Happy New Year!
Hey Drew, you’re a month ahead. Retail stores already kick off Christmas right after Haloween, now you’re pushing us to New Years right after Thanksgiving?
Maybe that’s what you’re thinking. But, no, I’m not trying to push you through the month of December too quickly. Today is the first day of Advent which marks the beginning of a new year on the liturgical calendar. Greg and I have been impatiently awaiting Advent for the past month. Ready for the green of ordinary time to change to the blue of Advent. We have been ready to turn our attention to the hope of Jesus’ return and the rest that comes from the holidays that break from every day busyness. And here it is.
As we enter into this season, I want to share with you a few resources that I am using to help direct my heart, soul, mind, and strength this season. Maybe they can help direct you as well.
Prayers
The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime
I have been using this collection of prayers since this summer. Usually it is organized simply by regular months and weeks, but during this season, the prayers turn to the weeks of Advent and the days of Christmas. The prayers from these books give me words when I have none and help me connect to the traditions of those gone before.
Readings
Revised Common Lectionary
The inspiration for this collection of blog entries, the RCL has four readings every week that thematically center around the liturgical calendar.
Watch for the Light
A collection of writings from the likes of Detriech Bonhoeffer, Annie Dillard, Meister Eckhart, C.S. Lewis, Henri Nouwen, and others, all centering around the themes of Advent and Christmas. I have only read a few, but I am very excited about this book!
Music
Advent, Volume 1 by The Brilliance
The Brilliance is a musical collective that write music based on the liturgical calendar. A couple of years ago they released this album which predominately follows the theme of light. This year they made it available on Spotify.
Buy on Amazon
Listen on Spotify
Advent, Volume 2 by The Brilliance
Last year The Brilliance released a second volume for Advent. They upped the energy on this one and really do celebrate the coming of Christ to redeem the world!
Advent to Christmas by Page CXVI
Page CXVI is a band that seeks to breathe new life into old hymns. Beginning this month they are releasing a series of albums that circle around the liturgical calendar. Starting with Advent to Christmas.
Drew Dixon 
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