Small-Group and Churchwide Studies for Advent INTERACTIVE COMPARISON CHART
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At-a-Glance Interactive Comparison Chart for Advent
Description You may or may not know the story of your birth. If you do, there is something special about hearing your origin story again and remembering how it all began for you. That’s why we observe Advent: to celebrate how it all began for us. The Christmas Letters invites you to hear about the miracle of Christ’s birth from those who first told the story.
Provides insight into the geographical and historical significance of Rome, Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem, along with the important characters through whom the Christmas drama unfolds. You will be drawn into those places in a way that helps you experience the spiritual truths each location holds.
Daily devotions for Christians as they prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth. Perfect for churches to give to families or send in Advent mailings. Each day’s reading, from Dec. 1 to Christmas Day, is based on the Revised Common Lectionary and includes Scripture, a short devotion, and a brief prayer. Designed to fit in #10 envelope. Sold in packages of 10.
In Season’s Greetings, twelve vividly imagined letters from “those who were there” speak to the many meanings of Christmas. Awe. Wonder. Disruption. Scandal. Hope. Collected together, the letters invite you to add your voice to the conversation, to put Christmas into your own words. Scripture texts, companion prayers, reflection questions and journaling prompts accompanying each letter lend themselves to individual or group study.
Have you ever felt yourself searching for joy—that feeling of deep contentment that is rooted in your relationship with God, particularly around the holidays? Dr. Butler invites readers into a transformative encounter with the Holy Spirit as they search for joy during the holiday season—from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve. Her prayer is that all can know the healing, redeeming, and restorative love of God.
# Sessions 4 Sessions 4 Sessions N/A 4 Sessions 5 Sessions Separate components or included features
Book. 9781791033231.
__ Leader Guide. 9781791033248.
DVD. [CC] 4 videos; 10–12 min. each. 9781791033279.
Book. 9781791033286.
__ Leader Guide. 9781791033293.
DVD. [CC] 4 videos; 10–12 min. each. 9781791033323.
Booklets Pkg. of 10. 9781791033408.
Includes digital downloads for church email. Quantity pricing available at Cokesbury.com.
Book. Contains a leader guide. 9780835820448.
Book. 9781950899852.
Title NEW The Christmas Letter: Celebrating Advent with Those Who Told the Story First
NEW On the Way to Bethlehem: An Advent Study
NEW Advent: A Calendar of Devotions 2024
NEW Season’s Greetings: Christmas Letters from Those Who Were There
NEW Joy on the Other Side of the Blues: An Advent Study
Author Magrey R. DeVega Rob Fuquay
Charity Goodwin Ruth L. Boling Tori Butler
At-a-Glance Interactive Comparison Chart for Advent & Christmas
Title NEW Calling All Angels: An Advent Study of Fearlessness and Strength
NEW The Marvel and Miracle of Advent: Recapturing the Wonder of Jesus Living with Us
An Unlikely Advent: Extraordinary People of the Christmas Story
Heaven and Earth: Advent and the Incarnation
Experiencing Christmas: Christ in the Sights and Sounds of Advent
Prepare the Way for the Lord: Advent and the Message of John the Baptist
Description Step into Advent with this captivating study and devotional, where angelic encounters come to life. Each encounter begins with the same refrain: do not be afraid. The study challenges us to take this timeless message and apply it to our lives today. It includes discussion questions, and free online videos featuring the author— perfect for beginning weekly studies, sparking meaningful conversations, and deepening your understanding of that week’s story.
# Sessions
Separate components or included features Book. 9780664268978.
Christ-followers are like Cinderella with amnesia. We’ve forgotten that the supernatural scaffolding of our belief system isn’t a human construct but is instead a divine love story. This is a wake-up call to wonder. Participants will be both enveloped in the Living Hope of Christ Incarnate and compelled to share that hope with other image bearers! The study guide includes discussion and reflection questions, video notes, and a leader’s guide, plus streaming access to stream all video sessions online.
Study Guide plus Streaming Video. 9780310162858.
DVD Video Study. 9780310162933.
During this Advent season, Rachel Billups guides readers through the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace by sharing the stories of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Herod, the Magi, and the shepherds. Each set of unexpected characters has something to teach about living faithfully on the journey to Christmas.
In the Advent season, heaven seems so close as we remember that a tiny baby in a manger is God in human form coming to show us the Way. God’s choice of incarnation allows us to reflect on the mystery that Christ is the full revelation of God instead of being one who talks about God or one who speaks for or acts as God. But, no, Christ is God. In Heaven and Earth, beloved pastor and scholar Will Willimon explores the idea of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine this Christmas.
Everything seems different at the end of the year. We put lights on our houses to dispel the growing darkness, Christmas music floods local radio stations, apple cider and cranberry sauce are again on the menu, and wrapping paper and tape are always ready. Things look, smell, and taste differently during Advent and Christmas, and these differences are a sign to us that God is about to do something radical and different. Christmas is when God surrounded the divine with senses of his own.
For two thousand years, Christians have turned to the story and message of John the Baptist in the weeks leading up to Christmas. In Prepare the Way for the Lord: Advent and the Message of John the Baptist, best-selling author and pastor Adam Hamilton explores the Advent themes of John’s life and ministry, and how John calls all followers of Jesus to prepare our hearts for his coming.
Book. 9781791028978.
__ Leader Guide. 9781791028992. DVD. [CC] 4 videos; 10–12 min. each. 9781791029005. Book. 9781791029036.
__ Leader Guide. 9781791029050. DVD. [CC] 4 videos; 10–12 min. each. 9781791029098.
__ Sermon and Worship Series Download. 9781791029081. Book. 9781791029272. Leader Guide. 9781791029296.
__ DVD. [CC] 4 videos; 10–12 min. each. 9781791029319.
__ Sermon and Worship Series Download. 9781791029333.
__ Hardcover Book. 9781791023485. Leader Guide. 9781791023515. __ DVD. [CC] 4 videos featuring Adam Hamilton. 9781791023539.
__ Large Print Book. 9781791023508
__ Worship Resource. Worship and Media download. 9781791023607.
__ Sermon and Worship Series Download. 9781791028466.
Author Erin Wathen Christine Caine and Lisa Harper
Rachel Billups Will Willimon Matt Rawle
Adam Hamilton
At-a-Glance Interactive Comparison Chart for Advent & Christmas
Title The Angels of Christmas: Hearing God’s Voice in Advent
Heart That Grew Three Sizes: Finding Faith in the Story of the Grinch
Description This 4-week Advent study explores the four angelic visits surrounding the birth of Jesus with Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. Readers will explore the visits and dive deep into the history of the angel Gabriel—and other angels—in the Old Testament while discussing God’s presence in history and our lives today.
__ Book. 9781791024253.
In his study, The Heart That Grew Three Sizes, Matt Rawle explores faith themes in the Christmas classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Rediscover and reinvigorate your Christian faith this Advent and Christmas season and look at this familiar classic through the lens of faith.
Adam Hamilton travels from Nazareth to Bethlehem in a fascinating look at the birth of Jesus Christ. Using historical information, archaeological data, and a personal look at some of the stories surrounding the birth, the most amazing moment in history will become more real and heartfelt as you walk along this road.
A group of diverse Wesleyan scholars take you on an Advent journey guided by the practices in John Wesley’s means of grace. In four sessions of study, prayer, and conversation readers will look at preparing the way for God, the discipline of prayer, the substance of good works, and the recognition of God’s presence in those called to serve.
Explores the biblical texts surrounding the story of Jesus’ birth, tracing the Christmas narrative through the stories of Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary, the journey to Bethlehem, and the visit from the Magi. Opens up dialogue on connections between the Gospel stories to the Old Testament, the role of women in first-century Jewish culture, and more.
This daily Advent devotional has four weekly reflections, each written by a different author, providing unique perspectives on the traditions of Advent from a variety of cultures around the world. Authors include Nadiyka Gerbish (Ukraine), Bishop Sidwell Mokgothu (South Africa), Joel Bengbeng (Philippines), and Cláudio Carvalhaes (Brazil).
# Sessions 4 Sessions 4 Sessions 5 Sessions 4 Sessions 4 Sessions N/A Separate components or included features
__ Leader Guide. 9781791024277.
DVD. [CC] 4 videos. 9781791024291.
__ Book. 9781791017323.
__ Leader Guide. 9781791017347.
DVD. [CC] 4 videos; 8–10 min. each. 9781791017361.
__ Children’s Leader Guide. 9781791017453.
__ Youth Study Book. Grades 6–12. Use with adult-level DVD. 9781791017415. Flash Drive. 9781791017439.
__ Book. 9781791018184.
Large Print Book. 9781791018207.
__ Leader Guide. 9781791018214.
__ DVD. [CC] 5 videos + bonus video; 10–15 min. each. 9781791018238.
__ Devotional: A Season of Reflections. 9781791018313.
__ Children’s Leader Guide, Download only. 9781791018306.
__ Youth Study, Download only. 9781791018290. Book. 9781791017972.
__ Leader Guide. 9781791018009.
__ DVD. [CC] 4 videos; 10–12 min. each. 9781791018023.
__ Devotions. 28 seasonal devotions. 9781791018092. Large Print Book. 9781791017996. Book. 9781501884351.
__ Leader Guide. 9781501884382.
__ Leader Kit. Contains one each of above. 9781501884405. Large Print Book. 9781501884375. Book. 9780835820370.
DVD. [CC] 4 videos; 8–10 min. each. 9781501884306.
World
Author Susan Robb Matt Rawle
Adam Hamilton
Laceye Warner, Amy Valdez Barker, Jung Choi, Sangwoo Kim
Amy-Jill Levine
Nadiyka Gerbish, Joel Bengbeng, Claudio Carvalhaes, and Sidwell Mokgothu
Title Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas
Almost Christmas: A Wesleyan Advent Experience
Participants Churchwide/Small Group/ Adult Individual Churchwide/Small Group/ Adult Individual Small Group/Adult Individual
Description His parents named him Jesus. But he was also called by other names: Lord, Messiah, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, and Word Made Flesh. Incarnation explores the meaning of these titles and what they tell us about the child whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. Join him and reflect upon the significance of the Christ Child for our lives and world today!
In 1741, Wesley’s famous sermon “The Almost Christian” encouraged people to follow Christ wholeheartedly. This book and study, perfect for Advent, breaks down the barriers that prevent us from experiencing an “altogether” love, hope, joy, and peace in Christ in our lives and in the world around us.
This book and Advent study explore the warmth of welcome at Christmas following interactions with Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the magi. Just as Jesus made room in God’s kingdom for those on the margins of society, we too should be asking ourselves who we can make room for this Christmas.
Starter— Small Group/Adult Individual
The Gospel of Mark doesn’t have a Nativity story. Holy Disruption presents a fresh understanding of the holiness of Christmas grounded, not in a conventional cozy Christmas message, but through Mark’s disquieting gospel which invites its readers to experience God’s disruptive but transformative love for us and our world.
Starter— Small Group/Adult Individual
Each chapter covers one week of Advent and each week focuses on a different theme. Within each week are a rotation of daily practices including breath prayer, mindful movement, lectio divina, visio divina (which utilizes beautiful, colorful works of art each week), Christian meditation, creative contemplation, and practicing presence.
# Sessions 4 Sessions 4 Sessions 4 Sessions N/A N/A Separate components or included features Book. 9781791016418.
__ Leader Guide. 9781791005573. DVD. [CC] 4 videos; 10–12 min. each. 9781791005597.
__ Children’s Leader Guide. 9781791005535. Large Print Book. 9781791005566.
Book. 9781501890574.
__ Leader Guide. 9781501890604. DVD. [CC] 4 videos; 10–12 min. each. 9781501890628.
__ Devotions for the Season. 28 devotions. 9781501890697. Youth Study Book. 9781501890673.
__ Leader Kit. Contains one each of above. 9781501890710. Large Print Book. 9781501890598.
Book. 9781791006372.
__ Leader Guide. 9781791006396.
Book. 9780664267384.
Book. 9780835820097.
Making Room: Sharing the Love of Christmas
Holy Disruption: Discovering Advent in the Gospel of Mark
Fully Human, Fully Divine: An Advent Devotional for the Whole Self
Author Adam Hamilton Magrey R. DeVega, Ingrid McIntyre, April Casperson, Matt Rawle
Ed Robb
Tracy S. Daub
Whitney R. Simpson
Title Advent: A Season of Surprises
in the Four Gospel Homes: An Advent Study
Description For many, the shift from December to January provokes the anticipation of new life rhythms, often with a list of new resolutions. Advent is a season filled with similar expectations, only they aren’t found in new resolutions. They are found through new and surprising realities. What’s coming next for you? What are you anticipating in your life? A 5-week devotional plus a bonus study.
How might a house look for Christmas based on what each Gospel says about it? In Christmas in the Four Gospel Homes, beautiful illustrations from architect Kevin Burns reimagine each of the four Gospels as a “house,” which the church visits at Christmas. In each section, Campbell reflects on the distinctive perspective of the birth of Jesus or the incarnation offered by each Gospel.
This study teaches us to accept and glorify God’s will even when circumstances make it difficult to do so. The story of Joseph provides us a great example of humbly obeying God even when we don’t understand and faithfully moving forward in the strength that God provides.
This Advent study from The Pop in Culture series shows us how the teachings of Jesus can be found in the Charles Dickens Christmas classic. Reinvigorate your spiritual journey as you look at this familiar story through the lens of faith.
Experience Advent and Christmas with the one who knew Jesus more intimately than anyone else—his mother, Mary. Adam Hamilton helps you witness the life of Jesus from Mary’s unique perspective, starting at the very end and traveling back in time to the very beginning—the night of Christ’s birth.
“The Nutcracker” is a delightful and whimsical Christmas classic. The music, dance, and story hold a special place in the hearts of children and adults during cultural Christmas celebrations. In The Gift of the Nutcracker, Matt Rawle, author of The Redemption of Scrooge, explores the story to help us understand God’s greatest gift of the Christ child, and the kingdom Christ came to establish.
# Sessions 6 Sessions 4 Sessions 4 Sessions 4 Sessions 5 Sessions 4 Sessions Separate components or included features Book. 9781950899746. Book. 9780664264994. Book. 9781791025625.
__ Leader Guide. 9781501814112.
DVD. [CC] 4 videos; 10–12 min. each. 9781501814020.
__ Youth Study Book. 9781501814136. Children’s Leader Guide. 9781501814150.
__ Large Print Book. 9781501814105.
Book. 9781501823077.
__ Leader Guide. 9781501823091.
DVD. [CC] 4 videos; 8–10 min. each. 9781501823114.
__ Youth Study Book. 9781501823169. Book. 9781501879579.
__ Book. 9781501869426.
__ Leader Guide. 9781426771996.
DVD. [CC] 5 videos; approx. 10 min. each. 9781426771859.
__ Youth Leader Guide. 9781501815713. Youth Study Book. 9781501815690.
__ Large Print Book. 9781630882952.
__ Leader Guide. 9781501869440.
DVD. [CC] 5 videos; 10–12 min. each. 9781501869464.
__ Youth Study Book. Grades 6–12. 9781501869518. Children’s Leader Guide. For younger and older children (grades K–2 and 3–6). 9781501871511. Worship Resources Download. 9781501869549.
__ Large Print Book. 9781501876141.
Christmas
Faithful: Christmas Through the Eyes of Joseph
The Redemption of Scrooge
Not a Silent Night: Mary Looks Back to Bethlehem
The Gift of the Nutcracker
Author Scott Chrostek Cynthis M. CampbellAdam Hamilton Matt Rawle
Adam Hamilton Matt Rawle