Advent is an exciting time of the church year. As many of the resources below highlight, Advent ushers in a new liturgical year and offers stories, hymns, and practices that can inspire Christians’ faith in countless ways as we pay attention to how God works in our lives and in our world to “make[e] all things new” (Revelation 21:5, NRSVUE).
If your community is looking for ideas and resources to deepen its members’ faith formation during Advent, this list of new and recent formation resources can help you get started. The list we’ve curated includes resources that can be used with children, youth, adults, families and intergenerational groups. It offers activity kits, books, programs and devotions, and some of these resources also have a range of accompanying materials like videos, worship bulletins, sermon planning suggestions, Advent calendars and even a Christmas pageant guide.
Most resources require purchases. Some offer discounts for purchasing in bulk, and others offer sliding scale prices based on the size of the church. If you are interested in more free Advent resources, you can check out “Build Faith’s Favorite Free Christian Training Resources.”
If you know of a useful new or recent resource that isn’t on this list, leave a comment and tell us about it!
Guides and activity kits
1. Advent and Christmas digital activity kits
This downloadable kit provides a range of activities for children, young people and families to explore faith together at home over the Advent and Christmas periods. Activities include options such as coloring pages, crafts, recipes, and Bible reading guides.
- Age group(s): children, young people, families, intergenerational
- Publisher and date: Sparkhouse2022 (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)
- Additional Details: $49.99; two further editions are available via a subscription to Sparkhouse Digital
2. Advent Theater House
This activity box allows children and families to tell and dramatize Advent stories using a buildable theater. The box includes figurines of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus as well as animal characters, and offers four plays to stage.
- Age group(s): children, families
- Publisher and date: StoryMakers NYC2024 (not affiliated with any specific denomination)
- Additional Details: 25$
3. Families celebrate Advent and Christmas
This collection of activities for Advent and Christmas comes in the form of a card game illustrated by Carolina Farias. It is designed for families with children to use a card for each day of Advent and Christmas to interact with scripture, pray, and do fun and meaningful activities together.
- Age group(s): children, families, intergenerational
- Publisher and date: Augsburg Fortress2024 (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)
- Additional Details: $10.99; the cards are not dated and can therefore be used year after year
Bible books and studies
1. “The Advent tree: meeting Jesus in the great story of God“
This book provides reflections that can be used as a Bible study or daily devotional throughout Advent and Christmas. It draws on the tradition of the Tree of Jesse and engages readers in 40 entries that explore the stories and characters from Scripture leading up to the birth of Jesus. The book also includes weekly devotionals for families, and additional digital resources such as coloring pages and printable ornaments are available for free on the publisher’s website.
- Age group(s): families, adults
- Author:Kara Eidson
- Publisher and date: WestminsterJohn Knox2025 (Presbyterian Church (United States))
- Additional Details: 17$
2. “Calling All Angels: An Adventist Study in Fearlessness and Strength“
This book invites readers to embrace the angels’ message “Fear not” in the biblical stories surrounding Jesus’ birth of Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. It contains four chapters for each week of Advent with an additional chapter for Christmas, and the Advent chapters include short daily meditations on Scripture, giving this book the flexibility to be used as an adult education resource and devotional support.
- Age group(s): adults
- Author: Erin Wathen
- Publisher and date: WestminsterJohn Knox2024 (Presbyterian Church (United States))
- Additional Details: $17; discussion questions, an Advent reading list, and worship resources are all included in the book, and introductory videos for each chapter are available on the publisher’s website.
3. “The First Advent in Palestine: Setbacks, Resistance, and the Enduring Complexity of Hope“
This book examines the stories from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke about Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in light of the political, social, and economic dimensions of first-century Palestine. It also places the texts and their context in conversation with the experiences of contemporary Palestinians.
- Age group(s): adults
- Author: Kelley Nikondeha
- Publisher and date: Broad leaves2022 (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)
- Additional Details: $28.99; free discussion guide available on the publisher’s website
4. “Stay awhile: Advent Lessons on Divine Hospitality“
This book addresses the Advent themes of hospitality and preparation through discussion with prophetic and evangelical texts from Scripture to help readers think about what it means to create places where people “feel safe and loved.” It offers a chapter for each week of Advent as well as a chapter for Christmas Eve and a chapter for Christmas Day, and the chapters include short daily meditations and prompts for the Advent season. It can be used as an adult education resource and devotional support.
- Age group(s): adults
- Author:Kara Eidson
- Publisher and date: WestminsterJohn Knox2023 (Presbyterian Church (United States))
- Additional Details: $17; discussion questions, worship resources, and introductory videos are all available in the book, and it also includes a Christmas pageant guide.
5. “Women of the Nativity: a journey of Advent and Christmas in nine stories“
This book offers a creative retelling of the story of Jesus’ birth from the perspectives of nine women. In addition to Elizabeth and Mary, the book highlights women like Rachel and Anna, as well as the innkeeper’s wife. The book also features painted illustrations for each story.
- Age group(s): adults
- Author: Paula Gooder, illustrated by Ally Barrett
- Publisher and date: WestminsterJohn Knox2024 (Presbyterian Church (United States))
- Additional Details: $17.99
Study programs
1. “Don’t be afraid” Since Follow me
“Fear Not” is a unit in the “Follow Me” curriculum, which explores Christian practices to help people live their faith more fully. This highlights God’s presence among us in the midst of fear. It consists of four lessons that explore the Old and New Testament scriptures and, like other “Follow Me” units, the program offers lesson guides for children, youth, adults, intergenerational groups and congregation-wide sessions.
- Age group(s): children, young people, adults, intergenerational
- Publisher and date: Growing Faith Resources2023 (Presbyterian Church (United States))
- Additional Details: $15 – $35 for a guide, depending on the age group; Educational materials are available in print and digital formats and can also be purchased in bundles
2. “From the nursery“
This digital Advent program and collection of resources focuses on the themes of hunger and food in conversation with the story of Jesus’ birth. The program for each age group includes five lessons, one for each week of Advent and one lesson for Christmas. Lessons feature Bible stories, story cards and coloring pages, storytelling videos, discussion questions, activities, and prayers.
- Age group(s): children, young people, families, intergenerational
- Publisher and date: Illustrated Ministry2024 (not affiliated with any specific denomination)
- Additional Details: $19.99 – $34.99 for children’s or youth/intergenerational curriculum, depending on church size; Additional resources (including an Advent calendar, coloring pages, worship bulletins, etc.) are available for purchase individually or in bundles for use at home and church
3. “What are you afraid of? : Emphasize hope in this Advent“
This digital program focuses on navigating both fear and hope in light of the gospel stories surrounding the birth of Jesus. It is designed for intergenerational groups and features art activities, discussion questions, biblical monologues, centering prayers, and more. The program includes 6 lessons for Advent and Christmas. Additional resources for families and churches are also available for purchase from the publisher.
- Age group(s): intergenerational (5 years and over)
- Publisher and date: A sanctified art2025 (not affiliated with a specific denomination)
- Additional Details: $20; additional resources such as a devotional, liturgy, worship bulletins, and artistic visuals can also be purchased separately or as part of the program
4. “The will to dream“
This digital resource engages Advent through the scripture prophets of Isaiah, Malachi, and the Synoptic Gospels. It invites dreams as a faithful way of fighting against contemporary injustices. The program offers four Advent lessons plus two lessons for the Christmas period and one lesson for the Feast of Epiphany, and it will be available in two versions: one for children and one for young people and intergenerational groups. Additional support resources for families and churches will be equal ement available for purchase from the publisher.
- Age group(s): children, young people, families, intergenerational
- Publisher and date: Illustrated Ministryto be published in 2025 (not affiliated with a specific denomination)
- Additional Details: program pricing details are not yet fully available; Additional resources (including an Advent calendar, coloring pages, worship bulletins, and more) are also coming
5. “Words for the beginning“
This series of Advent programs and digital resources explores the themes of beginnings and endings that are part of the Advent season. The program offers 6 lessons, one for each week of Advent plus one for the first Sunday after Christmas and one for the feast of Epiphany. Lessons include scripture-related stories, song suggestions, discussion questions, activities, prayers, and quilt squares to combine for a creative project throughout the season.
- Age group(s): children, adults, families, intergenerational
- Publisher and date: A sanctified art2024 (not affiliated with a specific denomination)
- Additional Details: $20 for the course; Additional resources (including an adult devotional booklet, liturgies, sermon planning guide, Advent calendars, and more) are available for purchase individually or in bundles
Devotions
1. “Advent Guide 2023: A journey towards justice for women and the LGBTQ+ community“
This free digital devotional offers short weekly meditations on scriptures from the Revised Common Lectionary for Year B that focus on seeking justice and inclusion for women and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. It includes entries for the four weeks of Advent, Christmas Day, the first Sunday after Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany.
- Age group(s): adults
- Authors: Ren Martin, Jennifer Copeland, Arlecia Simmons, Carrilea Hall, Rachel Baker, Donna Parks Hill, Susannah Tuttle
- Publisher and date: North Carolina Council of Churches (multi-faith), in collaboration with The rebirth of justice (not affiliated with a specific denomination), 2023
- Additional Details: free
2. “Boundless: an anticolonial Advent devotion“
This devotional offers two weekly reflections and daily prayers from Advent to the Feast of Epiphany. The reflections and prayers provide perspective on Advent and scriptures that expose and challenge colonialism and seek justice in diverse global contexts. The devotional is available for free as a downloadable PDF and on the publisher’s website.
- Age group(s): adults
- Authors: Fadi Al-Zoughbi, Grace Al-Zoughbi Arteen, Sarah Augustine, Lee Catoe, Clara AB Joseph, Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks, José David Rodríguez, Jermaine Ross-Allam, Claudia Aguilar Rubalcava, Amaury Tañón-Santos, Niveen Ibrahim Sarras, Terry Wildman, William Yoo
- Publisher and date: Unbound2024 (Presbyterian Church (United States))
- Additional Details: free
3. “Humble and Holy: Devotions for Advent and Christmas 2025 – 2026“
This devotional offers daily meditations for the Advent and Christmas seasons that follow readings from the Revised Common Lectionary for Year A. This year’s meditations focus on the themes of “the humble” and the “holy” and include images and prayers. It is available in booklet form (link above) and large print.
- Age group(s): adults
- Authors: Michael Coffey, Michael K. Girlinghouse, Angela T. Khabeb, Lydia Posselt, Lisa Smith and Harvard Stephens Jr.
- Publisher and date: Augsburg Fortress2024 (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)
- Additional Details: $3.50 for the booklet, $7 for the large print edition; discounts are available for bulk purchases
4. “Joy of the world! : Devotions for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany“
This devotional offers short daily reflections on the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany that engage Scripture and offer personal stories to help readers connect these seasons to their lives today. The entries are approximately two pages long and include prayers and questions for further reflection.
- Age group(s): adults
- Author: Robert Boak Slocum
- Publisher and date: Church Publication2025 (The Episcopal Church)
- Additional Details: $18.95 in paper or ebook version
5. “A Light on My Path: Daily Devotions for Advent and Christmas“
This daily devotional for the Advent and Christmas seasons focuses on the imagery of light and Jesus as light. Entries are 3-4 pages long and include a Bible quote, reflection, and prayer. The devotional is undated so it can be used in any year.
- Age group(s): adults
- Authors: Phil Beyer, Jazzy Bostock, Laurie Brock, Lester V. Mackenzie, John Ohmer and Joseph Yoo
- Publisher and date: Forward movement2025 (The Episcopal Church)
- Additional Details: $12 in printed or electronic version; discounts are available for bulk purchases
6. “Melodies of Faith: An Advent Devotional for African American Churches and Families“
This daily devotional is designed for African American congregations and families. It features African American authors who offer personal stories and meditations to engage with the Advent and Christmas scriptures and songs that have impacted their lives and faith communities, including church songs, African American spirituals, and contemporary music. Entries also include reflection questions and prayers.
- Age group(s): families, intergenerational
- Editor: Tanya J. Tyler, compiled by Charisse L. Gillett
- Publisher and date: Chalice2024 (Christian Church (Disciples of Christ))
- Additional Details: $5.99; discounts are available for bulk purchases
7. “Ordinary blessings for the Christmas season: prayers, poems and meditations“
This book contains poetry, prayers, and meditations to bless “the ordinary and not-so-ordinary moments of the season,” as the publisher’s website says. Her entries cover a range of topics, from “For Retail Workers” and “To Pass On a Beloved Family Recipe” to “For the First Christmas Without Them” and “For Holiday Fatigue.” It also offers entries for Advent, the 12 days of Christmas, and a reflection on the Nativity stories in Scripture.
- Age group(s): adults
- Author: Meta Herrick Carlson
- Publisher and date: Broad leaves2023 (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)
- Additional Details: $17.99
8. “Preparing the way: Christian practices for Advent“
This devotional offers daily meditations for Advent that aim to help readers embrace “a gentler path,” as the publisher’s website puts it, during the often busy time of the season. Her entries highlight various Christian Advent traditions and rituals as well as ways to invite God’s presence into other activities during the season, like decorating Christmas trees. This devotional is undated, meaning it can be used in any year.
- Age group(s): adults
- Authors: Scott Gunn, Richelle Thompson, Lindsay Barrett-Adler, Hugo Olaiz and Miriam McKenney
- Publisher and date: Forward movement2023 (The Episcopal Church)
- Additional Details: $10; discounts for bulk purchases, and an ebook version is also available for purchase
9. “Show me your ways, O Lord: devotions on the Psalms of Advent“
This devotional offers daily meditations focusing on the psalms that appear in the Revised Common Lectionary for Sundays in Advent for all three years. The entries combine a personal narrative with reflections on the psalms, and include prompts for deeper reflection and action. This devotional is also not dated, so it can be used year after year.
- Age group(s): adults
- Authors: Kathryn Nishibayashi, Beth-Sarah Wright, Nancy Frausto and Kim Fox
- Publisher and date: Forward movement2024 (The Episcopal Church)
- Additional Details: $10; discounted price available for bulk purchases, and an ebook version is also available for purchase
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on October 14, 2024. It was revised and updated on September 8, 2025.
The image shown is of Abigail Lynn on Unsplash
