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Advent

Advent is the beginning of the Church Year for most churches in the Western tradition. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which is the Sunday nearest November 30, and ends on Christmas Eve (Dec 24). If Christmas Eve is a Sunday, it is counted as the fourth Sunday of Advent, with Christmas Eve proper beginning at sundown.

 

 

The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God. That is a process in which we now participate, and the consummation of which we anticipate. Scripture reading for Advent will reflect this emphasis on the Second Advent, including themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life

 

RESOURCES FOR THE SEASON:

Where Did the Season of Advent Come From?

 

Scripture Readings in Spanish

 

Advent Wreath Candlelighting Meditations for Home and Church -- 2007
These short meditations may be used with the weekly lighting of candles of an Advent wreath on the four Sundays of Advent and Christmas Eve. The meditations may be freely adapted for use in Sunday school or worship, but they are designed especially for use in the home.

 

2007 Advent Home Worship
by MaryJane Pierce Norton
Advent is the season when we prepare ourselves to receive God's gift of Jesus. It is a time of "getting ready" for the celebration of Christmas. Here are some ways you can prepare yourself and your family for celebrating Jesus' birth.

 

Christmas Carol Quiz
This quiz lists thirty phrases from Advent and Christmas carols, hymns, and songs. Name the song from which each phrase comes. Use this as a group activity at choir, Sunday school, or staff parties, youth activities, other gatherings, or insert it in your church newsletter. Following the quiz is a link to the answers.

 

The Christian Season of Advent

Information on the Christian Season of Advent from a Protestant perspective, including the meaning of the symbols used to celebrate it.

 

GBOD | Advent-Christmas

Advent Resources from the GBOD's Center for Worship Resourcing ... Advent/Christmas Resources from The Upper Room Bookstore Shop our Advent/Christmas Store

http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?loc_id=733,32,44&act=nav_loc

 

Lift Up Your Hearts - Advent Resources, Christmas Resources...

Lift Up Your Hearts: Online Advent, Christmas and Epiphany Resources

 

The Holy Season of Advent

Advent Wreath · Jesse Tree · Advent House & Calendar · Manger Scene · Christmas · Christmastime & Epiphany

 

BOOKS FOR THE SEASON:

2008: A Book of Grace-Filled Days
by LaVonne Neff
2008: A Book of Grace-Filled Days offers a way to connect with God each day, through daily meditations and Scripture readings for the liturgical year.

 

A Christmas Thief
The Christmas Play: A Fable for the Holidays
by Carol Lynn Pearson
Skilled storyteller and best-selling author Carol Lynn Pearson captures the true spirit of Christmas in these heartwarming holiday parables.

 

A Gift for the Christ Child: A Christmas Folktale
by Linda Schlafer/Illustrator Anne Wilson
This charming story based on a South American Christmas Folktale, offers a heartwarming message about the importance of giving. There is a lesson of generosity and sacrifice that is so important in the Christmas season.

   

Momma's Enchanted Supper: Stories for the Long Evenings of Advent
by Carol DeChant
This engaging collection of stories and reflections helps us recall our own unique stories during the season of Advent.

 

My First Find Out About Books: Baby Jesus
by Stephanie Jeffs/Illustrator Jenny Tulip
The four books in the "My First Find Out About Book" series present a child-friendly approach to the parables and lessons of the New Testament. Baby Jesus tells the Christmas story in ten one-page chapters. Ages 0-5.

   

Saint Francis Celebrates Christmas
by Mary Caswell Walsh/Illustrator Helen Caswell
Here is the true story of the world's first nativity scene, created by Saint Francis of Assisi nearly eight hundred years ago to help his townspeople celebrate the miracle of Christmas.

 

MUSIC FOR THE SEASON:

Four Advent Hymns with Lectionary Texts (Year A)
F. Richard Garland has composed these four Advent hymn texts set to familiar tunes, closely relating them to the lectionary readings for Year A.

 

Here are five familiar Advent hymn texts set to familiar Christmas tunes:

http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=13098&loc_id=17,897,902

 

“Advent Watch” – An Advent Call to Worship

by Linda Dickson and George Mann

http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45599

 

“Tender Shepherd” – Choral Response

by Linda Dickson and George Mann

http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45625&loc_id=17,823

This short SSATB response is suitable for a prayer response, baptism, or general use.

 

 “Stardust Carol” for SSAA Women’s Voices
by Linda Dickson and George Mann
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45626&loc_id=17,823  
Though marked SSAA, this setting for women is mostly for three voices.

 

 “Hurry Little Children” – Choral Anthem
by Linda Dickson and George Mann
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45627&loc_id=17,823 
This SSAATTB choral anthem is subtitled a “Spiritual Christmas Carol” and may be sung accompanied or a capella.

 

 “The Carpenter’s Carol” - Choral Anthem for Christmas
by Linda Dickson and George Mann
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45628&loc_id=17,823 

This choral anthem for Christmas is mostly for SATB choir with some three-part men’s and women’s voices.

 

 “The Magi’s Blessing” - Benediction for Epiphany
by Linda Dickson and George Mann
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45629&loc_id=17,823
This SATB choral benediction is suitable for Epiphany.