“Therefore the Lord himself
Advent and Christmas Resources for You and Your Church
Advent is a time of preparation for our hearts and minds for the anniversary of the Lord’s birth celebrated on Christmas. It is also a reminder of the promise of Jesus Christ to come again in His full and complete glory.
Journey with us through the Advent season as we reflect on the names of Jesus, our Messiah, who is Immanuel, Man of Sorrows, and Prince of Peace.
2023 Advent Reader
The Names of Jesus: Journey of Reflection and Journal
Join together with your CBOQ family on a journey of reflection on the names of Jesus throughout the Advent season. For each day from December 3-24, engage in a scripture reading, reflection, and challenge that will draw you into the wonder of our Messiah’s miraculous incarnation.
Additional Print Versions
For ease of printing, we have provided 2 additional files: the black and white print version for personal printing, and a professional printing file if you wish to have it printed as a booklet.
Advent Sermon Series Resource
“My Messiah”: The Names of Jesus
If you would like to continue the “My Messiah” themes from the Advent Reader in your Sunday sermons, we have provided this sermon series resource. Pastors and church leaders can use this 4-week framework of sermon outlines to preach through the 4 Sundays of Advent.
Advent Candle Lighting Readings
Alleluia! Our Messiah is our hope.
Light the 5 Advent candles with these weekly readings.
Kids Advent Activity Resource
Explore The Names of Jesus With Your Kids!
This resource is a fun activity to discover 22 names of Jesus, one each day during the Advent season. Also follow @cboqkids on social media for daily posts in December that correspond with this activity!
Advent Videos
Messages from our CBOQ Executive Minister, Leanne Friesen
Blue Christmas Service Resource
Blue Christmas: A Service to Make Space for Grief at Christmas
Christmas can be an especially difficult time for those who have experienced bereavement and loss. A Blue Christmas service creates the opportunity for grieving people to meaningfully express lament, longing, and hope.
This resource is a complete guide to holding a Blue Christmas service, including scripture readings, prayers, songs, and reflection.
Realizing this may be a new initiative for some of you (or that you may simply wish to learn more about it), we will be hosting a Zoom call on the topic “Leading a Blue Christmas Service” on Tuesday, November 28, at 11:30 am. Leanne Friesen (who is also a Grief Educator) will share insight and tips on how to lead this ministry, and there will be a time of Q and A and idea-sharing amongst participants. All welcome!