resources
Together: Celebrating Advent
The Advent season begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. During this time, Christians prepare for and anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ. Even as we look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus in that humble stable in Bethlehem, we also look forward in anticipation of the second coming of Christ as the fulfillment of all that was promised by his first coming. Click here to tell us how your church celebrates (activities, Bible studies, one-time events, etc.) the season of Advent.
Click here to read the Advent message shared by Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez.
Unwrapping the sights and sounds of Christmas
- United Methodist pastor and author Matt Rawle joins the “Get Your Spirit in Shape” podcast to delve into the sights, sounds, and other sensory experiences of Christmas. Listen as he offers suggestions for creating a more meaningful Advent.
- The United Methodist Publishing House and The Upper Room have produced books and resources to help churches and individuals prepare for Advent. As we face ongoing uncertainty about the future, we look for hope in the promise of Jesus' coming. The resources selected cover a variety of topics and themes for individual or small group study sessions.
- Advent is 22 days of preparation leading up to Christmas. This year, United Methodist Communications (UMCom) is inviting you to prepare by looking for the visual reminders of God's presence daily. Each day during the season of Advent, UMCom will post a word of reflection on the Rethink Church Facebook page. Take a moment to pause and reflect, then share a response to that word using a picture. Post your picture on social media using the hashtag #RethinkChurch--or tag them directly on Facebook @umcrethinkchurch. Click here to view and download a calendar.