This has been a very strange year!
Many things have been different at school, at work and at home, and lots of the stuff we had planned just hasn’t been able to happen. Now it is nearly December and we know that this year we may not be able to have all our usual Christmas festivities.
But while lots of things have changed, we can still celebrate the birth of Jesus!
In the midst of all the anxiety, worry and distractions this year has brought we want to encourage you to use this Alternative Advent Calendar to help you, and your family, take time to prepare and be ready for Christmas.
So how does it work? Each day there is an opportunity to read, reflect, and act.
Read
If you have a Jesus Storybook Bible you will be able to find the stories for each day.
The relevant Bible references are included if you’d prefer to use that option.
Click the link below to get extra resources linked to the Jesus Storybook Bible readings, including daily ornaments to print, colour and hang up. Why not hang them each day on a small Christmas tree or on sticks arranged in a vase?
Link to Printable Jesus Storybook Bible PDF
You can also buy the Jesus Storybook Bible at many online bookshops including The Book Well – a local family owned bookstore on the Belmont Road who are providing a free click and collect option.
Reflect
When you read think about the following questions:
· How does this story point to Jesus?
· What did you learn about God, yourself and other people?
Act
Each day has a challenge designed to encourage connections with each other, the world around us and God himself.
If you’d like to share your action you can email a photo to advent@bloomfieldpresbyterian.org or upload it on the website. These might be used on social media or at the start of our Sunday morning service.
Weekly Plans
BPC Alternative Advent – Week 1
BPC Alternative Advent – Week 2