2024 Featured Advent Resource
Advent for Exiles
Selected by Carson Cobb
Did I choose this resource because Caroline shares my last name? Maybe.
Do I love Caroline’s songwriting and hope that she is my long lost cousin? Totally.
Does this advent devotional combine rich biblical reflection, practical creative responses, and artistic storytelling? Absolutely.
Caroline Cobb’s “Advent for Exiles” is written in the wake of 2020 for weary and disenchanted travelers. She writes:Ā “This devotional is writtenĀ for those who haveĀ felt–or at least feel ready to acknowledge–the long groan of exile. The veil on our aching hunger for home may have lifted in 2020, but the years following have not done much to take the edge off. We need Advent companions willing to recognize the darkness around and within. Only then will we be able to fully rejoice in the arrival of Jesus, the Light of the world.”Ā
“Advent for Exiles is designed to help make you ready. Its primary aim is to whet your appetite for the coming of Christ. But I must be honest: this book is not a feel-good read filled with the warm fuzzies we often associate with Christmas. In these pages, you will not find ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ but thorns, ashes, and deep gloom. You’ll meet Adam and Eve homesick for the garden and the weeping exiles in Babylon hanging up their harps in the poplar trees. But as the darkness of a long night augments our longing for the sunrise, I hope these images of exile will expand your desire for the promised Messiah and amplify your joy at his coming.Ā At last! At last! Our Savior! Our way home to God!“
WhileĀ she hasĀ written forĀ this book forĀ adults, Caroline also offers adviceĀ onĀ how to use the readings and activities with children. I hope this (or another advent reading of your choice) stirs up your longing for the Light of the World to fully break into our darkness and shine His holy, loving light upon us.
Because of Godās tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.ā – Luke 1:78-79
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus.
Preview the book ā¢Ā Buy at Christianbook.com ā¢ Buy Ebook or Paper at Amazon
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North Wake Recommended Advent & Christmas Resources
- Good News of Great Joy – 25 very brief devotional thoughts by John Piper.Ā Ā These would be good additions to other readings and study you are doing – perhaps a way to end your day with God?
- Come, Let Us Adore Him – A daily devotional written by Paul David Tripp
- The Advent Project: This is a daily devotional that uses scripture, devotional writing, poetry, music and art all focusing on advent related themes!
- An Advent Prayer for Parents and Grandparents (by Scotty Smith) A great reminder to pray for our children and grandchildren during the season of Advent.
- Looking Back: Advent Candles (by Noel Piper) Helpful info for parents on addressing Advent with younger children.
- The Expected One (by Scott James) This is a daily, advent resource for the whole family. You can purchase this resource to download at this link.
- The Dawning of Indestructible Joy: Daily Readings for Advent (by John Piper).
- 2020 Advent Guide (by The Village Church).
- Loveās Pure Light – by the Dwell app ā a guided time of advent focused Bible listening using the Dwell app.
- Come Lord Jesus Come (by Nathan Sherman and Will Walker) ā This is a great personal daily devotional by the same folks who did the Lent devotional, āJourney to the Cross.”
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The Promised One – thoughtful daily meditations on scripture from Christianity Today Magazine.
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The Advent of Glory – 24 Devotions for Christmas (Devotional reflecting on a few short Bible verses each day to help you meditate on Christ during the festive season)
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Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always (by Ruth Chou Simons)
- Every Moment Holy – Advent Journal
Family Advent Recommended Books to Purchase
Prepare Him Room by Marty Machowski (Family Devotional)
This four-week devotional guides your family on an unforgettable advent journey, exploring some of the most wonderful prophecies in the Bible and how God fulfills them in Christ.
Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Vonskamp (Family Devotional)
Each day, families can read the provided Scripture passage (in connection with the original book), engage with a specially written devotion to help children of all ages understand the Advent theme for the day, and participate in suggested activities to apply the theme.
Counting The days, Lighting the Candles by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thomspon (Family Devotional)
“Counting the Days, Lighting the Candles” is a Christmas Advent Devotional to help you and your family rejoice and rest in the holiday season. Beginning with December 1 and all through the month, you’ll find separate readings for adults and children for each day. Also included are 4 activity suggestions that will enhance your family’s experience of this blessed holiday season.
Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell (Perfect for 4-6 years)
A captivating retelling of the Christmas story showing how God kept His promise to send a new King.
Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones (Perfect for 4-7 years)
Families can enjoy this fresh perspective on the nativity for years to come. Beautifully illustrated and told from the perspective of the animals and all creation.
Ytreeide Advent Stories by Arnold Ytreeide (Perfect for 3-8 years)
This is a collection of four books – one read each year for advent. The main characters are set in the time period of Christ’s birth and are all journeying to see the birth of the Messiah. The characters are all intertwined, and the books tie into each other although the books can stand alone. They have daily readings of the story plus daily devotionals that relate to the story.
Family Advent Activity Ideas
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Family Advent Devotional (Faith At Home) 2019
- Jesse Tree Advent Devotional (by Ann Voskamp) Each day contains a devotional to be read aloud as a family, a simple action point, and a printable color ornament.
- Advent Jesus StoryBook Resource
