The days grow shorter and darker. In many climates they grow colder. The sun has shifted, and the growing season has ended for the year. Nature has tucked herself in for a long night. But even in the darkness we wait, for we have been promised a light that will shine in the darkness, and the darkness will never be able to overcome it (Jn 1:5). It is right that we wait, that we prepare ourselves for the great thing that will come among us – God himself incarnate in human form. While we wait, we pray, we fast, we attend to our brothers and sisters. We draw nearer to the source of the light and gather our strength and hope from it.
We hope one or more of these resources will ground your journey through Advent and that you will sing with the shepherds and angels to welcome the Christ child on Christmas Day.
Light from Afar: Experiencing Advent Around the World
An online experience that takes you on a journey celebrating the diversity of Advent traditions around the globe. Experience four voices from Ukraine, Philippines, Brazil, and South Africa as they share their cultural and spiritual traditions of the season.
Daily readings, video interviews with each author, and live virtual gatherings on Tuesday evenings from November 28th to December 19th at 6:30 p.m. (Central Time). From Upper Room.
About $20.
More info: https://urelearning.upperroom.org/p/light-from-afar?coupon_code=ONLINE
The Advent of Christmas
Christmas can be a difficult time. Financial challenges, concerns about the future, fears about climate change, political unrest and wars are just a few things weighing us down as we try to get into the Holiday Spirit. This four-week course is for anyone who is looking for a calmer and more meaningful Christmas. It is delivered to your inbox each week. It includes reflections, rituals and ideas for finding more Hope, Peace, Joy and Love in your life. From Sandy Reynolds
Cost early $25, after Nov. 15, $35
Find out more at: https://www.sandyreynolds.com/adventofchristmas
Bless the Advent we Actually Have
A Daily Devotional for the Christmas Season – seeing the world as it really is. Practicing hope for the coming King. Celebrating generosity and love any chance we get using this free 4-week devotional (available to print or access online). Designed each day to take around 20 minutes. That includes time to read the assigned scripture, a short devotional, a blessing from The Lives We Actually Have, and some reflection questions. If you have extra time, there are opportunities to dive deeper into our themes and topics by listening to suggested podcast episodes, participating in some hands-on activities, watching some bonus videos, and reflecting on the songs on our Advent playlist. From Kate Bowler
Cost: free
For more info https://courses.katebowler.com/courses/advent-devotional/
A Touch of Beauty: Daily Advent Surprises
The Advent season is shaped by our longing and our listening. In hope, even within the dark and divisive forces in our world and in our own hearts, we search for Christ to be our light. The season of Advent resonates deep in the hearts of true monastics – it is the season for searching ever more deeply for the God, the Light of the world, who is already seeking us.
Each day of Advent, you will receive this daily surprise to your email inbox, including gifts for a heart bent on seeking God. This shared Advent journey begins on Sunday, December 3 and ends on Christmas Day. It costs $30 to register and in return you will receive daily posts and connection with fellow seekers on this Advent Journey.
**PLEASE NOTE: Must have an account with Monasteries of the Heart in order to sign up. Our website is currently not accepting Discover credit cards.
Cost $30. Register before Nov. 30
Good Reads for Advent
All Creation Waits: The Mystery of New Beginnings by Gayle Boss
All Creation Waits: (gift edition)
All Creation Waits (Children’s book) new this year!
Three Wise Women: 40 Devotions Celebrating Advent with
Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna by Dandi Daley MackallLight of the World: A Beginner’s Guide to Advent by Amy-Jill Levine
Celebrating Abundance: Devotions for Advent by Walter Brueggemann
Let Every Heart Prepare: Meditations for Advent and Christmas by Barbara Crafton
Preparing for Advent: Daily Meditations for Advent by Richard Rohr
Waiting for the Wonder: Voices of Advent by Katerina Katsarka Whitley
The Meaning is in the Waiting: The Spirit of Advent by Paula Gooder
Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas (an anthology by a wonderful selection of writers!)
Wounded in Spirit: Advent Art and Meditations by David Bannon
Keep Watch with Me: An Advent Reader for Peacemakers by Claire Brown and Michael
T. McRayOne Great Love: An Advent and Christmas Treasury of Readings, Poems, and Prayers
by Paraclete PressCalm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A Little Book of Festive Joy by Beth Kempton
Adverbs for Advent by Marilyn McEntyre
The Art of Advent by. Jane Williams
Support independent book retailers. Order from St. Mark’s Bookstore.
From the Wisdom Years
An Advent Quiet Day.
Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to noon.
On the grounds of the beautiful Bishop Jones Center in San Antonio. A morning of prayer and meditation, plenty of time on the grounds, and small group conversation.
For details and to register: https://wisdomyears.org/a-fall-advent-quiet-day/
Our Advent book study – Waiting with All Creation
This Advent, The Wisdom Years community will read Gayle Boss’s splendid Advent book of daily meditations All Creation Waits, then gather on three Thursdays – Dec. 7, 14, and 21 – at 4 p.m. (Central time) by Zoom for an hour of conversation.
We will appropriate the wisdom of nature and wait quietly but assuredly for the magnificent thing to happen. The God of all creation – the one who by his very word created the moon and the stars and every living, breathing creature on the earth – comes among us to show us the kingdom he intends for his people.
For the details and to join the study, https://wisdomyears.org/waiting-with-all-creation/
The Wisdom Years 