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Advent Resources

It is easy to get overwhelmed by the busy-ness of the world during the Advent season.  All around us the world is pushing materialism and the idea that we need more stuff.  But what we really need is so much deeper than that.  Delving deep into Advent will help us to more fully enter into the true mystery of Christmas.  Here are some ideas that might help to make your Advent more meaningful.

Create your own Advent chain calendar
Instead of toys or chocolate, mark each day of Advent by adding a new link to an Advent chain of your own creation.  Cut 25 strips of purple and pink construction paper.  On each strip, write a prayer, short Advent scripture passage, or an idea for your family to do that day to prepare to enter the mystery of Christmas.  Ideas might include writing a letter to a friend or family member, bring cookies to a neighbor, or telling everyone in your family why you love them. 

Advent Wreath
Create or buy an Advent wreath to have on your table.  Light a new candle each week as you anticipate the coming of the Light of the World.  There are lots of ideas for prayers as you light your wreath's candles here: www.textweek.com/advent.htm

The Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE), an Episcopal Monastery, creates a global Advent Calendar using social media during Advent.  When you subscribe, each day you will receive a short email meditation.  You are invited then to pray with that meditation and take a picture that represents it in your life that you can add to the shared calendar.

The Diocese of Virginia’s Office of Christian Formation invites you to join a journey through the season of Advent with “Advent for You”, an interactive website. Each Sunday of Advent they will offer a new  webpage based around a theme which resonates with Advent, beginning with the theme of 'Preparation' on Sunday, November 29th. These weekly pages will offer scripture, prayers, music and reflections that relate to that week's theme.

adventconspiracy.org
Advent Conspiracy provides materials to help families worship fully, spend less, give more, and love all this Advent season.

 App - Pray as You Go 
On this app you can access a daily prayer podcast from your mobile device.  It also has links to imaginative contemplation and examen exercises.

d365.org or App

d365 offers daily devotionals that ask you to pause, listen, think, pray and go - and Advent devotionals are their specialty. Online, you can sign up to receive a daily reminder throughout the season to take a moment and be still.

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