8 Tools to Celebrate Advent

I don't want this Christmas season to escape me. After a wild year of change and a big move, I want to mindfully go back to the simple, quiet things. Do you want that too? In our loud and noisy world, Advent feels like the right time to pause and really watch the way Jesus came, the way He lived and loved, how Jesus was always God's big rescue plan all along. I hope some of these tools help you do just that. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. IF:Equip Emmanuel Study

Emmanuel. God with us. Jesus, the one who saves us from sin. For the Advent season, this is what we celebrate, what we meditate on, why we worship. In the midst of the busy season of Christmas--parties, gifts, family, friends, traveling, shopping--we want to invite you to have an encounter with Jesus. To experience Jesus as Emmanuel--who is with us, with you. Join us for this 4-week study on IF:Equip.

2. 100 Days with Jesus

You will love following along with the 100 Days of Jesus book and Instagram account this Advent. Each day, you will study and meditate on one attribute of Jesus. Simple, easy to do with friends or your family.

3. Paul Tripp Advent Devotional

Everything from Paul Tripp is rich, Gospel-centered wisdom. His book New Morning Mercies is like the best bucket of cold water to the face and this new Advent devotional is no different. Each day has Bible reading prompts and easy ways to engage your kids in the conversation.

4. All Good Things Collective Advent Cards

Aren't these Advent cards from All Good Things Collective darling? I love how these could be used with your family or group of friends.

5. She Reads Truth Advent Study

She Reads Truth has a beautiful 4 week scripture reading plan through the story of Jesus. Download their app to follow along with their Advent study!

6. Ann Voskamp's The Wonder of the Greatest Gift

"God's mercies are new every morning-not as an obligation to you, but as an affirmation of you." This beautiful book was written by a beautiful soul who lives and breathes every single word she writes. And I think we all need a little good news this season-about God's backward way of things. That somehow in our deepest pain God meets us with mercy and abundance. Ann's book is a darling, colorful way to engage your kids in Jesus's story.

7. Journeywomen's Christmas Spotify Playlist

I had the privilege of chatting with Hunter about leading small groups on the Journeywomen podcast here. She makes the best Spotify playlists!

8. Risen Motherhood's 'Making Christmas Traditions Matter' Episode

Laura and Emily of the Risen Motherhood podcast remind us of the opportunity that Advent gives us to rest our family's hearts on Jesus. They have a ton of great resource ideas too!

How have you celebrated Advent in the past? I'd love to know. Comment below and tell me if you did anything growing up and what you enjoy doing now.