We are just two days away from the first Sunday of Advent! Here are some activities, ideas, and resources to guide you and your family on your journey to Christmas.
The season of Advent derives from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “visit.” This season of anticipation begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. This year, Advent starts on November 28. It is time to prepare for, and anticipate, the coming of Christ.
The Michigan Conference has created and curated resources that can be used by individuals and families on the journey to Christmas. These activities, books, and opportunities can bring you some hope, joy, and new understanding, too.
- Birthing a Promise, Building a Movement. Weekly reflections on anti-racism in English and Spanish
- Reverse Advent Calendars that share God’s love with others
- Advent Paper Chain with scripture
- Some favorite Christmas picture books for children
- Christmas Tree blessing
- #picture Advent is a daily devotional featuring scripture, reflections, and creches from around the world sent to you by email
- Virtual Journey through the Holy Land. A four- Saturday webinar beginning November 27 at 11 am. Sponsored by the North Central Volunteers in Mission.
And a bonus from umc.org: Wesley Hymn Devotions for Advent and Christmas.
So, let’s begin our Advent journey with this prayer by the Rev. Jerry Chism, offered in a video by United Methodist Communications.
Oh Immanuel, God with us, truly in this Advent season we celebrate that you are not hidden in some faraway cloud, but you chose to be with us in the blur and mystery of our lives.
In the midst of lists and rush, you are with us as a song that echoes in our minds, as the light of a candle, as a card from a friend. They are signs of your presence.
We turn to you this season and pray that you would birth joy and healing, blessing and hope in us.
Let something wonderful begin in us — something surprising and holy.
May your hand be upon us. Let your love fill us. Let your joy overwhelm us.
Let our longing for you be met on a coming holy night. Immanuel with us once again.
Amen.
May something wonderful begin in YOU this Advent!
Last Updated on October 31, 2023