As Christmas approaches, many of us are looking for ways to reflect on the season beyond the commercial rush. This year, Woodvale Baptist Church is again offering families and individuals a meaningful way to engage with Advent through their daily online devotionals – a digital twist on the traditional Advent calendar.
Pastor Rob Furlong joined Bec & Asa for Ask a Pastor to explain how this initiative works and why it’s become a six-year tradition.
What Is Advent?
Before we dive into the devotionals, Pastor Rob reminds us of the true meaning of Advent.
“Advent is the first season in the church liturgical calendar,” he explains. “It consists of the four Sundays before Christmas and is a time to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ.”
Unlike the chocolate-filled Advent calendars that dominate store shelves, these devotionals focus on spiritual reflection and preparing for the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
A Modern Take on the Advent Calendar
Rob noticed that Advent calendars had been hijacked by chocolate and football themes, with little connection to Christmas. Frustrated by the commercialization, he decided to create a devotional calendar that would help people focus on the spiritual side of the season.
“It’s my pushback against the culture. I wanted something that reminded us of who Jesus is, not just a countdown to Christmas.”
Daily Devotionals: Names of Jesus
This year’s theme highlights the names and titles of Jesus, exploring who He is and what He represents. While the Bible contains over 200 names for Jesus, the calendar focuses on key titles that emphasize His role as the light of the world.
From 1 December through Christmas Day, each day features:
- A short devotional thought
- Insight into a name or title of Jesus
- Reflection on the significance of His coming
How to Access the Devotionals
Getting involved is simple. The Advent devotionals are available online through:
- The Sonshine website, with direct links to each day’s devotional
- Woodvale Baptist Church’s website, where there is a dedicated Advent Calendar section
While you can technically click ahead, Pastor Rob encourages participants to follow the calendar day by day to fully appreciate the build-up and context of each devotional.
A Tradition of Reflection
Now in its sixth year, this Advent calendar has become a cherished tradition for many families looking for meaningful ways to celebrate Christmas.
“Each day builds on the last. It’s about reflection, growth, and seeing who this baby in the manger really is,” Rob explains.
For families, individuals, and anyone wanting to connect with the true spirit of Christmas, these devotionals offer a daily opportunity to pause, reflect, and prepare spiritually for the festive season.
Join the Advent Journey
The calendar goes live 1 December, and it’s open to anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of Christmas. Reconnect with the meaning of Christmas, reflect on the gift of Jesus, and make this season a truly spiritual celebration.
Listen to the full chat with Pastor Rob Furlong below.