Advent season is almost here and that is an incredibly good thing. I don’t remember a time where our culture (and me personally) needed it so much.

Advent is comprised of the four Sunday’s leading up to Christmas. It is an important part of the Church’s liturgical year that reminds us of Jesus rescue mission to earth 2000 years ago and points us to look with faith on when he will come again.

To help you prepare for this important time of year, I wanted to share a couple of resources that I plan to use with our family. I have found that using a specific plan during the season helps to focus my heart and mind on the real meaning of the season.

Readings & Actions

At a minimum, most Advent plans provide a list of Scripture readings for each day leading up to Christmas. Some that are designed to include kids will also give you a craft that can go along with the passages.

Something new I am planning to incorporate this year though is some specific Advent actions as outlined by The Common Rule. I love this idea and can’t wait to see what impact it has for us during the season.

Resources

For the readings, we are using the Advent guide created by Sally Lloyd-Jones’s The Jesus Story-Book Bible. Please don’t be fooled into thinking this is just a book for children. The Jesus Story-Book Bible is my favorite book. I have read it numerous times with (and without) my kids. Few books have captured the Gospel so simply and powerfully as this book. So, I love the fact that they have created an Advent guide with activities for the family. Plus it’s free! Click the picture below to download a copy for your family.

The Common Rule outlines a set of daily and weekly practices designed to help us do a better job of loving God and loving our neighbor as yourself. This year they are providing an Advent guide of actions and activities. To learn more about what they are and why they are important click the picture and explore their site.

I am going into the Advent season with a conflicted heart. I have so many pressures, worries, and fears that are threatening to drown out the season. Participating in Advent for me means a defiant and intentional effort to fight for the Joy that has come into the world.

Join me!