Advent Resources 2016

We have compiled a collection of resources to help you engage with Advent this year. Advent is a time of waiting, waiting for the arrival of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Even before the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, for hundreds of years, the people of God were waiting for a King, for the very presence of the Lord to come to earth.
Isaiah cried out to the lord, ‘Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down,’ so desperate was he to see the earth filled with the glory of God.

But by God’s grace, we needn’t wait in darkness, but we have a confident hope, for as Isaiah prophesied,

‘The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…for to us a child is born, to us a son is given… and he will be called wonderful counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ (Isaiah 9:2-6)

There is a wealth of thought provoking and engaging resources from churches and charities that everyone can use to celebrate Advent and prepare for Christmas. Here is just a small collection of what’s out there to get you started:


Devotionals

For taking some time out of the business of this time of year to reflect, each day, upon the meaning of Advent.

· Advent for Everyone – Tom Wright with the Archbishop of York

Using Tom Wright’s book, Advent for Everyone, which is an Advent themed journey through the gospel of Matthew, The Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu will be releasing daily reflective videos to guide our thoughts and prayers during this season of waiting and preparation through advent and up to Christmas.

Watch the first video here. The following videos will be accessible from the Archbishop’s social media platforms, like Twitter and Facebook and on his website.

· Christmas is Coming - A Tear Fund Advent Calendar

Tear fund’s call is to follow Jesus where the need is greatest. Tear Fund uses a radical understanding of the Gospel as good news to the poor and place great emphasis on caring for the physical and spiritual needs in areas of the world that need it most. These scriptural devotionals are a daily email subscription, which you can sign up for on their website.


· Advent Reflections – By Embrace The Middle East

Embrace supports transformational projects in the Middle East which help vulnerable and marginalised people to achieve their potential. They work through the historic Christian communities across the region, who for two thousand years have been 'salt and light' to the people they serve.

This is a regular daily devotional based on carols that will ‘bring tidings of joy from the Middle East'. The website also offers other resources for carols and nativities and also includes a prayer booklet and children’s activates for downloading. Click here to sign up.



Challenges

Many of us are lucky enough to enjoy Christmas in comfort and luxury, but for many this is not the case and it can be an especially tough time of year. Why not at ways you can bless and ease the burdens of others this year?

· #AdventChallenge – From the Bible Society

‘In some parts of the world, the Scriptures are difficult to access or are simply unavailable. In this country, the Bible is readily available but has lost its significance and its value is unrecognised by millions. The Bible Society works hard here at home and in key areas across the world to change this taking the Bible and finding ways to translate and distribute it.
This online Advent Calendar challenges us to do a small, practical act of kindness every day to share good will and make a difference in the season of Advent. Last year, over 13,000 people took part, with over 105,000 challenges accepted. So this year, you could be buying someone flowers, babysitting … or even just giving a smile.
When you sign up you will receive 3 daily challenges throughout Advent and you and choose the one that bests suits you. he challenges are simple, practical, Bible-based and life-affirming. So you can show your community what true hope, love, joy and peace look like, even in the mad dash towards Christmas.’
There is also a video and further resources available online that can be downloaded from their website too.

· Advent Sleepout Challenge – Part of Church Urban Fund

‘CUF was established by the Church of England as a practical response to unmet need and has been active in local communities for over 30 years. Our vision is to see people and communities all over England flourish and enjoy life in all its fullness… We are committed to working through relational partnerships which bring about long-term, sustainable change by mobilising local people to be the source of the change they want to see and to use the assets already available in their community.’

The Advent Sleepout Challenge involves gathering your friends, family or church to give up a night of comfort and spend the night outside. Calling attention to the needs and suffering of those without a roof over their head this winter, the Sleepout challenge aims to raise money for the relief of homeless and marginalised people. Some use the nativity story as a theme for their sleepout which too draws attention the the lowly entrance of the baby Jesus. The king who humbled himself on our behalf even from birth. Last year £93,450 was raised for the cause! Find out all you need to know about taking up your own Advent Challenge on the website. There is a strong social media campaign which also goes along with this too so as to share are spread support.


Courses

There is always more to learn about God and his grace and plans all our lives and the lives and it’s never too late to get stuck in.

· Living in The Light -From York Course

York Courses is a Christian study resource for groups and individuals that bring ‘famous voices and challenging opinions into your group discussion’

This is a four session discussion course that explores practical steps in Christian spirituality, looking from the perspectives of four biblical witnesses to the coming of Christ, Luke, John, Mary and Paul. The course comes with a CD, course book and a transcript, designed by Robert Warren, that all work together to follow and develop the themes of the course. Course material can be bought online and resources such as invitational posters are downloadable, here.

Once again, this is only a small selection of the Advent resources that are out there! Have a good look around and see what best suits you and your community. But together, let us wait with hope and excitement this year, preparing our hearts to receive the most precious gift of all.