Our favorite Advent resources 2019
Christmas is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent is the season we prepare room in our lives and our hearts to reflect on Him.
However, it is during the Advent season that we are simultaneously immersed in the commercial season of holiday shopping and party planning. To be sure, the gifts and the parties are not the problem. The problem is that our hearts are drawn to the allure of more things and distracted by the busyness of the season. It is possible to journey through the Advent season and miss the reason we so eagerly anticipate Christmas Day.
The solution to our busyness and preoccupation during Advent is to carve out time solely dedicated to treasuring Jesus above all things— to press pause to reflect on Him. Consider the promise of His coming, the wonder of His birth, and the significance of the incarnation. Friends, on the brink of this holiday season and before the calendaring and the shopping begin to overwhelm you, we encourage you to decide now that you will make time to prepare Him room in your life and heart this Advent.
How? What should you do with this time? There are numerous ways to celebrate Advent, whether it be individually or as a family. Below are some recommended resources that you may find helpful.
Personal Devotion
Below are three recommendations of daily devotionals that will help you treasure Christ in your heart this Advent. They each offer something a little different, but within the same format. The Advent of the Lamb of God walks you through the narrative from the Old Testament to the New Testament concerning the incarnation of Christ. Come, Let Us Adore Him will apply Scripture to your everyday life and help stir your affections for Christ. The One True Gift is very accessible and practical, including ideas for reflection and prayer.
1. The Advent of the Lamb of God by Russ Ramsey
“Pastor Russ Ramsey narrates anew the greatest story ever told―the true tale of the coming of the Christ. It's more than the story of a baby born in Bethlehem; the story encompasses the whole of the Old Testament and all of human history, unveiling God's longsuffering, loving pursuit of his people. Rediscover how the purposes of God culminated in the coming of Jesus, in twenty-five readings ideal for Christmas or any season of meeting the Savior.”
Available on Amazon here (not sponsored).
2. Come, Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp
“The wonder and awe of the Christmas season can easily get overshadowed by lights, tinsel, bows, and paper—not to mention last-minute trips to the mall and visits to the in-laws. In all the hustle and bustle, we often lose sight of what’s most important. This book of daily readings for the month of December by best-selling author Paul David Tripp will help you slow down, prepare your heart, and focus on what matters most: adoring our Savior, Jesus.”
Available on Amazon here (not sponsored).
3. The One True Gift by Tim Chester
“The 24 concise daily readings in this advent book share Paul's answer to this problem from Philippians chapter 2 and many many more: the big story of how and why Jesus came into the world. Each day includes ideas for reflection, prayer and application, designed to excite you about the gospel message in the run-up to Christmas Day.”
Available on Amazon here (not sponsored).
Family Devotion
1. Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Calendar Printables by Faith Gateway
Use the Jesus Storybook Bible to tell the big story of God’s redemption from beginning to end. The printable include a card for each day of Advent that has a Scripture to read and a corresponding story from the Jesus Storybook Bible. Additionally, the guide has coloring pages and a Spotify playlist of Christmas songs for Advent.
Available for download here (not sponsored).
2. Advent Conversation Cards + Advent Calendar by Kids Read Truth
These two resources can be used separately or together. The Conversation Cards provide an accessible way to discuss the biblical story of Jesus’ birth. The Advent Calendar provides a helpful and creative way to countdown to Christmas and reflect on Scripture. In addition, She Reads Truth+ He Reads Truth have some great Advent resources for adults.
Available online here: Advent Conversation Cards // Advent Calendar (not sponsored)
3. Little Village Advent Guide by The Village Church
This Family Advent resource is produced by the Village Church in Dallas, Texas. The guide is very accessible to families with children, recommending one night a week to walk through that week’s Scripture reading and discussion. Each week includes a song and activity suggestion to do as a family.
Available for download here (not sponsored).
For additional Advent resources, see the Recommended Advent Resources list provided by Risen Motherhood.
During the month of December, TCC will be walking through a sermon series entitled Treasuring Christ in Isaiah. Join us on Sundays at 10am or check out the sermons online.