Advent has been taken over by consumerism
Summary: A few years back, I purchased a Star Wars themed Advent calendar due to my tremendous love of the movies and the subculture surrounding it. However, I realized it was very difficult to use this calendar to tell the Jesus Story and, in many ways, hindered it. (A Yoda Saint Nick just doesn’t translate well no matter how good a semiotician you might be.) So, this year I thought I’d share with you an article on the topic.
Read more at: https://goo.gl/BauAR2
Digitally mined from: www.telegraph.co.uk
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The Jesse Tree: One mom’s story of an Advent story
Summary: “A Jesse Tree ornament exchange brings you together. To prepare as a family or with friends; to party in fellowship and exchange, in sharing and in growing; and to partake each night during Advent, in time well spent with your family.”
Read more at: https://goo.gl/EtEzG1
Digitally mined from: www.nrtoday.com
My Favorite Advent Devotion
Summary: During the season of Advent, our family has used a variety of devotions over the years yet, over the past five years, we still keep coming back to the same one. It’s titled “God in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas” and is based on the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Lutheran Minister and Theologian, while he was imprisoned in Germany during World War II.
You can find a copy at Amazon.com and here is the link: https://goo.gl/MAByds. It is available on the Kindle, in hardcover, paperback, and in audio.
Wesley Hymn Devotions for Advent and Christmas
Summary: Are you looking for something different? Do you need a break from standard devotions during the holidays? Then you may want to take a look at this great resource from the United Methodist Church.
Read more at: https://goo.gl/cZRDpA
Digitally mined from: www.umc.org
How NT Wright Stole Christmas….
Summary: Tired of Christmas hymns during Advent? Frustrated at all the glitz and glamour of the season when our hearts should be filled with expectant hope? Read this article by Peter Leithart from a few years back and it may make your smile.
Read more at: https://goo.gl/VgCv1M
Digitally mine from: www.patheos.com