December 3, 2018

Dear Church of the Apostles,

We can practice longing and anticipation this Advent by engaging with the Scripture passages selected to coincide with the season. As we read and pray we will see how God is trustworthy to keep his promises and to cover the transgressions and imperfections of our humanness.

Here are four free resources that can help us engage with the Scripture this Advent season.

The Trinity Mission works to make ancient Christian formation more accessible to the modern believer by providing the Audio Daily Office and other prayer podcasts. Scripture is has been selected from the Trinity Mission’s Daily Readings for the Christian Year, which values using readings that follow the liturgical season with special readings for Holy Days. 

The Jesus Storybook Bible provides a journey of wonder for the whole family this Advent by tracing the beautiful story of God’s great love for us–from the very beginnings of the universe, to the birth of the baby who would rescue the whole world. 

A Sacramental Life, which is Tamara’s blog, has been a staple of my Advent prayer times for years. There is a unique devotional post for each day of Advent that includes a work of art, a song, daily Scripture passages from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, a short prayer, and a simple activity to help you practice the waiting days of Advent.

Pray as you go is a 10-12 minute daily prayer podcast, designed to go with you wherever you go. A new prayer session is produced every day of the working week and one session for the weekend. 

As I mentioned on Sunday, I will also be using Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s God is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas as a supplement to my regular Advent prayer rhythm using the resources above.

Praying for a meaningful Advent for us all.

Peace and Hope,
Brian+