The season of Advent is upon us, Sacred City! Advent is the season historically celebrated by the church – beginning four Sundays before Christmas (starting on Sunday, November 30th this year).
To help you understand the meaning of Advent and the significance of this season, take time to watch this video from the Deacon of Worship at Sacred City - Iowa, Joel Bickford, at the link below!
To help you understand the meaning of Advent and the significance of this season, take time to watch this video from the Deacon of Worship at Sacred City - Iowa, Joel Bickford, at the link below!
As Christians, we should desire to be shaped – and to shape our families – into people who glorify God and enjoy Him forever; we should desire to be biblically informed, deeply thoughtful, and joyously worshipful. This Advent season, let our heads, hearts, and hands all be better formed to worship and enjoy Jesus!
This is no easy task – one of the first things we need to realize is that celebrating Advent together as a church isn’t going to just make this happen on its own. Within our families it will take purposeful focus and energy from us. As parents, we have to prioritize shaping our kids in a counter-cultural way.
So what’s your plan this Advent season? How are you going to create experiences and traditions that will shape you and your family into thoughtful, worshipful people? This is obviously not one-size-fits-all, but one thing is certain: if you don’t have a strategy, this season can shape you and your kids into consumeristic, me-driven, miserable monsters.
To help inspire you toward this end, we’re including some ideas and resources below!
This is no easy task – one of the first things we need to realize is that celebrating Advent together as a church isn’t going to just make this happen on its own. Within our families it will take purposeful focus and energy from us. As parents, we have to prioritize shaping our kids in a counter-cultural way.
So what’s your plan this Advent season? How are you going to create experiences and traditions that will shape you and your family into thoughtful, worshipful people? This is obviously not one-size-fits-all, but one thing is certain: if you don’t have a strategy, this season can shape you and your kids into consumeristic, me-driven, miserable monsters.
To help inspire you toward this end, we’re including some ideas and resources below!
Each resource is linked so you can purchase/access online. We will also have a limited supply of some of these available for purchase in the Hospitality Room on Sundays!
- Prepare Him Room
- Behold Your King
- The Wonder of the Greatest Gift (a huge, interactive pop-up style book the kids will love)
- Unwrapping the Greatest Gift (a “sequel” to #3!)
- Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Guide (Free devotional, Advent calendar, and DIY ornament kit!)
Each resource again linked below for online access/purchase. Some of these may be available in the Hospitality Room!
- Presence (brand new from the creators of the Dwell app!)
- Come Let Us Adore Him (a daily reading devotional from Paul Tripp)
- The Dawning of Indestructible Joy (daily readings for Advent from John Piper)
- O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (A Liturgy for Daily Worship Advent-Epiphany)
All of these are ways of counting down the days and growing in anticipation of Christmas! Check out this Pinterest page of DIY Advent Calendars!
Create a fun family rhythm and cut down your own tree this year! Check out this list of local tree farms open this year.
Decorate your own home. Enjoy the lights in your neighborhood. Go caroling on your block. Make and give cookies or other treats to your neighbors. These are just a few great missional opportunities for us in this season! Find some of the best Christmas lights in the area here!
Some great albums to check out:
- Veiled in Flesh by Sacred City Music
- A Worship Initiative Christmas by Shane & Shane
- Advent Songs by Sojourn
- Prepare Him Room by Sovereign Grace Music
- Songs for Christmas by Phil Whickam
Create a fun family rhythm and cut down your own tree this year! Check out this list of local tree farms open this year!