Resources to help you slow down and focus on Christ this Advent season

The Advent season reminds Christians to slow down and reflect on the coming of Christ as celebrated in our Christmas traditions.

Advent 2025 begins Nov. 30. Looking for resources to help guide your personal Advent worship? Here are a few suggestions:

• The Christmas Code by O.S. Hawkins — This seasonal favorite in Hawkins’ Code series includes 25 devotions on the birth of Jesus from prophecies in the Old Testament to salvation. This inexpensive paperback is also available in bulk for churches or individuals to distribute during the holiday season. All proceeds support GuideStone’s Mission:Dignity ministry.
• Call Him By Name: A 25-Day Advent Devotional Celebrating the Names of Jesus by Jeff Redmond — Pastor Jeff Redmond dives deep into the meanings of the many names bestowed upon Christ. Each reading includes a dose of encouragement to help readers make the name of Jesus known during the holiday season.
• Waiting for Christmas: An Invitation to Wait, Wonder and Worship by Janet Denison — In her new book, Janet Denison explores the contemporary search for hope and peace in God’s presence even when life feels uncertain. Each day’s reading includes Scripture, a reflection and encouragement to remind readers that God is always at work, even in times of waiting. Denison is the author of several digital Bible studies and leads the ministry Foundations with Janet Denison.

For more selections for families or small groups, visit lifeway.com/advent and crossway.org/articles/advent-devotionals to browse their offerings.

In addition to books, there are many free digital resources available.

This year, Lifeway Kids has a free family Advent guide available for download. The guide moves through Luke 1 and 2 and is a companion to “Behold the Savior,” a four-week Advent study with versions for men and women.

Churches wanting to offer resources to their members or to the community might produce a collection of devotionals written by church members or a Christmas Scripture reading plan. Check out the blog of Calvary Baptist Church in Warrior (calvarybaptistwarrior.org, search “Christmas”) for an example of the latter.

Finally, make plans to attend at least one Christmas event or celebration at another church this year. Advent traditions are a reminder that Christians are part of a greater church family that has existed for generations and continues to exist across the globe. Believers are still united in joyful anticipation of the day the Light of the World will return for His children.