This afternoon I thought I would pass along some links that might be of help to you or to someone you care about during this Advent and Christmas season. I am not going to suggest every possible resource out there, just a few good quality sites. Some provide daily readings, prayers, and other personal devotional materials. Other sites give ideas for creative ways of loving Christ and our neighbors during the holiday season.
Lift Up Your Hearts: Advent, Christmas, & Epiphany Resources from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
Online Advent Calendar by Mark D. Roberts. This year, Roberts is featuring "Advent Doodles" for each day by his wife, Linda.
Following the Star: A Daily Online Advent Devotional Guide. Includes a centering time, a look at Scripture, a devotional thought, a time for prayer, and a benediction.
Advent Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries. Read or listen to daily devotions online. You can also download the devotions in a printable booklet.
Advent 2011 Calendar from EWTN. On the same page you will also find information about other Advent and Christmas traditions and practices.
Advent Conspiracy. The concept is based on four simple ideas: (1) Worship Fully — put worshiping Jesus at the center of the season, (2) Spend Less — buy one less gift this Christmas, (3) Give More — make Christmas a time to love others in memorable ways, (4) Love All — find ways to give resources to those who need it most.
Rethinking Christmas. This is a community site for you to share your stories and ideas for the season of advent. To particpate, contribute your gift ideas, and post questions and comments in the forum. You must create an account to participate.
Want to get really "radical" for Jesus this Christmas? [We love that word at IM!] Check out Buy Nothing Christmas, an initiative started by Canadian Mennonites.
OK, iMonks. Feel free to give testimony to any of these or add your own suggestions.
Tons of great resources for the liturgical year, from an Anglican view.
And I really like "Following the Star"…reminds me Sacred Space.
Not a site, alas, but a book recommendation – Christ in His Mysteries, by Bd. Columba Marmion. It's a wonderfully clear walk-through of the liturgical year, beginning of course with Advent.