The word Advent means “preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ” as well as preparation for Christ’s Second Coming. Most Christian denominations have celebrated the liturgical season of Advent in various ways since at least the 4^th Century, though the exact date of its origin is unknown. The Advent season has a four-week duration, beginning on the Sunday closest to November 30.  

“Celebrating Advent is important because it offers us a lens through which to view Christ’s coming into the world: not as a secular, winter holiday where materialism rules the day, but as a holy day and time where Jesus ushers in the Kingdom of Heaven to earth,” explained Alan Miller, writer. “We get to be a part of the incarnation of Christ by inviting him into our hearts. During Advent, we have an opportunity to make room in our hearts and lives for the true gift of Christmas.  That yearly rhythm helps us to orient our lives toward his coming and our receiving him.”

Whether a congregation has celebrated Advent for years or is just now considering the practice, Advent: A Preparation is a useful tool.  

About the Author and Contributor

Newly written and released for the 2024 season, Advent: A Preparation was developed and penned by Rev. Alan Miller, pastor of Orange Baptist Church in Orange, Virginia, a BGAV-participating congregation. Prior to becoming pastor there in 2017, Alan served as minister of music and then as associate pastor.  

“Alan brings great expertise in worship planning for the Advent season,” commented Gary Long, BGAV’s chief marketing officer. “Alan is unique in having served in music ministry and as a preaching pastor. His experience yields a holistic perspective that is valuable to congregations of all kinds.”

Watch an interview with Alan Miller about his work on this resource.

About the Resource

Available to BGAV-participating churches as a free, downloadable PDF, Advent: A Preparation includes the following resources for each week of the season:

• Sermon Starters

• Hymn Suggestions

• Anthem Suggestions

• Contemporary Worship Song Suggestions

• Visual Art Suggestions and Interpretations

• Liturgies for Candle Lighting Ceremonies

Planning and preparing for Advent provides a great opportunity for collaboration and cooperation among pastors, ministers of music, lay leaders, and worship volunteers in every congregation. For churches who haven’t regularly practiced this kind of process, the guide can be a great entry point for staff and congregations who want to be more intentional about cohesive, year-round worship planning.  

“It was a joy to write this resource,” Alan reflected. “Worship for me is always collaborative, bringing the strengths of different people to the table. As the word liturgy means ‘work of the people,’ I find that worship is enriched by including gifts and voices of others. Thus, this project was not mine alone. You will see worship resources that were written by others, musical suggestions made by trusted musical and ministerial friends, and stories and life experiences that aid in application.  The resource is team effort –a Kingdom effort that I hope blesses you and your congregation this December.”

Get your copy of the Advent resource.