First posted on The Reflectionary
You may run screaming at the thought, but Advent Sunday is less than 4 weeks away. Now is the time to think about what you’d like to read in the run up the the World’s Biggest Birthday Party.
In this first post, I have a bunch of Advent devotionals suitable for small groups, so that you have time to choose one for your Bible study or youth group. Next time I will have titles aimed at families, children and all-age, and after, for individuals.
The book suggestions below come from a post on The Hope Filled Family by my friend and fellow ACW (Association of Christian Writers) member, Lucy Rycroft. She goes into much more detail than I have space for here, so I recommend that you pop over to her blog for more information on these books. All the books are by ACW members.
Naturally, I’m going to mention my chart-topping Advent book as well. It’s not aimed at groups, but you wouldn’t expect me to miss it out, would you?
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by Fay Rowland (yours truly!)
Large-format paperback
25 very short all-age devotions.
Each day has a very short Bible passage and imaginative reflection, plus a plethora of optional extras including photocopiable colouring (not just for children), labyrinths, Bible paperchains and Christmas family traditions.
Advent Devotions for Small Groups
by Vicki Cottingham
Paperback
24 devotions
Based on the four candles of the Advent wreath, these short devotions come in four groups of six. You could use them every day of December as personal devotions, or each group for a weekly Bible study. This is a good introductory book for those new to the faith
by Amy Boucher Pye and Leo Boucher
Hardback
25 readings
This beautiful hardcover Advent book by a father-daughter duo is a lovely way to connect with the Christmas story through art.
Each day has a colour painting and a reflection based on Scripture readings, plus a prayer. There are questions at the back if you are using this book with small groups.
by Amy Scott Robinson
Paperback and Kindle
37 devotions (Advent to Epiphany)
Looking at the different ways that people meet God throughout the Bible, this book takes you from Advent to Epiphany through different artefacts. Perfect for daily devotions or for small groups using the questions and groups materials at the end of the book.
by Lucy Rycroft
Paperback, Kindle and Audiobook (ooh!)
24 devotions
Starting from the busyness and bustle of our modern Christmas, Lucy leads our thoughts to ‘The Reason for the Season’. With gentle humour and homely wisdom, suitable for both individuals and small groups, and extra resources available from the author.
You can read the first chapter for free here.
by Amy Scott Robinson
Paperback
4 sessions
A brand new book based on the four songs of the Nativity by Zechariah, Mary, the angels and Simeon, this is perfect for an Advent Bible study group. It includes ideas for icebreakers, worship and interactive responses, so you can choose whatever suits your group.
Not available from Amazon.
by Tanya Marlow
Paperback and Kindle
24 Bible studies
A selection of studies based on people who had to wait: Sarah, Isaiah, John the Baptist and Mary. You can choose appropriate chapters for Advent, and perhaps finish the book in the New Year.
Not following the Nativity story, this is an alternative to other Advent studies, and excellent way to explore the human story of those who waited for the birth of Jesus.
Fay Rowland - Author 