Advent Resources

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Last Updated

11-17-25

A few of our favorite things for churches, families, and communities, updated for 2025…

From The Episcopal Church:

In Luke’s telling of the Christmas story, startled shepherds are the first to hear that good news of great joy given to all people. Since then, through generations and generations, across the world, we keep sharing this Good News, receiving signs from God that, in the coming of Jesus Christ, we have received the greatest gift of all.

The Episcopal Church wants to help you and your congregation share that Good News with each other and your neighborhoods, especially this Advent and Christmas. This resource page includes a customizable Advent promotional video for your congregation, “Preparing to Becoming the Beloved Community” Advent Curriculum, a video showing how to make an Advent wreath, “An Advent Prayer Vigil for Refuge and Home,” a liturgy from Episcopal Migration Ministries, and many more resources  based on invitation, the Way of Love, racial reconciliation, and faith formation.

From Forward Movement:

For nearly a decade, AdventWord has inspired followers of Jesus who wish to add an accessible prayer practice to their daily routine each Advent. During this holy, busy season, disciples are invited to find small moments of reflection to stay connected to their personal faith, to others, and to God. Daily meditations and images—inspired by a prompt word selected from the daily lectionary readings—will be released beginning Sunday, Nov. 30. Email subscribers and social media followers will receive a daily meditation (in English and Spanish) and visual image inspired by the day’s word, and are invited to share their own personal reflections, art, poetry, or other creative expression.

Events in the Diocese of Maine: Find out how our churches are celebrating Advent and how you can participate on our events calendar.

Video: What Advent is, and what it isn’t: Advent in 2 Minutes – YouTube 

DIY Advent Wreath with natural materials

Advent Hymns from the Episcopal Hymnal

Especially for Kids

Online Story Time: “…people need a way to get ready to enter or even come close to a mystery like Christmas.” Join Godly Play for special Advent children’s book readings on Monday evenings in December by authors from around the globe. Learn more and register here.

St. Nicholas Traditions: The patron saint of Christmas, Nicholas (who became Bishop of Myra) was known for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships. Learn more here.

Devotionals and Liturgical and Prayer Resources

St. Peter’s, Portland rector, the Rev. Tom Mousin shares his annual Advent calendar, which he creates in partnership with the Rev. Merry Watters. Reading the appointed scripture for for each day, and perhaps coloring the pictures, helps us to focus on the Christmas story as it has been revealed to us over the course of human history. The poem included on the calendar can also be sung as a hymn. Learn more and download the free calendar here. 

Episcopal Relief and Development offers a free Advent Toolkit with DIY projects for families and congregations, as well as a guide to hosting an alternative gift market and their Gifts for Life catalog.

Living Well Through Advent is a free, downloadable daily devotional shared by the Living Compass group. It is available in both English and Spanish, and offers daily scripture and reflection to guide our journey of expectant waiting this Advent season.

Illustrated Ministry provides Advent resources for worship in churches, youth programs and the home focused on creative arts (purchase required).

The Episcopal Church Foundation has compiled a wide-ranging list of 16 resources for Advent. (Note that several of these require purchase.)

ChurchNext offers a variety of online classes for you as you journey through Advent toward the manger and the coming of the Christ child. (Modest monthly subscription required.)