Advent – Christmas 2020

Approaching Christmas 2020

This Christmas will not be normal. The Covid19 Pandemic continues to shape what we can and can’t do as individuals and as a community. This means we will need to reshape our expectations, constrain our own wants for the good of others, and find ways to be creative and flexible. In other words, Advent 2020 is an ideal moment to re-orient your Christmas season towards the coming King.

In space below we will curate books, devotionals, music playlists, art and activities that could be options for cultivating your inner-spiritual life this Advent-Christmas season. Take some time to think, pray, talk with others, get creative about how you can make this Advent a sacred and joyful time of experiencing the one true King. 

Advent Books & Devotionals

2020 Living Hope Devotional PDF – Christianity Today’s offering includes scripture, reflection by know Christian teachers and questions to guide your own daily thoughts. In addition there is an addendum of  “Ideas for Families”

The Radiant Dawn, by Tom Parsons – A Gospel Coalition recommended daily devotional book for Advent that reflects on Luke 1 & 2 – the passages we’ll be looking at for our messages on Sundays during Advent & Christmas. I have 20 copies to give out if you’d like one email me [email protected]

Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent & Christmas, daily Advent devotional runs from Nov 24 – Jan 7 that I just picked up. This looks like a great addition to my Advent as the reflections come from Bonhoeffer, Luther, Aquinas, CS Lewis, Dorothy Day, Annie Dillard, Phillip Yancey, etc.

The Advent Project 2020 – Biola University’s annual daily emailed Advent devotional includes music, art, scripture and reflection from Christian teachers. It’s a great way to start into your work day and the addition of music and art expands my tendency towards words as the only way to seek God. You’ll need to follow link and register for free to get the emails.

CCV’s Morning Prayer Advent 2014 Devotional PDF is Here. A combination of Morning Prayer, carols for reflection and scripture reading guide for the Advent season.

Christmas Albums & Playlists on Spotify

Playlists

Sacred Carols – My own playlist of “indie” and folk artists Christmas songs I’ve used for the past few years during Advent.

The Gospel Coalition: Advent 2020 Playlist 100+ Advent and Christmas songs performed by Roots & Indie Christian artists, curated by The Gospel Coalition, Senior Editor, Brett McCracken

Sacred Ordinary Days Advent Playlist This Advent – Christmas music collection is comprise dof new (to you) and old music is curated by Sacred Ordinary Days–who produce planners, devotionals, art, etc for a rhythmic devotional life in the new-contemplative tradition.

A very RELEVANT Christmas Playlist Relevant Magazine’s curated Christmas Playlist of Christian, Indie-Folk and some Pop artists versions of favorite Christmas Carols and new and unique carols as well.

Albums

The Songs the Season Brings, by Beta Radio

Advent, Vol.1, by The Brilliance

Advent album by Trinity Music

Advent album by Liturgical Folk

Christmas Stories, by Jenny & Tyler

The Oh Hellos Family Christmas Album, by The Oh Hellos

A Light, by The Liturgists (including All Sons & Daughters, The Brilliance, etc)

Art, Images and Ideas

Prepare Him Room – (As seen on “Johnny’s Brick Wall” Sunday Livestream background). 25 decorative cards with a scripture verse and the watercolor art of Ruth Chou Simons to read, reflect on and enjoy leading up to Christmas.

Sacred Ordinary Days Advent-Christmas Collections: Sacred Ordinary Days produces planners, devotionals, art, etc. for a rhythmic devotional life in the new-contemplative tradition.

Advent Wreaths / Candles

Advent Candles with Walnut base and Guide (currently sold out)

Cradle to Cross: Daily Advent Candle Wreath – Wooden spiral base with 25 candles, wooden donkey and cross.

For Kids & Families!

• Living Hope – “Ideas for Families” is an addendum to the Living Hope Devotional above.
• Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story, by Sally Lloyd Jones. This picture book is great for Christmas-themed story times and a thoughtful addition for your family library that will be treasured for many years.
• Jesus Calling: The Story of Christmas (picture book) Thee story of Christmas . . . starting from creation–discover that God always had a plan for Christmas.
• Look!: A Child’s Guide to Advent and Christmas Told from the point of a view of a child, the story weaves together familiar Advent traditions like the Jesse tree and the Advent wreath, biblical stories and characters, and reflections on what these stories call us to do and be.
• Countdown to Christmas: Unwrap the Christmas Story with Your Family in 15 Days Bring the story of Christmas to light in a meaningful, new way for your whole family in this Advent devotional.
• Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas, by Ann Voskamp. Person by person, story by story, retrace the lineage of Jesus. Fall in love with Him all over again as you experience God’s plan of salvation for us―from the Garden of Eden to the manger and beyond.
• The Advent Book We have used this at CCV for Kids Classes during Advent.

* It is our aim to add to and update these lists through the first week of Advent.