Songbirds know a thing or two about singing into darkness: in the wee hours of the morning, before the sun appears over the horizon, they begin a great symphony that scientists call the “dawn chorus.”

Advent is the church’s dawn chorus. In this devotional designed for families of all shapes and sizes, we walk with scripture through the season’s four weeks of hope, peace, joy, and love, singing into shadows and looking to the light.

Each week includes a simple candlelight service (light a candle, read a passage from scripture and a short reflection, and sing a dawn chorus song or two); a few bird-related fun facts to share (try taking turns reading them around the table!); some provocative conversation starters; a handful of ideas for service during the week; and a lovely, simple bird ornament to cut out, decorate, and hang on your tree or around the house.

This resource includes an introduction to Advent, as well as an editable page on which you can enter upcoming events on your church, personal, or family calendar.

The scriptural passages in this devotional correspond to Year A in the Revised Common Lectionary – but since their themes are universal, this devotional can be used fruitfully during any Advent season.

Files: This listing is for a downloadable PDF, printing instructions for 8.5 x 11 paper (and card stock, if you wish, for the ornaments page), and an e-reader version of the devotional. Any or all of these resources can be distributed electronically to members of your congregation.

Please note: you will not receive a physical product as this is a digital download. This resource is for congregational use only, which means it may not be reproduced commercially, duplicated, or resold :)