Advent for Moms

The season of Advent is right around the corner and it will come and go in the blink of an eye…just like it does every year. This year, the leadership at Grace Church would like to encourage you (and your family) to take a step back from the hectic pace of the season to soak in the beauty and glory of Immanuel, God With Us.

A quick Google or Pinterest search has the potential for sending an already frazzled Mommy into a full-on nose dive. Bad idea. In an effort to avoid any crashing and burning, when what we want is thriving and flourishing, we’ve narrowed down a few resources for your consideration.

Hopefully, in this treasure trove of excellent options, you’ll be able to find some ideas to kick-start your family’s celebration of Advent. Don’t get overwhelmed or sign yourself up for 5 different things. Aim to make a simple, doable plan to meditate on the true Reason for the Season.

 

Start by listening to this podcast. Be sure to check out all of the suggested resources in the notes!

http://risenmotherhood.libsyn.com/podcast/advent

Here is a list of 8 new suggested resources from The Gospel Coalition:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/8-new-resources-for-advent/

This is a daily Advent Podcast from Desiring God:

https://www.desiringgod.org/great-joy

The Grace Church Bookstore has a few copies of these resources available or you can purchase one online:

Prepare Him Room by Marty Machowski & Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp

 

Here are a few additional ideas and links just for fun…

Printable Travel Sized Nativity (Fits in an Altoid tin! Portable fun for wiggly little ones!)

Larger Printable Nativity Scene (Same artist, just bigger and with more details!)

Daily Scripture Reading Cards (Great to add to an Advent Calendar of treats or goodies.)

Daily Character Trait Cards (Also great to add to an Advent Calendar to encourage your children to think outside of themselves during this typically “me first” time of year. As you discuss these, don’t forget to to daily point out how our hope in Christ, through the gospel, gives us the motivation to humbly recognize our propensity to sin and enthusiastically embrace opportunities to look away from ourselves and display the gospel to others in practical ways. Don’t miss the opportunity to reflect on how Christ so beautifully modeled all of these character qualities as he was actively bringing about God’s redemptive plan here on earth!)

 

We sincerely hope that these resources will be an encouragement to you and will kick off an incredible season of reflection and growth in the families of Grace Church.

Glory to the newborn King!

 

This post was written by one or more members of the Family Discipleship Focus Group.