Already the sales have begun. Retailers are beginning early to compete for our money, our time, our attention. But the prophet Isaiah calls us to a different perspective of this time before the Christmas celebration. “The lord is coming,” says Isaiah. “Prepare the way for him” (40:3). Clear out the clutter of your life. Put aside those things that distract you from receiving God.
Blessedly, the church provides for us the season of Advent. Advent calls us to slow down and take time to reflect on how we will receive the great gift of God coming to dwell among us. Advent asks us to make room for him, to anticipate his coming with joyful reverence.
During this Advent season we invite you to engage one or more of the following resources as part of your preparation. Or simply determine to sit quietly for a period of time each day and consider what it means to receive Emmanuel – God with us.
Advent begins December 1.
Prepare the Way Advent Study
This four-week study looks more deeply into the Old Testament readings for the Sundays in Advent. In this year’s lectionary readings, Isaiah calls his people to turn away from things not of God and instead “walk in the light of the Lord” (2:5). Through this Advent study, written by the Rt. Rev. Gary Lillibridge, we become familiar with Isaiah’s words and call and apply them to our own lives. Subscribe to the study at www.christianformation-dwtx.org and receive a weekly post guiding you to that week’s lesson in text and audio, along with questions for reflection. The study is especially appropriate for small groups and individuals.
Find the study here.
Advent Word on Social Media
For the sixth year in a row, #AdventWord will gather prayers via a global, online Advent calendar. Virginia Theological Seminary is offering meditations and images that can be experienced with the #AdventWord website, direct daily emails, or on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. American Sign Language videos will be posted on YouTube. This year, meditations will be available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
Sign up to participate at https://adventword.org/en/home.
Digital Invitation Kit for Congregations (available in English, Spanish, and French)
Continuing the invitation to connect “The Way of Love, Practices for a Jesus-Centered Life” more deeply to the seasons of the year, The Episcopal Church has developed free and downloadable resources for congregations, dioceses, and communities of faith. An Advent Digital Invitation Kit is available now to help congregations invite people to enter into this season of preparation.
The theme of the Advent Digital Invitation Kit is inspired by Mark 1:3 and Isaiah 40:3 “the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” and includes: a customizable poster, postcard, and flyer; a social media-ready graphic; and a Facebook cover image.
Find it at https://episcopalchurch.org/advent-and-christmas-resources
Journeying the Way of Love Advent curriculum and Advent calendar (available in English and Spanish).This four-week Advent curriculum and Advent calendar from the Episcopal Church is pegged to readings and themes from the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke that incorporates Way of Love practices and the nativity/infancy narrative of Jesus to enable participants to grow spiritually during this season of preparation.
Find it at https://episcopalchurch.org/advent-and-christmas-resources
Adult Christian Formation 