Advent Resources

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. This video from Busted Halo may help.

​Each week in Sunday School this month, the children are exploring both the meaning of Advent, the candles and what that means to them along with learning about the story of Mary and Joseph. Listen to their stories here. 

---

Advent Resources
We hope among the following you will find resources to engage in this Advent as you prepare for the birth of Jesus.

 St. David’s Episcopal Church and School Offerings
Sunday Service Times with Advent Wreath Lighting and Litany

• 9 and 11 am in person and streamed live​

Tuesday and Thursday Morning Prayer

• 10 am Facebook Live

Compline - Sunday thru Thursday

• 9 pm Facebook Live

Advent Reflection, Connection & Conversation - 12/5, 12/12, 12/19 

• 10 am via Zoom

Blue Advent

• 7:30 pm via Zoom

Christmas Eve in person and on Facebook Live 

• 4 pm Contemporary Service
• 8 pm Traditional Service 

​Calendars and Devotions

1. #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. Join an international community in prayer to explore the mystery and wonder of Advent!        https://adventword.org/en/home/        
2. 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.  https://www.episcopalrelief.org/1000daysoflove/advent/​​

​For Children and Families

1. Baking with the Bible:  Monday, December 6th 4 pm Facebook Live ​. Baking with the Bible is a way to explore Bible stories with your child/children while having fun baking together. This month we will explore the shepherds and the star.
2. Building Faith
3. Faith at Home
4. Christine V. Hides: Weaving Faith into Everyday Life  https://christinevhides.com/advent-ideas-for-church-and-home/
5. Following the Star: This online devotional series for Advent and Christmas begins on December 1st. This series features scripture, prayer, and meditative thoughts accompanied by gentle music.
6. Books to read with your children during Advent include:

• Mary: Mother of Jesus by Mary Joslin and Alison Wisenfeld
• The Nativity, illustrated by Julie Vivas           
• The Season of the Nativity by Sybil MacBeth offers plenty of ideas for celebrating Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. Sybil also offers these free Advent calendars to color.

Episcopal Relief and Development has produced this Advent Toolkit full of ideas and resources as part of their 1,000 Days of Love Campaign.