Resources & Tools //
Heaven and Nature Sing
We sing Christmas carols every year, but how often do we pause to reflect on the meaning behind the words? This Advent season, we’re rediscovering the powerful stories within these familiar songs and exploring the Scripture that inspired them. Many of these carols were bold declarations about justice, peace, and God’s restoring work in all creation. As we explore these carols together, you may be surprised by how much they have to say and how deeply their messages speak into our world today.
Messages //
November 30// Joy to the World | Chris Dolson – Discussion Guide
December 7 // Hark! The Hearld Angels Sing | Matt Metzger – Discussion Guide
December 14 // I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day | Peter Vang
December 21 // Go Tell it on the Mountain | Ben Knox
December 23-24 (Christmas Services) // O Holy Night | Matt Metzger, Chris Dolson, Adam Penning & Daniel Owen
December 28 (Worship Where You Are) // We Three Kings of Orient Are | Matt Metzger
Further Learning //
Books
Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas | Ace Collins
More Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas: Heartwarming Stories Behind Popular Carols | Ace Collins
Christ in the Carols: Thirty-one devotionals for Christmas and Advent | Christopher and Melodie Lane
The Bible and Ecology: Rediscovering the Community of Creation| Richard Bauckham
Our Father’s World: Mobilizing the Church to Care for Creation | Edward R. Brown
Advent
Advent is a meaningful season that begins four weeks before Christmas. The word means “coming” or “arrival,” and during this time, we remember God’s faithfulness through the birth of Jesus and look forward with hope to His promised return. Whether Advent is a familiar tradition or something completely new to you, we have resources to help you learn more and engage with this season in meaningful ways.
Invisible
Next Steps Podcast
This season on the Next Steps Podcast, we’re entering into Advent together. We will explore what Advent is, why it matters, and how to celebrate it. We’ll also hear from worship leaders as they guide us through the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Whether Advent is familiar or brand-new, we’d love for you to journey with us.
Reading Plans, Books, & More
Advent Reading Plans
- Practices of Advent | Blackhawk Church (PDF | YouVersion)
Books
- Waiting for Jesus: An Advent Invitation to Prayer and Renewal: An Advent Christmas Devotional | Rich Villodas
- Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas | Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Annie Dillard, Thomas Merton, C. S. Lewis, Henri J. M. Nouwen
- Fullness of Time | Esau McCaulley, Emilio Alvarez, Tish Harrison Warren, Emily Hunter McGowin, Fleming Rutledge, Wesley Hill, Amy Peeler
Messages
- 2023 Advent Series | Blackhawk Church
Videos
- Advent | Bible Project
- The Advent Project | Biola University
For Kids and Families
Our Christmas Countdown packet is designed to help your family prepare your hearts together throughout December. This year’s packet includes an interactive daily reading plan and a new set of five Advent ornaments, each with family discussion questions to spark meaningful conversations around your tree.
Advent Conspiracy
During the Christmas season, we join a movement called Advent Conspiracy—an invitation to pause, remember God’s generosity in giving us Jesus, and respond by being generous to the world around us.