By Fr. Sean McDermott
The new Church year has come upon us again, thank God. This week is known as Sunday Next before Advent, the week that the Church has given us to prepare for the season of preparation. In the spirit of preparation, then, here is a whole host of resources for Advent from Earth & Altar and beyond.
First, here is a booklet of Advent family devotions for the whole season.
Second, Andrea Perkins has some wonderful insights and resources at this post about observing Advent at home.
Third, if you wish to incorporate more Advent music into your life this season, read this wonderful post by Ken Myers.
Fourth, here are some meditations on Mary that add great depth to you Advent devotions.
Fifth, don't forget that Advent is a time to contemplate the Four Last Things (Death, Judgement, Hell, Heaven). Read here about how to prepare for a good death with Simeon.
Sixth, look forward to a series of devotions on the O Antiphons coming from E&A in mid-December.
Finally, the following links are great resources we have found outside of E&A:
The Chapel of St. John's College, Cambridge will be live-streaming A Service for Advent with Carols this Sunday, November 29th. Details here.
You might consider using this playlist of hymns & carols and its accompanying guide to enrich the season of Advent through music.
Simple, kid-friendly information on the saints celebrated during the early days of Advent can be found here.
Here are a few ideas for celebrating special days in Advent with your children (or grandkids, nieces & nephews!).
Fr. Sean McDermott is Curate at All Saints Anglican Church in Charlottesville, VA and Editor in Chief of Earth & Altar.