by Aaron Buttery
If Advent is a season of Beholding our current reality in the clear light of Jesus’ return, how are you doing that this year? Here are a few options for walking through this season with your students. Each resource is from trusted friends, ready to use, and will bear fruit longer than your Christmas decorations stay up! Also, these resources are designed for this moment when gatherings may be restricted.
The Christian New Year: “Advent issues a clarion call to wake from our slumber, realign life, and get in step with the Holy Spirit. The Christian New Year unfolds a journey from the second coming all the way to Bethlehem and the first coming, setting the stage for the year ahead.” From JD Walt and Seedbed Publishing, this resource is a strong introduction to our Christian calendar and a daily rhythm of scripture, prayer and reflection. It includes video resources (so helpful for our pandemic life), Zoom gatherings to connect with a broader community, and a clear movement to Behold the ongoing life of Jesus. (Seedbed has a treasure chest full of Advent resources, including whole church and student-specific.)
The Advent Conspiracy: “Advent is about the posture of your heart. Are you intentionally creating space for God to move in close? That’s what Advent Conspiracy is all about. We know this year many people around the world are not gathering with their church family as they normally would or they’re adapting their holiday traditions.” A book for the family and collection of remarkable free resources to support everyone in the home as they create and practice postures of Beholding and hope. (It requires a member login to access free resources.)
Behold the Lamb of God: This is, perhaps, the most complete soundtrack to Advent, from Andrew Peterson. Put the album on repeat in your car and home. Write portions of the lyrics on chalkboards as you welcome students to worship, or use the artwork in your virtual offerings. Explore the website to purchase sheet music so that as a church or family you can Behold together in song.
We Sang a Dirge, by Lo Alaman. While not strictly for Advent, this resources may be perfect for your students as they Behold our current moment in light of the Kingdom. “It is a collection of poems, journeys, prayers, and invitations. [The author] offers no answers here, for only Christ has those to give. We pray these poems are a catalyst that open all sorts of windows (hopefully your own). Biblical lament stems from hope that God has more in mind for His people than the brokenness that they find themselves in. These poems are a window into hope.”
To set up a conversation about how Advent may look for you or your students this year, contact Aaron.
The Rev. Aaron Buttery leads and facilitates C4SO’s NextGen Leadership team and serves as Director of Student Ministry, Next Generation Leadership, ACNA. As a 20+ year NextGen ministry leader, a two-time church planter, and leadership coach with Spiritual Leadership, Inc., he is the primary contact in C4SO for questions, ideas, and excitement about young people and growing young leaders.