Hannah Hamm, CBWC Editor/Writer, Vernon, BC
As we consider the coming season of Advent 2026, we have carefully curated resources for you to draw from. This year, we plan to enter fully into the “waiting,” which is what Advent means. Growing up, my Baptist tradition around Advent meant decorations, carols, and chocolate for a whole month—never holding the tension or longings of the season before the Incarnation occurred.
God’s people had heard and believed the promises of a coming Saviour, but they had to wait and hope over 400 years of silence. They knew He was coming and some details about His birth, but they didn’t know WHEN. Our resource for Advent in your church this year embraces these longings, and hope for the fulfilment of His promises. We don’t get to the full celebration of Christ’s birth until Christmas! We allow space for the “pregnant pause.”
On the Advent page of our CBWC website you will find the following resources available for your use. I trust you'll find something in this collection which enriches the life of your church this year.
Readings and other suggestions for each Sunday of Advent, culminating in readings for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. These will be available as slides for your main screen and as printable pdf files
A companion resource for Families to use at home each week, tying into the theme of each Sunday
A suggested outline for an intergenerational pageant Sunday; a readers theatre highlighting some Old Testament characters and their prophecies, as well as John the Baptist
A service plan for the Longest Night service, sometimes called Blue Christmas. This is an optional service many churches provide for those who carry grief or loss around the holiday season
A suggested playlist of excellent Advent/Christmas songs, some of which are included in the service plans
This collection of resources is for anyone who wants to take their experience of Advent deeper. Many Christian traditions have done this well over the centuries. I believe engaging in Advent in this way deepens our joy at His coming. Emmanuel, the with-us God, comes at last—after we've practiced waiting. It hits different when we can finally say, “Rejoice, your Deliverer has come!”
