Hanging the Greens(39.92 KB)(Word): An Advent Unwrapped service to prepare church buildings and sanctuaries to be symbols of preparing ourselves for the birth and rebirth of Jesus.
In the Rich Dark of Winter: An Advent Communion Service(235.68 KB)(PDF): Using expansive scriptural imagery, the theme of this Advent Unwrapped service is anticipating God’s fulfilled promise of the renewal of all things.
Lessons and Carols: Christmas Eve Service(76.1 KB)(Word): This liturgy capitalizes on music and story by adapting the Lessons and Carols format beloved by many Anglican congregations.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel(269.67 KB)(PDF): A one-rehearsal Advent Unwrapped pageant with the message "God is with us! We are not alone."
Music
Advent Prayer Song (SAB) (Nancy Chegus)(61.83 KB)(PDF): Short SAB piece (a cappella, optional piano) suitable for worship during Advent. Please credit the composer.
Alleluia (SATB) (Pat Mayberry / David Kai)(418.48 KB)(PDF): Short SATB piece (a cappella, optional piano) suitable for worship during Advent or other times during the worship year. Please credit Words/Music: Pat Mayberry; Arrangement: David Kai and report to One License / Licensing.
Intercultural Hymn Festival for Advent(69.97 KB)(Word): Songs selected with accompanying commentary by Bruce Harding to be combined with seasonal prayers and scripture readings.
Intercultural Hymn Festival for Advent(219.55 KB)(PDF): These songs with accompanying commentary can be combined with seasonal prayers and scripture readings to create an Advent hymn festival. Please credit Bruce Harding for this resource and the music arrangements.
Service Music for Advent(329.68 KB)(PDF): Words and music for Advent services composed by Lisa Waites.
Sing Now Gloria (Unison) (Terry Macham)(85.52 KB)(PDF): Unison song suitable for worship during Advent. Lead sheet with melody, lyrics, and chord symbols. Text in English and Latin. Please credit the composer.
When You Go from This Place (SSA / SAT) (Pat Mayberry / David Kai)(297.13 KB)(PDF): Short SAA (or SAT) piece with piano accompaniment suitable as a benediction during Advent or other times during the worship year. Please credit Words/Music: Pat Mayberry; Arrangement: David Kai and report to One License / Licensing.
Related Material
2021 KAIROS Palestine Christmas Alert(1.37 MB)(PDF): A glimpse on Palestinians' life inside and outside Palestine and the unity in struggle, resistance, and hope.
Advent as a Season of Invitation Card(362.15 KB)(PDF): Use this fillable, printable card to invite others to your church to celebrate this Christmas season!
Advent as a Season of Invitation Video: United Church growth animators Tori Mullin and Scott Reynolds play out a conversation between neighbours with three possible responses to an invitation to Christmas worship. This conversation highlights the importance of hearing the needs of others while also respecting boundaries when inviting others to celebrate this Christmas season.
Buy Less Shopping Guide(108.17 KB)(PDF): An Advent Unwrapped shopping guide for all ages for a Buy Less Christmas.
Moderator’s Advent Message 2024: Video: In her Advent message, Moderator Carmen Lansdowne reflects on how the Christ child was not born in luxury, but had loving parents and God’s grace. This love is what we hope for with all of those in our care. You can support children around the world: united-church.ca/advent.
The Good News of Joy to the World(226.11 KB)(PDF): A five-session Advent Unwrapped Bible study on the Gospel of Luke by the Rev. Dr. Peggy Mulambya-Kabonde of The United Church of Zambia.
The Good News Story(392.39 KB)(PDF): Four Advent Unwrapped Sunday school session outlines.
Watching and Waiting: A Daily Vigil Based on the O Antiphons(628.25 KB)(PDF): Follow the ancient tradition of praying the “O Antiphons,” familiar from the carol “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” using this Advent Unwrapped resource. You can set aside nightly family prayer time for the last week of Advent or adapt this ritual in another way.
Prayers
Sharing the Light of Christ: Let’s light a candle and share this prayer on December 20, Advent “Love” Sunday.
Now Mary Walked That Dusty Road: A prayer/song that can be sung to the tune of "Une Jeune Pucelle" (or "'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime"), by Moderator Richard Bott.
Nourishing Spirits through Tradition: MandS 2023: December 24. For Mission and Service partner London Community Chaplaincy, bringing joy and community-building fun to the social housing…
We have received many comments and questions about whether or not to incorporate the “’Twas in the Moon of Wintertime” into Christmas carol services. Thanks to Dana Lynn Seaborn, of seabornsong.com, who offered us a helpful response to start the… Read more
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