About the Advent Book

The Advent Book is a long-standing tradition at UBC and something the community looks forward to each year. It has taken different forms over the years and this year is no exception. The purpose of this book is to help guide us through this important season of expectation, waiting, and pause. Take your time.

As you begin you will find the poem “Advent” written in four stanzas by our own Dr. Brent Newsom. It is placed first to give an overview of the themes and story of advent The title page prior to each week gives you the number, the theme, the focus, and the Scripture reference for that week. Each week of Advent, four in all, is laid out in a five-day format. Day One is a stanza from the “Advent” poem that applies to that week. Days Two and Four of each week are written devotional thoughts from someone in the UBC community and reflect on the theme, focus, and/or the Scripture. Day three is an artistic interpretation done by someone here at UBC as well in various drawing styles. The fifth day of each week is the newest addition to this year’s book and gives the opportunity for some creativity on your part. Each Day Five entry includes a prayer focus, the text of an applicable hymn, and an idea for a theme-centric “project,” that highlights the focus for that week. We would love for you to report to us at the church and let us know how you carry out the project possibilities.

The final pages of the advent book include a calendar of events for the season in and around UBC. I am compelled to remind you that the events are not intended to further complicate your busy schedules. They are opportunities to focus on expectation, enjoyment, and to engage with Lord of all seasons.

I am intrigued this year with the idea of advent as adventure. The adventurous prophets who step out and declare the word of the Lord in hope that God will indeed come through. The seemingly insignificant adventure of a census in the small town of Bethlehem and thinking about peace in that or any part of the world then and now. The joyous adventure of marginalized shepherds seeing God’s promise in the flesh and enthusiastically telling any one who will or will not listen. The ongoing, unwinding adventure of taking in and giving out the proclamation of love wrapped up in the incarnation of Jesus. As you read I want you to jump in with both feet expecting God to reveal himself this year and sharing that with the world around you.

- Justin Dunn Pastor, UBC Shawnee