Many times, Christmas feels like it comes and goes. For centuries the church has been celebrating Advent in order to get the most out of the season. Advent is a season of waiting, anticipating, and hoping. We invite you to enter in this year! Below are some ADVENT resources that I have found helpful in my own preparation in anticipating and celebrating the Savior’s birth.
Devotionals
- John Piper’s book Good News of Great Joy is an excellent (and free) resource. You can download it here.
- An Advent Family Devotional guide put out by Mark Roberts and Laity Lodge. Download it here.
- Free gospel-centered Advent e-book for parents.
- The Village Church in Texas has developed an excellent guide for Advent. Download it here.
- A blog post Pastor Ryan wrote on living missionally this Christmas Season.
Music
Paul Baloche’s album Christmas Worship is quickly becoming one of my favorites. There are a few original songs and a lot classics – that he puts his own spin on. Click here for iTunes link. | |
Bebo Norman’s Christmas album is great! If you haven’t heard it, I bet you’ll love it! It has two of of my favorite Christmas songs on it: Mary’s Prayer and Born to Die. Click here for iTunes link. | |
If you like Phil Wickham, then you’ll LOVE this Christmas album. No original songs, but some familiar songs done in an unfamiliar way. Click here for iTunes link. | |
The Brilliance is a band introduced to me by a friend. They have two Advent albums out (vol 1 & vol 2). Both are amazing musically and lyrically. They consider themselves neo-liturgical – the style is unique and the album is amazing! Find the links above. |
Sufjean Stevens Songs for Christmas is a great addition to any collection of Christmas music. This album is great unique and great. Click here for iTunes link. |