Description

Why do Christians celebrate Advent? And why is Advent an essential part of the Christmas season?

In this episode, Gil Shelsby is joined by Lead Pastor Ben Cachiaras to take a deep dive into the season of Advent, and discover what value it can bring to your spiritual life this Christmas season.

3:34 - What is Advent? Where Does it Come From? How Does It Relate to Christmas

9:38 - What are the countercultural themes of Advent? 

18:58 - Practical ways to observe Advent

26:58 - Ways to slow down & focus on Jesus this Christmas Season

31:27 - What are "Relational Gifts"?  

35:39 - Favorite Advent Resources  

Resources

• 🕯️ Advent Reflections Experience - https://bit.ly/3AHsIRQ 
• “The Book of Common Prayer” - https://bit.ly/3CEBalq 
• “Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus” by Fleming Rutledge - https://bit.ly/3YXlpxd 
• “When the Time Was Fulfilled:  Christmas Meditations” by Eberhard Arnold, Christoph Blumhardt, and Alfred Delp - https://bit.ly/3OHBiDq 
• “A Time for Wonder: The Days of Advent Through the Eyes of Worship”, A devotional from Christianity Today - https://bit.ly/3OIkqfU 
• “Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas” by Plough Publishing House - https://bit.ly/41pUJIB 
• “Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional” by Asheritah Ciuciu - https://bit.ly/4fZKRcX 
• “The Gospel of Christmas:  Reflections for Advent” by Patty Kirk - https://bit.ly/49khShn 
• “Advent for Everyone: Luke: A Daily Devotional” by N.T. Wright - https://bit.ly/3ZAi6xz 
• “Advent and Christmas Wisdom from Henri J. Nouwen: Daily Scripture and Prayers Together With Nouwen’s Own Words” by Father John Mudd - https://bit.ly/4f3Ciwp 
• “The Art of Advent:  A Painting a Day from Advent to Epiphany” by Jane Williams - https://bit.ly/4iiDZc7 
• “Preparing for Christmas:  Daily Meditations for Advent” by Richard Rohr - https://bit.ly/4f1XUt6 
• “The Advent of the Savior” by Cindy Bunch - https://bit.ly/3BrwK0K 
• “Hidden Christmas:  The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ” by Timothy Keller - https://bit.ly/3OE4mf5 
• Fleming Rutledge’s Advent Sermon Part 1 - https://bit.ly/3Zh5xqM 
• Fleming Rutledge’s Advent Sermon Part 2 - https://bit.ly/4eJe4qW 
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