Advent Resources

THE PURPLE OF ADVENT

Advent 2025

This Advent devotional is based on the 2019 Presbyterian Outlook devotional booklet, written by editor Jill Duffield and prepared by Tom Tickner.

Click HERE for this Advent resource

Draw Near: Lighting the Advent Path with Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, 2025

https://pres-outlook.org/product/draw-near-lighting-the-advent-path-with-hope-peace-joy-love/

This is a digital product with daily devotions written by Presbyterian Outlook editor Terri McDowell Ott. For $35 you receive a PDF booklet of the full devotional, as well as weekly files. The files can then be shared with study groups or congregations via email or print. 

The devotional includes:

• Daily readings from Scripture 

• Reflections that connect ancient words to today’s life and longings.

• Prayers to ground your spirit in hope, peace, joy and love.

• Reflection prompts that invite you into simple practices of attention, gratitude and wonder.

• Children’s artwork that adds fresh, honest perspective to the season’s sacred texts.

Susan’s take: I’m a fan of Rev. McDowell Ott’s devotions, having used them in a group setting several times. They are thoughtful, with a creative edge that encourages participants’ own reflections. The children’s artwork in this series is an added bonus. This is certainly a good value for a congregation. For $35 you have a set of devotions that can be easily shared through the Advent season.

The Advent Tree: Meeting Jesus in God’s Big Story, Kara Eldson, 2025

 https://www.pcusastore.com/Products/0664269311/the-advent-tree.aspx                  

“The Advent Tree is a strong choice for individuals and small groups looking for a scriptural deep dive. It covers a lot of biblical territory, supported by worship resources (on the publisher’s website) and family devotions that educate and encourage connection (such as inviting children to 'talk with (their) grownups about what makes them feel at peace.'). Eidson’s warm prayers and contemplative questions speak to the heart, while illustrator Kelli Cooper’s simple yet evocative drawings beg to be colored, creating an Advent devotional for the heart and mind." – Presbyterian Outlook

On sale from the PCUSA Store for $11.05. 

A Child is Born: A Beginner’s Guide to Nativity Stories, Amy-Jill Levine, 2025 https://www.cokesbury.com/A-Child-Is-Born                                                                     

This book is published with a companion leader’s guide and DVD, and is designed for a four week study. $57.07 for the three pieces from Cokesbury. (The DVD is $33.49. Without it, $23.58 for the book plus leader guide.) 

“Discover the fascinating connections between ancient birth stories and the Nativity of Jesus in this captivating four-week Advent study. The study delves into the narratives of Isaac and Ishmael, Moses, and Samuel to reveal how they foreshadow and enrich the timeless Christmas story in the final chapter. Author Amy-Jill Levine brings her expert knowledge of Scripture and careful consideration of the Christian story to show readers how Scripture's earlier birth stories anticipate the story of Jesus’s birth and how the birth resonates and gives new meaning to those earlier stories. Transform your Advent season with fresh insights and inspiration from A Child is Born.”