahnd

• A short, fairly easy read but thoughtful walk-through of the book of Isaiah and its various gospel passages. I love that Zahnd is first and foremost a pastor; it reads so simply & beautifully in a deeply thought-provoking way.

Goodness & Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas

• This book contains various selected readings from famous figures, authors, and theologians that correspond to themes of Advent. It has been so rich and such a delight over the years!

Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas

• The first version of the aforementioned book. Also lovely. 

Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God-With-Us Then, Here, and Now by Scott Erickson

• Many are familiar with Scott the Painter, but if you aren’t, let me recommend his Honest Advent book. Filled with his own illustrations and reflections, it’s a raw, modern-day devotional approach to an ancient way of understanding. I found it powerfully succinct in its questions and woven connections.

God With Us: Rediscovering the Meaning of Christmas by Gregory Pennoyer and Gregory Wolf

• Written by many contributors (just take a look at the impressive list!), this book focuses on meditations surrounding the miraculous mystery of the incarnation. It is as beautiful inside as it is on its cover. Highly recommend.

Advent for Everyone by NT Wright 

• These are splendid — per usual for Wright's 'Everything' series. An easy read: Wright walks through a different gospel book for each liturgical year (Advent this year of 2024 starts Year C, which is in the Gospel of Luke!)

Waiting on the Word: A Poem a Day for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany by Malcolm Guite

• Do you love poetry? Then you’ll love Waiting on the Word. Guite pairs a famous poem a day with Advent themes, and its reflections will make your heart soar.

Art of Advent: A Painting a Day from Advent to Epiphany by Jane Williams

• Do you love art? (Okay, I’ll stop with my cheesy openings, haha). Whether you’re fond of medieval art or not, Jane William’s The Art of Advent is a gorgeous read that opens up another type of heart avenue for engaging the season. Pairing famous art with a different daily Advent theme, you’ll be moved by colors & textures that bring you deeper into the story and your own inner Advent world.

Art of Christmas: Meditations on the Birth of Jesus by Jane Williams

• The Christmas companion to the above devotional.

The Light has Come: Prayer Cards for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany by Phaedra & David Taylor

• I remember seeing these when they first came out — I was amazed by their beauty and thoughtfulness! As prayer cards for every day of Advent, they contain short prayers, bible verses, or engaging activities. They can be done solo, in groups, or even with kids. Highly recommend.

2. Ancient & Church Historic Reading (with some Orthodox books, as well):

On the Incarnation by Athanasius

• If you are a Christian, you must read this book. Period. If you are curious about Christianity and the audacious claims of the Incarnation (and how it can even potentially work…?), you must also read this book. Written by St Athanasius after the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, it is a collection of his defense for the Incarnation against heresies circulating during the day that questioned Jesus’ legitimacy as a divine being. It is powerful. It is beautiful… and it is such a historic foundation for every Christian’s incarnational beliefs & claims. I find this translation by John Behr to be very good, and the preface by C.S. Lewis makes my little history heart sing. Go read it!

The Scandal of the Incarnation: Irenaeus Against the Heresies by Irenaeus (Selected and Introduced by Hans Urs Von Balthasar

• My man Irenaeus knows what’s up ;) And to have a mash-up of his work alongside Balthasar’s thoughts? Truly wonderful!

Mary As the Early Christians Knew Her: The Mother of Jesus in Three Ancient Texts by Frederica Mathewes-Green

• This one is new to me this year, but I’m excited to crack it open! I have loved everything I have read from Frederica Mathewes-Green. Written from an Eastern Orthodox perspective, the book is meant to provide an intimate and surprising window into the early life of Mary, allowing readers to see how she was truly regarded by the early church, who even knew her. I am excited about this one!

Something to Practice:

Sarah Clarkson’s Reclaiming Quiet: Four Advent Enounters- run through Substack

I recently saw that Sarah will be hosting a powerful Advent group (in tandem with the recent launch of her new book, Reclaiming Quiet) this year! She’ll hosting virtual gatherings at 8pm UK time each Tuesday night before Christmas. Each encounter will last around half an hour and will be a time of guided prayer, cultivated wonder, and gentle contemplation. Her description says that “each encounter will include:

• A programme of Advent liturgy, prayers, and literary readings.

• A featured piece of art we will contemplate together.

• A brief talk on one of four themes: yearning, journey, hope, or love.

• Notes with Scripture, quotations, and study questions for the rest of the week.

• A curated playlist with music matching each week’s theme.

• The video from each live session will remain available for you to watch at your leisure.”

For the Kids

Advent for kids has been a fun new theme for me to venture into! While there are so many fantastic resources out there, these are some of the few that I’ve enjoyed as I’m beginning to engage Advent more with my crew.

Something to Listen to:

Pray & Ponder - Advent Series on Apple & Spotify

• We recently stumbled upon Restoration Anglican Church’s Podcast for Kids, and it is excellent! They particularly have an advent series from last year that is beautiful; story-telling, music, and liturgy — all geared for kids. Lucy has absolutely loved it. You can find the four episodes here!

  • Advent 1

  • Advent 2

  • Advent 3

  • Advent 4

Kids Bible Stories - Advent Series on Spotify

• We’re big Kids Bible Stories fans in our household. For the last 2 years, KBS has put out an Advent series for 4 weeks. It’s been a great way to listen and learn about Advent themes all together as a family.

Waiting Songs by Rain for Roots

• I love Sandra McCracken’s Rain for Roots albums, and this Advent one is stellar. Enjoy listening with your kiddos!

Something to Read: The following are books we currently have, have read at some point, or have seen recommended. Hopefully, they will serve you well!

The Deliverer has Come: A Christmas Story by Sarah Shin & Shin Maeng

It’s here! It’s here! Sarah & Shin are a power couple and some dear friends with whom we have both InterVarsity & St Andrews ties. It’s been a joy to see pieces of this work from afar, and I cannot WAIT to dig into it with my kiddos this season. Our copy just arrived, and Sarah’s theological storying beauty, alongside Shin’s stunning illustrations, is quite something to behold!

The Nativity: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids by Julie Vivas

A Christmas Story by Brian Wildsmith

The Glorious Impossible by Madeline L’Engle

Little One, We Knew You’d Come by Sally Lloyd-Jones

One Starry Night by Lauren Thompson and Jonathan Bean

The Story of Christmas by Jane Ray

Birth of the Chosen One by Terry M Wildman

Silent Night (The Christmas Choir) by Laura Hawthorne

The Birds of Bethlehem by Tommie dePaola

Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver by Ned Bustard

• Since St Nicholas’ Saint Day is during Advent, we’ve loved incorporating this book. It tells the history of Saint Nick in the life of the church (yes, even the slap at the Council of Nicaea, haha) through rhyme and ends with how the spirit of Santa lives on today. So good!

Lucia, Saint of Light by Katherine Bolger Hyde

• Another excellent book for an Advent Saint Day - it ties in Swedish heritage culture with the Church saint story. Very good!

Something to Practice:

Wreath Lightings & Readings

• We’ve always done a mixture of our own readings when lighting our wreath (when we started two years ago, Lucy loved reading her Bible story about John the Baptist as we did the reading on “Prepare the way!”) There’s so many different ways you can engage wreath lighting & readings, so I buzzed around the interwebs and found a few options that look fun.

• https://anglicancompass.com/celebrating-advent-for-families/

• https://littleshootsdeeproots.com/kids-ideas-blog/light-advent-candles/

• https://littleshootsdeeproots.com/kids-ideas-blog/advent-readings-week-1-prophets/

Service & Volunteering in Your Community

• As we often take a personal & internal look at our hearts during Advent, it is also incredibly important to be outward and others-oriented in this season, too. Many folks love engaging with their kids by serving at local food pantries, providing services at homeless shelters, and simply spending time with elderly neighbors or those who may usually be bound to their homes. Consider finding something that works for your family but stretches everyone as we intentionally come near to others, to those who are waiting & watching & weeping, too.

Little Way Chapel: Advent Guides

• I was going to write up some of my own ideas for kid practices, crafts, etc., and then I saw Little Way’s Advent Guide and was like, “Yep, this is 100x better!” They are so thoughtfully done and include weekly Advent wreath prayers, celebrations for special feast days such as St. Nicholas, St. Lucy, and Las Posadas, recommended children's Christmas books to pair with activities, guided nativity meditations, traditional Advent food suggestions and recipes, Advent children’s lessons and family liturgies...and so much more! For those of you who may try these with bigger kids, write back to me & let me know how it goes!

Orthodox Family Advent Guide - Ascetic Life of Motherhood

• An Orthodox version can be found through the Ascetic Life of Motherhood. I’ve loved her account this past year, and her ideas and collection are also so good! I particularly appreciate her teaching posture in helping people access the Orthodox perspective and teaching.

Phew - We Made it to the End!

Congrats if you made it this far. As I look over this list, I’m already 1000% convinced that I forgot large swaths of things I’ll for sure want to add later, so consider this a living & growing post ;)

Happy Advent to you all! I’m praying that wherever you find yourselves this season, you experience deep refreshment to your bones as you prepare the way for the coming King.

Be well, sweet friends.

This art is a linocut stamp cut by a dear friend’s wife! So lovely.