In “Advent Through the Eyes of Those Who Waited” Author Carol Wehrheim introduces and re-introduces readers to several biblical characters found in the readings for Advent.  

 

First, the prophets in the book of Isaiah present us with the idea of waiting and preparing for the Messiah--our work for Advent. Next we meet John the Baptist who announces the coming of the Messiah. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the main subject of sessions three and four. Protestants, until recently, have not given her much consideration, but we have much to learn about patience and courage from the mother of Jesus. Finally, we learn from Elizabeth about how to accept a blessing so long in coming that it is no longer expected. 

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Discover the meaning of the season with "O Come, O Come Emmanuel: Reflections on Four Seasonal Hymns." Written by Mary Louise (Mel) Bringle and Beverly Howard, this four-session adult study pack takes a look at the meaning of four popular Advent and Christmas hymns. Featured hymns include "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus;" "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence;" "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel;" and "In the Bleak Midwinter." 

 

This study pack will encourage adults to discuss the importance of the hymns, explore the meaning of the featured text, and learn more about the hymn writers. Each week includes a Participant Handout and a Leader's Guide that helps a leader facilitate a forty-five minute session. All of the Leader's Guides feature various exercises, including prayers, reflection and discussion questions, and group activities. 

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Go on a spiritual journey this Advent with this four-session study, 

“Spiritual Practices for the Season: Advent” written by Kathleen Long Bostrom. It introduces participants to several spiritual practices that can help improve their personal faith journeys. Each session includes Scripture for reflection, activities centered on biblical passages that tell the Advent story, and a prayer practice. Featured prayer practices include breath prayers, centering prayers, doodle prayers, and light prayers. 

 

All of the sessions include a Participant Handout and a Leader's Guide that helps a leader facilitate a forty-five minute session. 

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“Christmas Accounts in the Gospels” Experience how Christmas is observed in each of the four Gospels in this study written by Cynthia M. Campbell. This creative, four-session adult study pack compares each of the Gospels to homes that Christians visit. Illustrations of each Gospel house are provided by artist Kevin Burns based on his interpretation of the shape and character of each Gospel.* Together Christian adults will be challenged to see Christmas from the different perspectives offered in each house as they further reflect on the mystery of Jesus. 

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Link to each of these studies:  

https://tinyurl.com/CalvinAdventSmallGroups2020

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