SAMPLE: To preview, download a free sample of our From the Manger resources here. Hunger is a universal human experience, reminding us of our need for nourishment—both physically and spiritually. Jesus, the one who came to feed the hungry, offers hope, peace, joy, and love that sustains us. His story begins, ends, and revolves around food, making it a powerful symbol for our journey through Advent. In From the Manger, we reflect on the playful symbolism of Jesus being laid in a feeding trough in Bethlehem, the “House of Bread.” While starting Advent with Jesus’ birth may feel unconventional, we hope this liturgical dissonance invites deeper reflection on how Jesus’ life nourishes our souls and how he continues to feed a hungry world today. Each week features a different scripture and theme: Advent One: Hope Grows (Luke 2:1–7) Advent Two: Peace Grows (Luke 2:8–16) Advent Three: Joy Grows (Luke 2:8–20) Advent Four: Love Grows (Luke 2:25–35) Christmas: Good News Has Come (Luke 2:10–12) The From the Manger Advent Bundle is a comprehensive collection of resources designed to inspire, empower, and nourish your entire congregation or family this Advent season. Each product works seamlessly together but can also stand alone, offering a fully flexible, immersive experience. Additional theme details can be found here or in the section below. Advent Bundle Options Whether you’re looking for materials to engage families at home or resources for your entire congregation, our Advent Bundles provide everything you need to make this Advent season memorable, meaningful, and easy to plan. Everything Bundle Ready to fully embrace the From the Manger theme? This bundle includes all the resources you need to create an integrated, impactful Advent experience for your congregation and families. Includes everything from the Advent at Church and Advent at Home bundles. Save 25% when you purchase the Everything Bundle. Advent at Church Bundle Engage all ages in your congregation with this rich collection of worship, teaching, and creative resources. Perfect for use in services, Sunday school, youth groups, and intergenerational gatherings. With the Advent at Church Bundle, you’ll get the following products: From the Manger Advent Hymn From the Manger Liturgy & Commentary From the Manger Interactive Worship Bulletins From the Manger Children’s Moments From the Manger Children’s Curriculum From the Manger Youth & Intergenerational Curriculum From the Manger Coloring Page & Poster Save 20% when you purchase the Advent at Church Bundle. Advent at Home Bundle Ideal for those focusing on resources to send home with families and congregants. With the Advent at Home Bundle, you’ll get the following products: From the Manger Advent for Families From the Manger Advent Devotional From the Manger Advent Calendar Bonus: From the Manger Coloring Page Save 20% when you purchase the Advent at Home Bundle. ‼️ Mini Bundle (New addition) Ideal for solo pastors or particularly small churches, the Mini Bundle gives you a few items from both the Advent at Home and Advent at Church Bundles. With the Mini Bundle, you'll get the following products: From the Manger Advent Hymn From the Manger Liturgy & Commentary From the Manger Advent Devotional From the Manger Children’s Curriculum From the Manger Advent Calendar Save 20% when you purchase the Mini Bundle. Make this Advent season unforgettable with From the Manger. Choose the bundle that fits your needs, and start inspiring your community today! What You Will Receive After your purchase, you’ll receive a link to download a ZIP folder containing your files, including a Media Kit with social media images, slides, and other graphics you can use to promote your Advent programming. Each of the products will be in its own folder. Ensure you can open ZIP files on your device. For the best experience, we recommend downloading on a computer. Please refer to the information included in the files on best practices for sharing our products with your community. Overview of Session Themes Advent Week 1: Hope—Luke 2:1–7 When Jesus was born, he was placed in a feeding trough in Bethlehem, the “House of Bread.” Amy-Jill Levine reminds us that the manger connects not only to the Last Supper but to all moments where Jesus shares meals. Jesus begins his ministry by feeding the hungry and understanding their needs. Without food, hope withers. On this First Advent Sunday, hope grows from the manger, symbolizing that where Jesus is, hope is found. May we find hope easily this season. Advent Week 2: Peace—Luke 2:8–16 At Jesus’ birth, angels declared peace on earth, knowing people longed for it. Without peace, justice and love are impossible. In our turbulent world, peace is more essential than ever. On this Second Advent Sunday, peace grows from the manger. As Jesus grew, he spread peace, greeting others with, “Peace be with you,” and urging his followers to do the same. May we seek, declare, and create peace. Advent Week 3: Joy—Luke 2:8–20 Advent stirs our hunger for joy, leading us to reflect on our blessings. The shepherds, filled with joy after meeting Jesus, spread it to all they met. Like Zacchaeus, we are moved to share this joy. Joy inspires us to care for our families and communities. On this Third Advent Sunday, joy grows from the manger, touching Mary, Joseph, and even the animals. May we feel this joy too. Advent Week 4: Love—Luke 2:25–35 When Simeon saw baby Jesus, he recognized God’s fulfilled promises. God’s love, embodied in Jesus, reflects the connection within the Trinity, which we also seek. Jesus, filled with love and compassion, taught people to love one another. On this Fourth Advent Sunday, love grows from the manger. As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, may God’s love for others grow within us. Christmas—Luke 2:10–12 Jesus is born! Hope, peace, joy, and love spring forth from the manger, growing as Jesus grew. He lived by feeding, healing, freeing, and comforting others. This Christmas, we are called to join him in these acts, sharing this great news with those around us. May this message of hope and love guide us throughout the year.
