The United Methodist Publishing House and the Upper Room have produced books and resources to help churches and individuals prepare for Advent in a spirit of hope during this unprecedented time of uncertainty and anxiety. As we face ongoing uncertainty about the future, we look for hope in the promise of Jesus' coming. The resources cover a variety of topics and themes for individual or small group study or in classrooms.
An Unlikely Advent: Extraordinary People of the Christmas Story
In this four-week study, Rachel Billups focuses on the experiences of four sets of often overlooked characters in the Nativity story and guides readers through the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace by sharing the stories of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Herod, the Magi, and the shepherds. Each set of unexpected characters has something to teach about living faithfully on the journey to Christmas. This resource is available in paperback or ebook formats. Readers can also purchase a leader guide or DVD.
Heaven and Earth: Advent and the Incarnation
In Heaven and Earth: Advent and the Incarnation, Bishop Will Willimon introduces you to the God who does just that, bringing heaven to earth and changing everything. In Advent we celebrate and anticipate the earth-shaking, life-transforming good news that God is coming to us. Watch out. Get ready. God is on the way. This resource is available in paperback or ebook formats. Readers can also purchase a leader guide, DVD, and sermon series download.
Experiencing Christmas: Christ in the Sights and Sounds of Advent
Everything seems different at the end of the year. We put lights on our houses to dispel the growing darkness, Christmas music floods local radio stations, apple cider and cranberry sauce are again on the menu, and wrapping paper and tape are always ready. Things just look, smell, and taste differently during the Advent and Christmas season, and these differences are a sign to us that God is about to do something radical and different. Christmas is when God surrounded the divine with senses of his own. That first noel was when God had eyes to see suffering, ears to hear our cries, and hands to hold those in need, and all of these senses were bundled in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. What signs do you see during the Advent and Christmas season that point you to the divine? This resource is available in paperback or ebook formats. Readers can also purchase a leader guide, DVD and worship series.
Light from Afar: An Advent Devotional from Around the World
Advent is celebrated differently throughout the world. Some cultures barely observe the waiting and focus on the Christmas celebration. Light from Afar is a daily Advent devotional that illuminates the season through the unforgettable stories and reflections of four writers from around the world. Authors Nadiyka Gerbish (Ukraine), Joel Bengbeng (Philippines), Cláudio Carvalhaes (Brazil), and Sidwell Mokgothu (South Africa) share cultural and religious traditions of the Advent season in their daily reflections. Each day's meditation includes a scripture reading, a prayer, an opportunity for reflection, and a link to a song from the author’s home country. This resource is available in print.
Advent: A Season of Surprises
The season of Advent marks the beginning of a new year, according to the Christian calendar. Advent is a season filled with similar expectations, only they aren’t found in new resolutions. They are found through new and surprising realities. In this five-week devotional guide, the Rev. Scott Chrostek helps readers prepare their hearts and minds for the coming of Christ. This resource is perfect for individuals, small groups, or entire congregations. This resource is available in paperback.
Advent A Calendar of Devotions 2023
Advent: A Calendar of Daily Devotions 2023 provides daily devotions for Christians as they prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. This annual favorite is a wonderful resource for churches to give to each family to emphasize the importance of the Advent of our Lord. Each day's reading is based on the Revised Common Lectionary and includes the Scripture, a short devotion, and a brief prayer or practice, and is printed using a larger font for ease of reading. Sold in packs of 10 booklets, designed to fit in a #10 envelope, enabling churches to include them in Advent mailings and making it easy to share with visitors or others the church wishes to reach during the Advent season. This resource is available in print or ebook formats.
Prepare the Way for the Lord: Advent and the Message of John the Baptist
The Rev. Adam Hamilton explores the Advent themes of John’s life and ministry, and how John calls all followers of Jesus to prepare our hearts for his coming. In each of the Gospels, the story of Jesus is intertwined with that of his cousin John, the one whom the prophets foretold would come to “prepare the way of the Lord.” When we hear the message of John the Baptist, it makes us and our world ready to receive Christ. Each week has a different lesson for each week of Advent. This resource is available in hardcover, large print, or ebook formats. Readers can also purchase a leader guide, leader kit, DVD, a worship series and/or media download.
The Angels of Christmas
The Rev. Susan Robb explores the four angelic visits surrounding the birth of Jesus with Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. In this study, the reader will explore the visits and dive deep into the history of the angel Gabriel–and other angels–in the Old Testament. The Angels of Christmas uses these four angelic appearances to discuss God’s presence in history and our lives today. The messages of the angels hold meaning for listeners both then and now. The book is available in both paperback and ebook formats. Along with the book itself, readers can also purchase a DVD, leader guide and/or leader kit.
The Heart That Grew Three Sizes: Finding Faith in the Story of the Grinch
The Rev. Matt Rawle explores the rich faith themes in the beloved Dr. Seuss classic of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". This Advent and Christmas season look at a familiar classic through the lens of faith and see how Christ speaks to us through our culture. Along with the book itself readers can purchase a four-week Advent study include a DVD featuring Matt Rawle, a comprehensive leader guide, and resources for children and youth.
All the Good: A Wesleyan Way of Christmas
The Rev. Dr. Laceye C. Warner, Dr. Amy Valdez Barker, Dr. Jung Choi, Dr. Sangwoo Kim will take you on an Advent journey guided by the practices in John Wesley’s means of grace. Each chapter guides participants through one of the four weeks of Advent by reflecting on biblical passages in light of an aspect of Wesleyan means of grace highlighted by illustrations and stories. Readers will look at preparing the way for God, the impact and significance of prayer, the substance of good works and caring for others, and sharing God’s mission to the world. Along with the book itself readers can purchase a leader guide, leader kit, a DVD and book of devotionals.
Making Room: Sharing the Love of Christmas
The Rev. Ed Robb, senior pastor of Woodlands United Methodist in Texas, has released a new book to help Christians make room in their hearts for God and neighbor this Christmas. This four-week study explores the warmth of welcome at Christmas following interactions with the Holy Family, the shepherds, and the magi. The story of Christ’s birth encourages us to widen our borders and increase our sense of community to make room for others. "Making Room" is available in paperback and e-book formats. Readers can also purchase a leader guide and leader kit.
Light of the World: A Beginner’s Guide to Advent
Amy-Jill Levine, Vanderbilt University professor of New Testament and Jewish studies, dives into the biblical narratives and traditions surrounding Jesus’ birth. Beginning with the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth and ending with the visit of the Magi, Levine explores the relationship of the Gospel narratives to the Old Testament, the important role of women in the story and the historic events surrounding the time of Jesus’ birth. “Light of the World: A Beginner’s Guide to Advent“ can be purchased separately or as part of a kit, which also includes a leader guide and a DVD featuring Levine.
Philip J. Brooks is a writer and content developer with the leader communications team at United Methodist Communications, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.