Traditionally, Advent has been the period of time leading up to Christmas for Christians to remember and reflect. We are reminded to “make room” in our busy, overcrowded lives by slowing down and turning our eyes to the birth and arrival of our Messiah. But this is only half of the story.
Historically, Spanish scholars believed Advent to be a season of preparation for the baptism of new Christians in which they would spend 40 days in penance, prayer and fasting. Later on, it evolved into the celebration and anticipation of both Christ’s first and second coming. For myself, Advent has always been more about the birth of Christ and less about Christ’s coming Kingdom, but this year is different.
2020 has been a monumental one for many in which our entire world has been unified in our fight against a common enemy, COVID. We have also universally shared in our feelings of fear, anger, anxiety, great loss, helplessness, anticipation and a future of uncertainty as we battle daily to get ahead of this pandemic. We wait and we hope.
More than ever, we need to be reminded of the promise and hope of the eternal Kingdom that awaits us, and also reflect on the power and peace of our Rescuer Redeemer who has already conquered this world.
“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.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
This year, we invite everyone in the Resonance Church community to work through the weekly Advent devotions put out by the Village Church from Texas. Advent begins on November 29th and traditionally ends on Christmas Eve but the resource we're using includes a devotion for the week after Christmas as well.
For those of you who have younger children, there is also an advent guide put out by Sally-Lloyd Jones using the Jesus Storybook Bible (a favourite at ResKids!).
We hope your family will join us on this journey to our Coming King by taking part in either of the advent devotionals leading up to Christmas.
The Village Church Advent includes some suggestions for family activities for this season. To go along with their suggestions, here are some printable and ideas for you and your family:
Nativity Scene
1. The folks at Tiny Truths Bible created this super cute Nativity Scene you can craft with your kids!
2. For slightly more ambitious families, this wooden peg doll nativity scene might be something you can use for many years.
Advent Playlists
There are lots of great Christmas and Advent playlists, here are just a few:
1. The Village Church Advent Playlist
2. Rend Collective's O Jolly Irish Christmas, Vol II
For even more Advent resources, consider checking Risen Motherhood's list here.