What is Advent?

Advent simply means "arrival," describing the liturgical season of preparation and focus leading up to Christmas which celebrates the coming of Christ from heaven to earth. Advent 2024 starts on December 1 (the 4th Sunday before Christmas Day) and continues through Christmas Eve.

Why celebrate Advent?

The weeks leading up to Christmas can be so busy and distracting from the real celebration of Christ's birth. Advent helps us slow down and focus on Christ's coming as we get closer to Christmas. As Israel in the Old Testament looked forward to the coming of the Messiah, the church not only celebrates the first coming of Christ, but look forward to his second coming!

How do I celebrate Advent?

There are many ways to be intentional this Advent season. Some families and churches celebrate by lighting a candle each week on an advent wreath, symbolizing each of the advent themes of hope, peace, joy, love, and Christ. Others celebrate with daily advent calendars and do something special on each day. Still others read devotionals, make crafts, color ornaments, listen to seasonal songs—all in hopes of focusing on Christ.

Advent Resources

Sermons

Click here to listen to our Advent sermons over the years.

Good News, Great Joy

After leading us through the songs of Good News, Great Joy for years on Christmas Eve, Pastor Graham has been able to record these songs which tell the Christmas story from Luke 1-2. He even wrote a devotional to go along with the album. Read more about Good News, Great Joy here.

  • Good News, Great Joy Advent Devotional by Graham Jones | Online (+ some copies available at our resource table!)
  • Good News, Great Joy Coloring Book | Online
  • Good News, Great Joy (the music) | Online| Apple | Amazon | Spotify

Yearly Traditions

Family Resources

ACTIVITIES

DEVOTIONALS (for families)

STORIES

Adult Resources

Online

Music

These albums listed below represent a wide variety of music for the Advent season: original music and well-known covers; quiet, reflective instrumentals and soulful ballads; deep Scriptural poetry and fun holiday rhymes.

Playlists

Art

Also, check out Empty Plate Love for another way to show the sacrificial love of Christ to the world this Christmas Season.