Advent, the season of preparation for Jesus’ birth, is a time where we look for something to focus on and to prepare our hearts as we celebrate Christ coming into the world. It’s a time to slow down and to seek meaning, which is hard to do in our fast-paced lives; not to worry, we’ve got a roundup of resources to help you in the midst of your busyness. There’s something for everyone of every age:

AdventWord from SSJE

AdventWord_Daily-403x403You can probably fit in a reflection on a single word, right? Maybe even talk about it as a family? AdventWord offers a great way to reflect on one little word each day, and respond with images and prayers that speak to your heart. There are at least four ways you can use AdventWord:

  • You can print out the advent calendar for daily use
  • You can subscribe by email: sign up here and each morning, starting on December 3, you will receive an email with an image, an Advent word and a short meditation.
  • You can follow #AdventWord  on social media on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and connect with for inspiration and reflections from around the world.
  • You can help create a global Advent calendar online by posting your visual reflection of the daily #AdventWord on FacebookInstagram and Twitter. Upload and tag your individual photo with the hashtag #AdventWord and the word tag of the day. The Anglican Communion Office is asking Episcopalians and Anglicans around the world for daily social conversations conversations using one simple word.

One, simple word – isn’t it a great way to pause and think about the true meaning of Advent and Christmas?

Black & White Illustrated Advent Devotional Calendar

The 2017 Advent Devotional Calendar designed by Thomas Mousin and Merry Watters and published on their website is a simple calendar that suggests a scripture reading and activity for each day of Advent. It’s easy to print and use at home. View & print this one-page calendar.

Praying in Color Advent Calendars


Praying in Color offers adults and children a way to mark the day-by-day journey to Christmas by daily praying & drawing with a calendar template. The author says, “When I draw, color, and doodle my own Advent calendar, I feel like I’m building something rather than tearing it apart. It is a countup to Christmas, not a countdown. At the end of the 20-some days, the finished Advent calendar is a colorful reminder of what was in my head and on my heart. It is a record of my spiritual journey through Advent.” Various calendar templates are offered, along with suggestions for ways to pray with doodling. View and download Praying in Color Advent Calendars here along with other resources they offer.

24 Days of Giving Food: reverse Advent calendar makes a positive difference

We’re encouraging this Advent calendar as a meaningful response to the needs of hunger in our community.

24 Days of Giving Food: reverse Advent calendar makes a positive difference

Not quite sure what Advent is? Struggling to explain it?

The video “Advent in 2 Minutes” from bustedhalo.com may be what you need!

Your Turn

Are there resources you know of that you would like to share? If so, share them in the comments!