Advent is a time historically set aside each year by the Church to celebrate the years of waiting experienced by God’s people before the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, on earth. It is a time of waiting, longing, and anticipation. After a year such as this, we can all benefit from some of this focused hope! Today we continue our DWITW Advent Resource round-up tradition as we share some new finds with you for 2020. You can also check out our lists from previous years for even more ideas!

As we’ve said each year, not everyone celebrates Advent. There is quite a range of Christmas traditions amongst Christians around the world. Remember, celebrating Advent is a “get-to,” not a “have-to.” Furthermore, you do not have to spend money to celebrate advent well! This is not an Advent “To-Do List.” It would be nearly impossible to use and enjoy all of the resources listed below in a single Advent season. Our goal is simply to connect you with trusted resources, available in one spot for easy reference!

Note: All of the resources we shared last year and in years prior are excellent, and many are still available, so go check those out too! This post will focus on what's new (or new-to-us) for 2020.

Devotional Plans & Studies

• Jesus Christ Is Born: Advent 2020 Study Book by She Reads Truth (He Reads Truth study available for men as well)

• Grafted In by Amy Gannet

• The Radiant Dawn by Tom Parsons

• Hymns for Advent Study (studies offered for both men and women) by The Daily Grace Co.

• Savor the Savior Advent Study by Well Watered Women

• Fixated by Tim Chester

• Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David Leeman and Barbara Leeman

• Prepare Him Room Devotional Cards by Gracelaced

Books

• Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus edited by Nancy Guthrie

Family Resources and Activities

• The Jesus Storybook Bible, A Christmas Collection: Stories, Songs, and Reflections for the Advent Season by Sally Lloyd-Jones— use along with the FREE Advent Toolkit by Sally Lloyd-Jones and Jago, including printable ornaments, coloring pages, and memory cards!

• Hope, Joy, Peace, Love: Family Advent Study by The Daily Grace Co.

• Advent Conversation Cards by Kids Read Truth

• This Is The Christmas Story: A Kids Read Truth Story & Scripture Book

• The Promise of Christmas by The Daily Grace Co.

• Jesus Came for Me: The True Story of Christmas by Jared Kennedy

• A Better Than Anything Christmas: Explore How Jesus Makes Christmas Better by Barbara Reoach

• Advent Blocks

Advent Calendars

• 2020 Family Advent Ornaments by The Daily Grace Co.

• Advent Scripture Calendar by Kids Read Truth

Music

• Rend Collective: A Jolly Irish Christmas (Vol. 2)

• For King & Country: A Drummer Boy Christmas

• Sovereign Grace Music: Heaven Has Come

What are some of you and your family’s favorite ways to enjoy and savor this season? We’d love for you to share with us in the comments below!

The holidays are drawing ever closer, and we are so excited to make much of Jesus with you during this special time, friends! To continue our DWITW Advent Resource round-up tradition, today we’re sharing some new finds with you for 2019. You can also check out lists from previous years for even more ideas.

As we’ve said before, we know not everyone celebrates Advent and there is quite a range of Christmas traditions among Christians, so please keep in mind: this post is not meant to be an "Advent To Do" list. It is nearly impossible to use and enjoy all of these resources in a single Advent season. Our goal is to connect you with the resources  already out there and put them all in one place for easy access.

Note: All of the resources we shared last year and in years prior (2017 & 2016) are excellent and many are still available, so go check those out too! This post will focus on what's new (or new-to-us) for 2019.

Devotional Plans

• She Reads Truth 2019 Advent Collection (includes devotionals for women, men and kids' activities)

• Advent 2019 studies from Sacred Holidays

• Advent 2019 Guided Scripture Journal by All Good Things Co.

• The Daily Grace Co. 2019 Advent Collection

• Behold the Lamb by Well Watered Women

• Hope is Alive by IF:Gathering

Books

• Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent by Enuma Okoro

Family Resources and Activities

• Christ at the Center Cards by Tiny Theologians

• Seeds of Christmas pack from Seeds Family Worship

• Prepare Him Room by Marty Machowski

• The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell & Catalina Echeverri (and coordinating Advent Calendar.)

• The Littlest Watchman by Scott James & Geraldine Rodríguez (has a partnering Advent Calendar, too!)

• “A Very Noisy Christmas” by Tim Thornborough & Jennifer Davison

• “A Jesus Christmas” by Barbara Reaoch

Advent Calendars

• Calendar Cards by All Good Things Co.

• Candle Cards from Daily Grace Co.

Music

• ”Christmas” by Phil Wickham

• ”Christmas” by Sandra McCracken

• “Light Has Come” by Future of Forestry

Videos

• The Origins of Christmas | Why Do We Call It Christmas? By Phil Vischer

What are some of you and your family’s favorite ways to enjoy and savor this season? We’d love for you to share with us in the comments below!

We have so looked forward to celebrating Jesus with you this 2018 Holiday Season, friends! To continue our DWITW Advent Resource round-up tradition, today we’re sharing some new finds with you for 2018. You can also check out lists from previous years for even more ideas.

As mentioned in our previous lists, we know that not everyone celebrates Advent and that there are a huge range of Christmas traditions among Christians, so please remember: this post is not meant to be an "Advent To Do" list. It would be impossible to meaningfully engage in all of these resources at once. Our goal is to connect you with the resources that are already out there and put them all in one place for easy access.

Note: All of the resources we shared last year are excellent and many are still available, so go check those out in last year's post. This post will focus on what's new (or new-to-us) for 2018.

Devotional Plans

• She Reads Truth 2018 Advent Collection

• Advent 2018 studies from Sacred Holidays

• Advent 2018 Guided Scripture Journal by All Good Things Co.

• The Daily Grace Co. 2018 Advent Collection

• The Dawn of Grace Devotional by Well Watered Women

• Behold: An Advent Study by IF:Gathering

Books

• “Sacred Holidays: Less Chaos, More Jesus” by Becky Kiser

• “Pursuing the Christ: Prayers for Christmastime” by Jennifer Kennedy Dean

• “The Living Nativity: Preparing for Christmas with Saint Francis” by Larry J. Peacock

• “An Even Better Christmas” by Matt Chandler

• “Love Came Down At Christmas: Daily Readings for Advent” by Sinclair Ferguson

Family Resources and Activities

• Slow + Sacred Advent by Jennifer Naraki (accompanying calendar for 2018)

• The Family Tree of Christ Advent Cards by Tiny Theologians

• The Advent of Christmas by Matt Maher

• This Is the Christmas Story by Kids Read Truth

• “A Very Noisy Christmas” by Tim Thornborough

• “A Jesus Christmas” by Barbara Reaoch

Advent Calendars

• Calendar Cards by All Good Things Co.

• Because of Bethlehem Tabletop Advent Devotional by Max Lucado

• Scripture Advent Calendar on Etsy

Music

• “The Advent of Christmas” by Matt Maher

• “Behold: Deluxe Edition” by Lauren Daigle

• “The Table: A Christmas Worship Gathering” by Darlene Zschech & HopeUC

Videos

• “Why do we celebrate Christmas?” by Gotquestions.org

• “The Skinny on Christmas” by the Skit Guys

• “Hope Alight Musical” by New Creation Church

What are some of you and your family’s favorite ways to celebrate this season?
Share with us in the comments below!

Welcome to the 2017 Holiday Season, friends. What a joy it is to celebrate Jesus! We loved putting together our Advent Resources list last year, so we're making it a DWITW tradition and sharing some new finds for 2017.

We know that not everyone celebrates Advent and that there are a huge range of Christmas traditions among Christians, so please remember: this post is not meant to be an "Advent To Do" list. It would be impossible to meaningfully engage in all of these resources at once. Our goal is to connect you with the resources that are already out there and put them all in one place for easy access. (We've done all the Googling for you!)

Note: All of the resources we shared last year are excellent and many are still available, so go check those out in last year's post. This post will focus on what's new (or new-to-us) for 2017. 

Devotional Plans and Books

• She Reads Truth 2017 Advent Collection (includes devotionals for women, men and kids' activities)

• 2017 Advent Devotional by All Good Things Collective

• He Is: An Advent Devotional by Well Watered Women

• For All: Sacred Holidays 2017 Advent Devotionals (includes devotional for women, men, teen girls and family- and there's an opportunity to join an online small group!)

• The One True Gift by Tim Chester

• Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul Tripp

• Loving My Actual Christmas by Alexandra Kuykendall

• Hallelujah- A Journey Through Advent with Handel's Messiah from Circe Institute

• desiringGod Advent resources (free)

• IF:Gathering Advent Study -- "Emmanuel: Sixteen Encounters with Jesus"

Music

• The Peace Project by Hillsong Worship

• These Christmas Lights by Matt Redman

• It's Finally Christmas by Casting Crowns

• Waiting For the Dawn by Salt of the Sound

• The Light Came Down by Josh Garrels

• Future of Forestry's Advent EPs

• Winter Snow by Audrey Assad

• Christmas by Bryan and Katie Torwalt

• Into the Silent Night by For King and Country

• A Home and A Hunger by Caroline Cobb (this is not technically a Christmas album, but there's a track called "Emmanuel (Every Promise Yes in Him)" and it's my Advent anthem this year!)

Family Resources
This is just the tip of the iceberg for family resources! Check last year's post for more.

• The Wonder of the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp (This is a new edition to her "Greatest Gift" line of Advent resources that is more suitable for young kids than Unwrapping the Greatest Gift. This one includes a pop-up Jesse Tree with tiny ornaments and a quick, family-friendly devotional)

• Cradle to Cross Advent Candle Wreaths

• Advent Catechism by Story Catechism (available in print or digital)

• Itty Bitty Plush Nativity (a super-soft nativity option for engaging even the littlest babes)

• Advent Story Cards from Crew + Co (these partner with the Jesus Storybook Bible!)

• The 25 Days of Christ ornament kits by New Tradition Crafts (finished or unfinished)

• "Christmas: the Whole Story of the God who Loves"

Children's Books and Music
Find more of our favorite children's books in last year's post.

• The Littlest Watchman by Scott James (has a partnering Advent Calendar, too!)

• Seeds of Christmas by Seeds Family Worship

• Hidden In My Heart Scripture Lullabies (especially the first few tracks of Volume 3: A Lullaby Journey Through the Life of Jesus)

Advent Calendar Cards

• 2017 Advent Calendar Cards by Open Hand Studio

• 2017 Advent Calendar by All Good Things Collective

Now, tell us what we've missed! What traditions do you have during the Advent season? Share with us in the comments below!

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Natalie Herr is the Team Lead for Dayton Women in the Word. She is a servant of God, a wife, and a mom of four. She loves teaching and equipping women with God's Word.

The Christmas season is fast approaching! If you're like me, you might be thinking, "I have to make December count! I want to be in the Word every day! I want to do special Jesus things with my family every day! I want to do all the fun Christmas events and bless people, too! I want it to be a Christmas to remember and magically achieve perfection without being tired or stressed at all!" Let's all just agree right now: that's NOT going to happen.

Now knowing that I can't craft the perfect December for me or my people, I still desire to make Jesus the rightful King of our Christmas. And I want that for all of you, too! So I've gathered a big list of Advent resources for us all to consider. Please do not, I REPEAT: DO NOT DO ALL OF THESE THINGS. Choose wisely, knowing your limitations. Pick something that you and your family can handle. Start small, with what's most important to you. Ask the Lord what He wants your Advent season to look like. He will be faithful to answer. May our Lord Jesus be glorified in our Decembers and beyond.

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Devotional Plans
These are daily readings that will take you throughout the month of December. Some have room for journaling, some come with questions to consider, but all of them will give you a daily portion of Scripture to keep you full of Christ this Christmas.

• She Reads Truth 2016 Advent Collection (includes devotionals for women, men and kids' table cards)
• 2016 Advent Devotional by Amen Paper Co. (formerly Naptime Diaries)
• Sacred Holidays 2016 Advent Studies (includes devotional for women, men, teen girls and families)
• The Expected One by Scott James and David Platt
• The Dawning of Indestructible Joy and Good News of Great Joy by John Piper
• God is in the Manger and Watch for the Light by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• The One True Light and The One True Story by Tim Chester
• 100 Days With Jesus (on Instagram, too!)
• Come Lord Jesus: The Weight of Waiting by Kris Camealy

Books
These are non-devotional books on the topics of Advent and Christmas.

• Hidden Christmas by Tim Keller
• Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus by Nancy Guthrie
• A Better December by Steven Estes
• The Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp
• Christmas Playlist: Four Songs That Bring You to The Heart of Christmas by Alistair Begg

Music
We all have different tastes when it comes to Christmas music, and there's nothing wrong with playing the old holiday favorites. If you're looking for rich hymns with gospel truth, the albums below are sure to satisfy.

• Joy Has Dawned by Kings Kaleidoscope
• Prepare Him Room by Sovereign Grace Music
• The Thrill of Hope by Christy Nockels
• Songs For Christmas by Phil Wickham
• Songs For Christmas by Sufjan Stevens
• A Day of Glory by Austin Stone Worship
• Lowborn King by The Modern Post
• Behold by Lauren Daigle
• Hillsong's 10 Songs

Family Resources
There are many, many, MANY family activities out there that point to Jesus. As you decide what's right for your family, think about the age and attention span of your kids, the amount of time you can devote to family activities, and what traditions are most important to you.

• Jesse Tree Resources
  • The Jesse Tree Project (younger kids)
  • The Advent Jesse Tree Devotional (multi-age)
  • Unwrapping the Greatest Gift (older kids)
• Daily Searching Activities
  • Shepherd on the Search
  • The Shepherd's Treasure
  • Star From Afar
• Jesus Storybook Bible Resources
  • Advent reading plan
  • printable Advent calendar cards
  • JSB with the Jesse Tree
  • reading plan with printable ornaments
• Craft Ideas and Journals
  • Truth in the Tinsel
  • Nativity Coloring Page Printable
  • ADVENTures with Archer 31-Day Advent Journal
• Family Devotionals
  • Prepare Him Room by Marty Machowski
  • Counting the Days, Lighting the Candles by Elyse Fitzpatrick
  • Everyday Emmanuel by Phil Vischer
• Community and Giving-Focused Resources
  • The Giving Manger
  • Light 'Em Up

Children's Picture Books
I have made a point over the years to collect gospel-focused Christmas books for my kids. Books that portray the story truthfully can be hard to find! These are a few of my favorites from our collection.

• The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell
• God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren
• Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones
• The Nativity illustrated by Julie Vivas 
• Mortimer's Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson
• What is Christmas? by Michelle Medlock Adams
• The Friendly Beasts by Rebecca St James
• Humphrey's First Christmas by Carol Heyer

Children's Movies
We enjoy watching Christmas movies as a family, but many of them are filled with worldly values and miss Christ completely. These films tell the story in an engaging way for all ages.

• The Promise
• The Very First Noel (can be hard to find, but check your local library!)
• Why Do We Call It Christmas? (What's In the Bible? Series)

Scripture Cards
I had to include these last items because I'm a big fan of putting God's Word all over my house and all over my heart!

• Christmas Story Scripture Memory Cards by Scarlet and Gold
• Advent Calendar Cards by Amen Paper Co
• Kids Read Truth Advent Table Cards

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I hope you'll find something in this post that will help you and your family to focus fully on Christ this Christmas season. May we be intentional with our time; abiding in Christ and allowing our Advent rhythms to show others that Jesus is the reason we celebrate. If we've missed any of your favorite Advent resources, please link to them in the comment section. Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!

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Natalie Herr is the founder and team leader of Dayton Women in the Word. She is a servant of God, a wife, and a mom of three. She loves teaching and equipping women with God's Word. And she really likes Christmas.