How To Keep The Light On This Advent
Advent Resources To Help You Carry The Light This Season 🕯
I confess, we are in the camp of people who put our Christmas decorations up a full week before Thanksgiving. I don’t know about you, but we NEED every single bulb, tree and glittering ball we strung up because times. Are. Hard.
Some of you know that we’ve been walking through an 8-week-and-counting journey of my husband’s recent spinal injury. The days have been long, full of complicated questions about best methods for his healing, and many trips back and forth to various medical appointments. To say that we NEED the light and delight of the Christmas season is no exaggeration.
While we dug out all of our Christmas decorations, I went ahead and gathered my favorite Advent devotionals so that I’d have them ready on Sunday morning, the first day of Advent. If you don’t have a good book-companion for Advent, or you just need a new one, I’d like to suggest a few.
Here are the ones pictured above (these are affiliate links, gratzie!) :
1. Wounded in Spirit: Advent art & Meditations, by David Bannon
This one is a bit different than all the others I’ve found, but Bannon’s willingness to sit in the difficulties that do not simply “go away” just because it’s Christmas, is a tremendous gift. From the back cover: “This book is a journey of beauty and meditation for those for whom ordinary Advent devotional could never help.”
2. God With Us: Rediscovering The Meaning Of Christmas, edited by Greg Penoyer & Gregory Wolf
This is a beautiful collection of devotions written by many wonderful writers including, Eugene Peterson, Luci Shaw, Kathleen Norris, and others. I love the variety and they way each author approaches the season.
3. Come, Lord Jesus: The Weight Of Waiting, by me 😉
This is a tender companion for those of us who struggle to wait well in seasons of longing. 25 short readings coupled with one or two reflection questions and a prayer gentle encourage you each day of Advent.
4. Watch For The Light: Readings For Advent and Christmas, published by Plough.
This is another wonderful collection of Advent writings from a host of writers, including Aquila’s, Bonhoeffer, L’Engle, Lewis, and more.
5. Unwrapping The Names Of Jesus, by Asherita Ciuciu.
This compact book offers 4 weeks worth of readings, every day looking at one of the many names of Jesus. I love how focused this book is on keeping your heart and mind set on Christ.
6. The Art Of Advent: A Painting A Day From Advent To Epiphany, by Jane Williams.
This book offers a painting for each day, along with a brief meditation and a couple of questions for further reflection. I adore this book and the different approach to spending time in prayer and reflection during this season.
This year, I also purchased a copy of Tsh Oxenrider’s new book, Shadow & Light, A Journey Into Advent.
Additional Advent Resources from around the web:
My friend and fellow author, Charity Singleton Craig has put together a lovely gift for you this Advent season, which includes recipes, prayer prompts, playlists, daily reflections and more. You can read all about it HERE, and sign up to get it delivered for free, right to your inbox. So generous!
Rev. Summer Joy Gross is offering her audio Advent series, Behold Your God: A Advent Worship Journey With Handle’s Messiah. I just purchased my access to this series and so look forward to making a little space in my day to sit with these beautiful reflections throughout the season. You can find details, and access to Summer’s offering HERE.
Singer/Songwriter, Christa Wells just released her Wintry Favorites (Live) and I am so happy about it. I’ve been waiting for Christa to release a Christmas album for years, and while this isn’t a full album, this 4- song release makes me think that maybe we are a little close to that day?! Available on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you listen to music.
A couple of weeks ago I sat down with fellow writer, Ed Cyzewski for a conversation about Advent and spiritual practices on his Paths To Restoration podcast.
Emily P. Freeman released what might have been my most favorite episode to date of her Next Right Thing podcast last week, episode #154. While not specifically for Advent, this one rang all my bells and made me weep with hope-brimming. Listen to it HERE.
It’s been quite a season, hasn’t it? I am so ready for the hope that Advent promises, as we look towards the coming of Jesus. I’ve been so grateful for the way community has helped me keep my chin up over the last several months. If you’re looking for a tender, safe place of community, to walk with you through this season, and those ahead, I’d love to invite you to join me in The Refinery. The Refinery is an online ecumenical gathering of artists and creative-spirited women, where grace flows freely, as does the change of ideas and encouragement. We are currently welcoming new members. Click HERE to join us.
PS: I’ve got something exciting to share on Monday. Bookmark this page (you won’t be able to see anything there yet!) Refresh it Monday morning for the big reveal. 😉🎁
Grace, mercy and peace to you today, friends.
May the loving arms of Jesus wrap around you as you enter into this wondrous season, and keep looking for the Light.
Christ gives us his peace by giving us himself, for he is the Prince of Peace…The peace that is ours is not a peace of pretending that things are not as they are; nor is it a peace of being blind to conflict. It is the peace of faith.
~Richard John Neuhaus
In kindness,
Kris Camealy
