Advent | Grace Episcopal Church

ADVENT RESOURCES

Advent is that wondrously rich and mysterious season, during which time we prepare our hearts to once again receive the Christ Child at Christmas. It also reminds us that we wait in expectation for the final coming of Christ “in power and glory.” Since Advent is a time of waiting and preparation, over the centuries, various church traditions have developed that invite us to walk through the days and weeks of the season. The Advent Wreath, marking the 4 Sundays of Advent, and the Advent Calendar, marking the 24 days just prior to Christmas Day are amongst the most popular. I have prepared for you use, different resources to enrich your Advent.

The Advent Wreath and Candle Lighting Service for Each Sunday of Advent ~ for Families or Individuals

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This set of four short services invites families to light a candle or candles, read a few verses of Scripture, and say a couple of prayers to mark each Sunday of Advent. You can use this with the Advent Wreath we make on Sunday, December 4th or with any other Advent Wreath, or even with 4 candles.

Advent one candle paulist

Advent two candles paulist

Candle Lighting Ceremonies for Each Sunday of Advent

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This comes from a blog entitled Gifts in Open Hands – a blog for Pentecost year by Maren C. Tirabassi and is based upon Howard Thurman’s “I will light Candles this Christmas.” It is an interesting take on Advent.

Reverse Advent Calendar ~ An action Calendar that invites thinking, praying, and doing for the first 25 days of December

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A Reverse Advent Calendar is just that. You start with a box (or several bags), and instead of opening a door and taking out a treat each day, you place a treat or an item into it. Once the box is full we will donate it to our local food bank, Shepherd’s Pantry. The contents will find their way to someone who needs them this Christmas. You may want to even decorate your box!

The Grace Episcopal Reverse Advent Calendar contains 24 items – one for each day of Advent, but if you aren’t in a position to donate so much then why not contribute whatever you can? Any donations at all will make a huge difference to someone over Christmas. Feel free to add more than one item each day.

Advent three candles paulist

Advent four candles paulist

A set of meditations and scripture readings for each day of Advent, beginning December 1 and culminating on Christmas Day, December 25.

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Reverend Susan collected and/or wrote a meditation to go along with scripture and prayer – one for each day. This is not a new set, but one I think you will find rewarding if you would like something for each day.