Advent Calendar
Note: You can access a PDF version of this calendar here.
The Advent season is an intentional time of holy rest and anticipation, and it is a rebellion against the consumerism and stress that is so common during the Christmas season. From November 29 to December 24, we encourage you to slow down, to reorient your heart, and to be mesmerized by the birth of Christ. If you don’t yet have a calendar of activities to follow, consider using our 2020 Advent Calendar.
Every week, you will be provided a short weekly reflection and a weekly challenge. The reflection can be done on your own or with others. Additionally, if you have family members or roommates, you can also choose to participate in an optional kid-friendly weekly family activity.
We trust that this resource will help to prepare you for Christmas.
Week 1: Nov 29 – Dec 5
Weekly Reflection
Read Luke 1: 1-38. What is one area of your life where you need to be more obedient to God?
Weekly Challenge
Sometime this week, use your time or money to serve someone in need. Here are two giving opportunities:
- Be a Christmas Angel for the Hampden Family Center. To sign up, call the Family Center at 410-467-8710 or email Kaye Gooch at [email protected]
- Donate to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Learn more at villagehampden.com/lottiemoon.
Weekly Family Activity
Have everyone write a card to everyone else in the family, seal them up, and save them for delivery on Christmas Day.
Church Events
Monthly Prayer Meeting
Wednesday, December 2, 7pm
Zoom ID: 266 013 651
Servants Appreciation Day
Saturday, December 5, 10am
Zoom ID: 824 9134 3058
Password: servant
Week 2: Dec 6 – 12
Weekly Reflection
Read Luke 1:39-56. In what areas of your life do you long to see God make things right?
Weekly Challenge
Every day this week, join our church in our Week of Prayer for International Missions. Every day there will be a different prayer topic and an accompanying video. Learn more and follow along at villagehampden.com/weekofprayer.
Weekly Family Activity
Write out a few interview questions (e.g., What was the best thing that happened this year?), and have everybody in the family answering those questions.
Church Events
Hampden Family Center Holiday Party
Saturday, December 12, 11am
1104 West 36th Street
Contact: Julius ([email protected])
Women’s Hike
Saturday, December 12, 1:30pm-3pm
Meet at 3647 Roland Ave
Contact: Teresa ([email protected])
Week 3: Dec 13 – Dec 19
Weekly Reflection
Read Luke 1:57-80. Who is somebody in your life that you feel called to share the light of Christ with?
Weekly Challenge
Sometime this week, light a candle, read Isaiah 9:2 out loud, and pray for your friends and family members who don’t yet know Jesus, asking God to reveal himself to them.
Weekly Family Activity
Make a Christmas-themed dessert together, and deliver some to friends and neighbors.
Church Events
Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 13, 6pm
Will be held online; details TBD
Men’s Fellowship Group
Monday, December 14, 7:30pm
Zoom ID: 897 2558 7285
Week 4: Dec 20 – Dec 24
Weekly Reflection
Read Luke 2:1-40. What is something that you feel God is inviting you to wait for?
Weekly Challenge
Sometime this week, sit in silence for at least 10 minutes. Don’t be on a phone or a tablet. Simply have a posture of waiting and anticipating.
Weekly Family Activity
Go on a family walk/hike, and try to be 100% present while doing so. Be engaged with your family, and say hi to passersby.
Church Events
Christmas Eve Service
Thursday, December 24, 7pm
Zoom ID: 873 3790 3490