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How do you get ready for Christmas?
There's so much to prepare in the lead up to Christmas. Presents, food, decorations, cards.
But what about yourself? Are you ready to celebrate the birth of Christ?
Advent is a time of preparation. In Latin, the word Advent means coming. It's something that isn't here yet but soon will be. It's your time to get ready. Ready for the message of Christmas.
A good way to do that is with an Advent guide.
Advent guides come in a range of styles. From engaging courses for small groups to reflective guides for personal reading. These new study guides help you celebrate the real meaning and joy of Christmas.
Here's our pick of the new Advent courses this year. They arranged into what works best for groups, families or personal reading. But some are made to work for a mix, giving you the flexibility to read and discuss in your own way.
Small-Group Advent Guides
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The Whole Christmas Story: BRF Advent book for 2021 by Jo Swinney
Number of readings: 37
Suitable for: Individual and group reading
Most Advent guides tell the Nativity story from one of the gospels with brief references to other verses in the Bible for context.
The Whole Christmas Story goes one step further. It covers the whole Bible story.
From Genesis right up to Revelation, this Advent guide from Jo Swinney paints the entire Bible as being the Christmas story. A story of grace and redemption and peace.
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Our Hope Has Come: LifeWay Advent Book for 2021 by Lifeway Women
Number of Readings: 5
Suitable for: Small Groups
What do we have to hope for this Christmas?
Our Hope Has Come helps you see the ways God works on your behalf. Through the nativity story, this guide helps you celebrate the grace of God for all.
Going beyond the sessions, Our Hope Has Come also includes segments for working at home. Great for growing interest between the times spent together.
Family Advent Guides
Tracing Glory: 10ofThose Family Advent Book for 2021 by Sarah Rice
Number of readings: 25
Suitable for: families, adapting for sermons and Sunday school
The Nativity is only part of the story.
Tracing Glory is here to help you share the bigger story of Christ’s birth and God’s grace - all whilst helping you come together as a family. Discover the meaning of Christmas together.
Each day includes main points, readings and discussion questions to help engage every age. Tracing Glory is a flexible resource to help keep your family’s eyes on Christ.
Tracing Glory is this year’s Family Devotional from 10ofThose for 2021.
The Adventure of Christmas: The Good Book Company Family Advent Book for 2021 by Ed Drew
Number of readings: 25
Suitable for: Families
A fun Advent devotional for all the family. Each reading in The Adventure of Christmas can take as little as 10 minutes. They include illustrations for each daily reading, plus activities and discussions for all the family. The perfect way to get together and learn all about the birth of Christ.
Advent Guides for Individuals
Finding Hope Under Bethlehem Skies: 10ofThose Advent Book for 2021 by Robin Ham
Number of readings: 25
Suitable for: individuals, deeper Bible study
Do you know the story behind the Christmas story?
Taking you back to the book of Ruth, these 25 readings help you put the Christmas story in context. Each day includes a reading, prayer and a suggested song. A great way to find hope and peace during the busy Advent season.
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The Dawn of Redeeming Grace: The Good Book Company Advent Book for 2021 Sinclair B. Ferguson
Number of readings: 24
Suitable for: devotional reading
It’s a line we’ve sung a thousand times in Christmas carol services: "The dawn of redeeming grace". But what does it mean? And why is dawn a key part of the message of Christmas?
By looking at the opening of the gospel of Matthew, Sinclair B. Ferguson explores how Jesus’ birth ushers in a new era. A new dawn of grace.
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Celebrating Christmas: BRF Advent Book for 2021 by Amy Boucher Pye & Leo Boucher
Number of readings: 25
Suitable for: Christian women, visual learners
A lone stable, a starry night, the silhouettes of three kings on camels.
The story of Christmas is filled with images that have stayed in the minds of generations. Celebrating Christmas is a great way to keep these images in mind and heart. Father-daughter duo Leo Boucher and Amy Boucher Pye share illustrated reflections of the Christmas story.
A delightful gift book to read as you cosy up with a warm drink and a treat.
An Advent Book of Days: Canterbury Press Advent Book for 2021 by Gregory Cameron
Number of readings: 26
Suitable for: Christians wanting to deepen their love of Christ
Christmas is full of fascinating characters and creatures. Each one with something to say about the Christmas story.
An Advent Book of Days looks at a different character or creature every day of Advent and what we can learn from them.
Illustrations make the book engaging for visual readers and fans of compelling storytelling. Gregory Cameron gives you a fresh way into the story of Christmas.
Good News of Great Joy: Crossway Advent Book for 2021 by John Piper
Number of readings: 25
Suitable for: Christians wanting to deepen your love of Christ
O Come Let Us Adore Him is one of the most popular - and often, loudest - lines sung every year at Christmas. But do we ever stop to think about how to adore Christ?
Across 25 readings that help you prepare your heart, this guide from John Piper’s writings helps you learn to truly and deeply adore Jesus.
Learn to adore Christ this Christmas.
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Number of readings: TBC
Suitable for: personal reading
Beloved spiritual writer Evelyn Underhill believed that God does not just come to us at special times. Rather, He is always coming to us.
But how do we recognise his coming and make ourselves open to it?
Music of Eternity is the Archbishop of York’s Advent Book 2021. In it, Robyn Wrigley-Carr shares a series of meditations exploring the nature of God’s comings.
Weaving together Underhill’s writings with the psalms and short prayers, Music Of Eternity shows how we can embrace God’s presence.
Then, by knowing God's coming, we can be transformed by it and learn to better love others.
Music of Eternity is also the Big Church Read’s Advent pick for 2021
Advent study courses make for great Bible studies for small groups in the run-up to Christmas. But not all small groups are still about to meet in person. Whether you may, or may not be able to meet together, these guides allow you to hold engaging discussions from near or far. Simply grab a guide, open up a video chat and take the Advent journey together.
Whether as a group, family or in your own personal space, let the coming of the Saviour transform your heart this Christmas. Find your idea 2021 Advent Study Course today.
Find everything you need to read for Advent in our new Advent Store.
