Advent Resources
Thanksgiving isn’t even here, but we aren’t that far away from the start of Advent (next Saturday, November 27)! I really love the upcoming Christmas season, but I think I love celebrating Advent just a little bit more. The anticipation part in Advent is really what I like best – I love the excitement that builds and all of the fun that happens during the month. I truly do love it!
I especially love Advent because it is a time when you can really get your heart ready for Christmas. How easy it is to get caught up in the gifts and busyness of the season, but Christmas is the end to an amazing story that has been told for thousands of years! I love thinking through that story – the story told from Genesis to the birth of Jesus – during the Advent time.
You can find so many great resources out there to help you celebrate and really remember the great Christmas story during Advent. Here are a few of my favorite resources I’ve used over the years:
Picture books:
- The Song of the Stars – A wonderful picture book written by the author of the Jesus Storybook Bible; beautiful illustrations!
- Humphrey’s First Christmas – the story of travelling to visit Jesus from the perspective a camel…cute and fun!
- God Gave us Christmas – focusing on God being the real important part of Christmas – a great way to learn about what the real meaning of Christmas is with younger kiddos.
Devotionals:
- She Reads Truth: Many of you probably know about She Reads Truth; they put out a fantastic Advent devotional.You can also do their Advent study online on their website for free! This year, I am really excited about their new Kids Read Truth table cards. Sharing a Bible verse and then a question, this will be a great way to connect Scripture to the holiday season (and help start good conversations!).
- Amen Paper Company: Another company who puts out a yearly Advent devotional that is very popluar!
- The Daily Grace Company: And, another great company putting out a yearly Advent devotional.
Books
- The Greatest Gift – I have read this book the past three Advent seasons, and I enjoy it every time. A great weaving of the story of Jesus from Genesis to His birth.
- Hidden Christmas: Tim Keller’s new book about the birth of Jesus; I can’t wait to read this one over the holiday!
- Come, Lord Jesus: This book has been highly recommended to me this year; I haven’t read it, but I’m excited to use it this Advent season.
Other Advent Resources:
- Amen Paper company calendar: a visual Advent calendar that is popular year after year!
- The Way of Life Wreath: A beautiful wooden candle holder allowing you to move the candle once a day as you get closer to Christmas morning; I love this visual for young children!
Music
- Andrew Peterson’s Behold the Lamb of God (Jimboy’s absolute favorite!)
- Campfire Christmas by Rend Collective
- Lauren Daigle’s new Behold collection
- Dave Barnes with A December to Remember and Very Merry Christmas
- Christmas Offerings by Third Day
- Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors with A Neighborly Christmas and Another Neighborly Christmas
Does your family have any favorite Advent resources? If so, please comment below and let us know! Make sure to check back with us throughout December as we have so many fun holiday things planned. And…have a wonderful Thanksgiving next week!!