Beginning Your Journey Toward Christmas: 8 Good Options for Online Advent Devotionals

On By barrysnotes

Someone wisely advised, “Let’s approach Christmas with an expectant hush, rather than a last-minute rush.”

Advent helps us to take a scenic and reflective route to Christmas, which includes devotional reading, prayer, and reflection which are disciplines that nurture our spiritual health in all seasons. If you prefer to go “paperless” in your devotional reading during Advent, there are many inspiring resources available online.

When I was in high school the student ministry at my home church challenged us to begin the practice of a daily “quiet time.” Since those days my devotional time has nourished my spiritual development

Over the years my quiet time emerged into an early morning discipline grounded in inspirational reading, prayer, and meditation. My devotional life continues to be enriched by a variety of resources including classic devotionals, books by noted authors, and devotional reflections shared by church members.

About 12 years ago, I decided to go “paperless” in my devotional time choosing to utilize online Bible apps and a variety of e-resources for my devotional time. Online resources are especially helpful during holiday travels because the resources can be accessed on any internet computer or digital device. Going paperless also keeps my desktop a lot less cluttered whether I am at home or in my office.

Most online devotional sites provide complimentary access, with the costs covered through donations or advertising revenue. Additionally, like any digital communication, e-devotionals save paper and are friendly to the environment.

As I began preparing for Advent this year, I previewed several respected resources to share with others and to use in my own devotional time. I looked for resources that are easily accessible, theologically sound, and culturally relevant.

Like other online devotional resources, Advent E-Devotions may be created by churches, missional organizations, or individuals. A few of the devotional sites invite you to register your email address and they will send a daily devotional directly to your inbox. Other sites have corresponding “apps” that you can download making access easier on your mobile devices. And all online sites can be bookmarked or added to your favorites list for ease of access.

Here are 8 online Advent devotional options that you might find helpful:

  • The Advent Conspiracy provides a unique approach to the season, focusing on Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, and Love All. Engage with their daily devotionals that challenge the consumerist Christmas narrative and encourage a more intentional celebration. The devotionals, written by a variety of pastors, are available at The Advent Conspiracy Movement Homepage.
  • D365.org offers daily devotionals designed specifically for youth and young adults. These engaging reflections include scripture, prayer, and interactive elements, making it a perfect choice for individuals or families seeking a dynamic Advent experience. (http://d365.org/)
  • Bread for the World is an organization committed to pursuing a world where everyone has food security. Join Bread for the World in observing this Advent season as we reflect on the coming of Christ — Immanuel, God with us, the one who brings hope, peace, joy, and love to our broken world. You may sign up for devotionals at this link: Advent 2023: Christ Brings Hope to Broken World – Bread for the World
  • Buckner International is a faith-based social service organization based in Dallas that serves hundreds of thousands of people each year across the United States and around the globe. Their Advent guide, written by assorted authors, can be downloaded at 2023 Buckner Advent Guide.
  • Pittsburgh Theological Seminary provides an Advent Devotional W-Book written by members of the seminary community. This e-book offers a read option and an audio option, and can be downloaded at http://www.pts.edu/devotional_1.
  • Sacred Space is an online prayer site provided by the Irish Jesuits. They provide a guided Advent devotional series and an Advent Retreat option at www.sacredspace.ie.

Whether you are new to the practice of a daily devotional experience or a long-time practitioner, you may discover that an Advent E-Devotion will guide you on a meaningful journey, helping you pause, reflect, and draw closer to the heart of the Christmas story.

(Barry Howard serves as pastor at the Church at Wieuca in North Atlanta. He also serves as a leadership coach and columnist for the Center for Healthy Churches.)

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