KNOW: “What is Advent?” from Busted Halo (2 min)

GROW: Resources for Advent video from the Diocese of New Jersey (16 min)

LIVE: The first video in the Bible Project’s Advent word study (Hope). In the four weeks of Advent, we meditate on hope, peace, joy, and love. (5 min)

Advent Wreaths

The Advent wreath is a visual symbol marking the progress of the season of Advent. Advent wreaths are traditionally a circle of evergreens with four candles, in either purple or blue, to symbolize the four weeks of Advent. Perhaps tradition appeals to you, or perhaps you'd like to try something new this year! Check out Pinterest or Etsy for some creative new takes on this wonderful tradition, or simply place four candles of any color on a tray on the table. Children love the anticipation of lighting the candles each night, adding a new candle each week.

Advent Calendars

Advent Calendars are a useful and fun way to count down the days until Christmas. Ideas for calendars are all around—some have chocolate behind each day’s door, and others, found on Pinterest, suggest family activities or service ideas for each day. Some are simple and some are complex craft projects! Choose the one that works for your family.

Nativity Scenes

Adding figures to a nativity scene during Advent is a wonderful way to prepare for the birth of Jesus. Children and adults alike can participate in gradually introducing figures into a creche scene, waiting until Christmas Eve (or Day) to add the baby Jesus. The Three Kings can be placed at different locations around the house as they journey towards the Christ Child, arriving on Epiphany (January 6). Some families have heirloom quality nativity scenes, but simple (and sturdy) wooden or even plastic figures work just as well for younger children! Two to consider:

• Print and color these unique, hand-drawn illustrations and follow the simple instructions to construct your very own Nativity Scene from Illustrated Ministry.

• Playmobil (plastic, some small parts) Nativity Scene. There is a separate Three Kings set too!

Serving Others

An important way to show love for God during the Advent season is by showing love to our neighbors, especially those in need. There are many opportunities to serve others during this time.

Open Door Food Pantry: Freehold’s local food pantry provides sustaining food and other services to those in need in Western Monmouth County. Donations of non-perishable foods, toiletries, and money are appreciated.

Adopt-a-Family, Angel Tree, Toys for Tots: Many organizations coordinate adopt-a-family or angel tree projects during this season. Involve the entire family in shopping and choosing gifts to give away to others. Toys for Tots has drop bins throughout the community.

Episcopal Relief & Development Gifts for Life: These gifts provide education and sustainable income-producing resources to people around the world, helping to create resiliency and self-sufficiency. Adding a Gift for Life to your gift list this year is a great way to serve others in Christ’s love.

Learn about St. Nicholas: patron saint of children, model of generosity, and figure of compassion and justice. This comprehensive site offers information, activities, crafts and even recipes! Explore Nicholas’ life and ministry, and find a new tradition!

The Jesse Tree: The Jesse Tree is an interactive way to tell the story of people and events that form the family tree of Jesus Christ. As we prepare for the birth of Jesus, these symbols are a way to connect our own faith in Jesus to these stories, some familiar and some less familiar.

Angels in Advent: Messengers of Hope: Our Advent Bible Study for 2024 will explore the origins, presence, and ministry of angels as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the One for whom the angels sang. Join us on Wednesdays, December 4, 11, & 18 in the All Saints’ Conference Room. A hybrid option on Zoom will be offered for those who cannot join us in person.

December 4, 11, and 18 at 7:00 pm
All Saints’ Room in Crossroads

Christmas Card Prayers

As you receive Christmas cards, in the mail or digitally, or as you make connections with friends and family, pray for each one of them. Pray for peace, health, and that they may know God’s love.

#AdventWord

AdventWord is a global Advent calendar. Sign up for daily emails, post images to social media, and meditate on the mystery and wonder of Advent with fellow Christians from around the world.

Starry Nights: An Advent Devotional Full of Light and Wonder

Advent is a season of stars: twinkling over shepherds, leading the Magi to Bethlehem, and filling our own dark Advent nights with glimmers of brilliance. And it’s also a season of wonder, a time for all of God’s children to marvel at what God has done – and will yet do – for the love of this broken, beautiful world.

Physical copies of Starry Nights are available in the narthex and in the church office beginning November 20. For a digital copy, or for a mailed paper copy, please email us!

All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginning (Gayle Boss) In twenty-five portraits depicting how wild animals of the northern hemisphere ingeniously adapt when darkness and cold descend, we see and hear as if for the first time the ancient wisdom of Advent: The dark is not an end but the way a new beginning comes.

Being Christian (the Rt. Rev. Rowan Williams) is a simple exploration of four essential components of Christian life—baptism, Bible, Eucharist, prayer—perfect for the four weeks of Advent.

Learning to Walk in the Dark (Barbara Brown Taylor) examines how to find our footing in times of uncertainty and giving us strength and hope to face all of life’s challenging moments.