Advent 2025

How will you look forward to the coming of Christ?

As we approach Advent, one of the longstanding traditions is to enter a time of extra devotion and prayer as we look forward to the coming of Christ. Just like in Lent as we look forward to the Easter proclamation of Forgiveness (Alleluia!), in Advent we look forward do the proclamation of Christ's return that will bring in the New Creation (Alleluia!!!). How will you look forward to the day when all the prophecies come true, all tears are wiped away, death is no more, and God makes God's home with us forever?

Fun fact: Did you know that Advent isn't about getting ready for Christmas? WHAT?!?! We're not looking forward to Jesus' birth, but for Christ's return! So why does Advent end with Christmas? Because the first Nativity is a sign for us of the coming Nativity, when the new creation begun at the Resurrection will be brought to completion as Jesus returns and brings heaven to earth.

Advent Worship

Our friends and partners in ministry at Martin Luther Lutheran Church (9325 W Bluemound) are offering a midweek Advent worship service.

Advent @ Home

Many places put out lots of Advent resources - devotionals, calendars, and activities. Some are kid and family friendly; others are adult-oriented. Some are for purchase, but many are free online.

No matter what you're looking for, check out one of these recommended Advent resources:

Kid and Family Friendly

• Families' Celebrate - From Augsburg Fortress (ELCA Publishing House)
• Birth of Jesus Advent Calendar - From Augsburg Fortress (ELCA Publishing House)
• ELCA World Hunger Advent Calendar
• Issa Flies from ELCA Sumud - a Christmas flipbook for Children
• Illustrated Ministries - Includes coloring pages, family practices, youth, children, and calendar
• Episcopal Relief - Weekly craft ideas, Spanish version available

Video

• ELCA Leadership Circle - Final video will be of Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry
• Lutheran Summer Music - Advent in music!

Justice-Focused

• First Advent in Palestine - Book from Augsburg Fortress (ELCA Publishing House)
• ELCA Sumud (Justice for Palestine and Israel)
• ELCA World Hunger - Weekly study with videos, a winter health kit activity, and Advent calendar
• Nebraska Synod (ELCA)
• United Methodist Race and Religion Office - Free study
• United Methodist Race and Religion Office - Purchaseable studies
• Justice Unbound (Presbyterian) - Trans focus with Advent calendar
• UCC Racial Justice's Abolition Advent Calendar

General

• Humble and Holy Devotional - from Augsburg Fortress (ELCA Publishing House)
• Luther Seminary
• Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (Presbyterian)
• Lutheran Hour Ministries
• Bread for the World
• Lutheran Church in Australia - Christmas carol flipbook
• Episcopal Church
• African Methodist Episcopal Church

In addition, see our post from last year for even more Advent resources!