BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — As churches and families prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, Lifeway Christian Resources offers a lineup of Advent Bible studies, family devotionals and a virtual event designed to help worshipers of every age mark the season with Scripture, reflection and community.
“Lifeway knows this is an incredibly important time of year in the life of the church,” said Ryan Blackwell, president and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources. “Each Advent season presents a unique opportunity to gather people around the story of Jesus’ birth. Our desire is to equip ministry leaders and families with resources that help them lead others to open God’s Word and prepare their hearts for Christmas.”
Bible studies for every age
More than 9 in 10 Americans (91%) celebrate Christmas, according to Lifeway Research, but fewer are familiar with the story behind it. While 53% believe they could retell the biblical Christmas story, just 22% say they could tell it accurately from memory.
“All Who Draw Near: A 25-Day Journey to Christmas” follows Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men as they make their way toward Bethlehem. This new study from Lifeway Women includes 25 days of personal Bible study, leader helps for four group sessions and Christmas activities and ideas.
“Since 2019, Lifeway Women’s Advent Bible studies have given women the opportunity to slow down during the busy holiday weeks, reflect on Jesus’ first coming and look ahead in expectation to His second,” said Andrea Lennon, director of Lifeway Women.
“Many women feel caught between the demands of the season, with its never-ending to-do lists, and what they know is Christmas’ deeper meaning. An Advent study leads women on a different path, preparing their hearts to celebrate Jesus as they open God’s Word and anchor themselves in the Christmas narrative.”
In addition, Lifeway Kids has created a free Family Advent guide, inspired by the “All Who Draw Near” study. Each week’s entry includes a Bible passage, discussion questions tailored for different ages and an interactive family activity.
“The Lord Is My Light,” a new liturgy written by Trevin Wax, will be released Nov. 1. The resource offers daily devotional content for the entire year, including an Advent section that gives readers a structured way to pray and reflect on Scripture throughout the season.
Other Bible study resources include a men and a women’s version of “Behold the Savior,” as well as two resources tailored for teen girls, “His Name Is Jesus” and “Love Came Down.” The “Family Advent Devotional” is a 25-day devotional built around the themes of hope, peace, love and joy.
Prepare Him Room virtual event
Lifeway Women will again host “Prepare Him Room,” a virtual event with author and Bible teacher Melissa Spoelstra. The event combines worship, encouragement and teaching to help participants create room in their hearts, homes and communities for Jesus.
Spoelstra will be drawing from her recent Bible study, “Angels,” exploring how the angels in the Christmas story point us to the hope of a Savior. Worship will be led by Lindsay McCaul.
“Christmas has always been a bold declaration of hope—that the God who reigns over heaven and earth sent His one and only Son for us,” said Spoelstra. “Advent is a chance to slow down and rediscover that hope.”
Churches, groups or individuals can access the online event at a time of their choosing between Nov. 13 and Dec. 31 with a streaming pass. Viewers may also find a host location in their area on Lifeway.com.
Online encouragement for pastors, families
A collection of articles specifically created to equip and encourage pastors and their families during the Christmas season is also available at Lifeway.com.
Lifeway ministry leaders and local pastors have created guides such as “A Checklist for the Christmas Eve Welcome Team,” “How to follow up with Christmas Service Guests” and an Advent sermon series starter to support pastors in this busy season.
More information and additional Advent resources such as church supplies, personal devotionals and kids books are available at Lifeway.com/advent.
