Advent is a sacred invitation to pause, reflect, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, the Light that overcomes darkness and the promised One who brings everlasting hope. As we prepare for a meaningful Advent journey, a reflective series of Advent devotional readings can guide and encourage us along the way.

In a fast-paced and highly commercialized culture, it can be difficult to slow down and focus on the reason for the season. As someone wisely advised, “Let’s approach Christmas with an expectant hush, rather than a last-minute rush.”

Advent summons us to choose an intentional, more contemplative route to Christmas, which includes devotional reading, prayer, and reflection. If you prefer online devotional readings during Advent, there are many inspiring and convenient resources available.

A few 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. 

In preparation for Advent this year, I previewed several respected online resources to use in my own devotional time and to recommend to friends. I searched for resources that are easily accessible, theologically sound, and culturally relevant.

Like other online devotional resources, Advent E-Devotions may be created by churches, colleges and universities, 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 10 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 for adults and youth, as well as children’s resources, are available at The Advent Conspiracy Movement Homepage.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Kate Bowler, a popular Duke professor, podcaster, and author whose mission is “giving you permission to feel human” offers a variety of Advent resources on her personal web site. You can find her reflections at Free Seasonal Devotionals for Advent – Kate Bowler.

• 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/)
  
  
• 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 2024 Buckner Advent Guide.

• Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) offers an option to read Advent devotionals online or to listen via apps such as Spotify, IHeart Radio, Alexa, or Google Home. Advent Devotions :: Lutheran Hour Ministries (lhm.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 2024: Seeking Peace in this Advent Season – Bread for the World
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• The United Methodist Church provides daily Advent devotionals that are grouped under the themes represented by the four Advent candles: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. You can access these resources at Daily Advent devotions: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love | UMC.org.
  
  
• The Advent Project is an online devotional resource provided by the Center for Christianity, Culture and the Arts from Biola University. Each day, there’s a work of visual art to contemplate, a scripture passage, a devotional, a poem, and a piece of music. In all of the variety, there’s sure to be something that speaks to your heart. The Advent Project 

Whether you are new to the practice of a daily devotional experience or a long-time practitioner, you may discover that a daily devotional can guide you on a meaningful Advent journey, helping you to pause, ponder, and prepare for a fresh engagement with the Christmas story.

(Barry Howard is a retired pastor who currently serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches.)