Advent Resource Kit 2026

And You Shall Call Him . . .

In “And You Shall Call Him . . . ,” Major Dr. Corinne Cameron ’23 offers Scripture and prayer for each week of Advent, reflecting on the names Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Congregations can incorporate these weekly readings and prayers into worship as they journey toward the celebration of Christ’s birth.

Download “And You Shall Call Him . . .”

Christmas Eve Dramatic Reading of John 1:1-14

The Rev. Jeffrey D. Bergeson ’14 offers a creative dramatic reading of John 1:1-14 for Christmas Eve worship. Written for four voices, the script combines Scripture, humor, and conversation to explore Jesus as the Word, Light, and Life of the world. Congregations can use it in place of a traditional Scripture reading to invite worshipers into the meaning of the Christmas story in an engaging and memorable way.

Download Christmas Eve Dramatic Reading of John 1:1-14

New Hope Drawing Near

In “New Hope Drawing Near,” the Rev. Amanda Horan ’20 reflects on Zechariah’s song in Luke 1 and the hope it proclaims as Christ’s birth approaches. Drawing on her own experience as a parent, she explores how Zechariah’s words speak of God’s faithfulness, mercy, and nearness across generations. Churches may use this reflection and accompanying prayer in worship, small groups, or personal Advent devotion.

Download New Hope Drawing Near

We also encourage you to use these resources, previously included in our Advent Resource Kits.

Christmas Eve Skit

This skit, by the Rev. Dr. Clint Cottrell '00, uses humor to depict the chaos and stress of Christmas preparations, reminding everyone that Christmas is ultimately about celebrating Jesus' birth. It encourages us to focus on worshiping Jesus, sharing God’s love, and recognizing Christmas as a time for gratitude and connection with God and others.

Download the Skit.

THE BRIGHTEST STAR: CHILDREN’S SERMON

The Rev. Jeremy Collins ’14 shares this children’s sermon for use in your Christmas Eve or Christmas Day worship service.

Download Children's Sermon

Twelve Questions of Advent Quiz

Take this Advent Quiz with your family around the dinner table, give it to your high school or adult Sunday school class, discuss it in your Bible Study group, or test your knowledge on your own and perhaps learn something new about this special time of the year.

Download PDF Quiz

Download PDF Quiz and Answers

Renaming the Advent Candles

In this liturgy, the Rev. Jeff Eddings '08 renames the traditional Advent candles of hope, peace, love, and joy to spaciousness, contemplation, commitment, and imagination. Consider using these weekly readings this year as you light the Advent candles in your church.

Download the liturgy

You Can't Always Get What You Want! A Study of Micah

Just what kind of savior is Jesus—the kind we want, or the kind we need? In this brief lesson from the prophet Micah, James A. Kelso Professor Emeritus of Hebrew and Old Testament the Rev. Dr. Steven Tuell helps us understand the kind of distance Jesus bridges in order to set us on the right path. Consider incorporating it into your celebration of communion during Advent.

Download Micah study

O Come, O Come Emmanuel Study

This well known Christmas hymn has a long and interesting past! Fully explore the song's history, meaning, and verses in this Advent study, perfect for small groups (think adult education during the Sundays in Advent), corporate worship (read the Scriptures and sing the verses), or personal devotions. This study is provided by the Seminary's Miller Summer Youth Institute.

In addition, encourage the guitar players in your congregation to perform the song, thanks to sheet music provided in the Miller Summer Youth Institute Guitar Hymnal. You can even watch an SYI musician teach folks to play the song on guitar in the YouTube video.

After clicking "Download the PowerPoint," be sure to "Save As" to enable editing and picture viewing.

Download Study PDF

Download Lyrics PowerPoint

Download Lyrics PDF

For even more Advent resources, visit the Seasonal Resources - Advent section of our website.

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Advent Devotional