Sunday 29 November 2026
First Sunday of Advent
Advent and Christmas Resources
'Don't Be Afraid' is our Advent and Christmas theme for 2026.
Resources include a Worship pack, small group resources, posters and more.
Lighting of Advent candles
Useful hymns (using verses as appropriate).
Advent candles tell their story (StF 165)
‘Christmas is coming!’ The Church is glad to sing (StF 166)
God whose almighty word (StF 106)
Light a candle in a darkened place (StF 174)
Light of the world, you stepped down in darkness (StF 175)
Like a candle flame, flickering small in our darkness (StF 176)
Longing for light, we wait in darkness (“Christ, be our light!”) (StF 706)
Round orange, round orange (StF 184) a Christingle carol
Also see Advent hymns in the hymns section of the resource hub
Isaiah 64:1-9
Day of judgment! Day of wonder! (StF 732)
God of forgiveness, your people you freed (StF 425)
Into the darkness of this world (StF 173)
Lo, He comes with clouds descending (StF 177)
Longing for light, we wait in darkness (StF 706)
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
How long, O Lord, will you forget (StF 630)
Love divine, all loves excelling (StF 503)
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
All my hope on God is founded (StF 455)
Come thou fount of every blessing (StF 494)
O Lord we are always in your presence (StF 33)
Through the love of God our Saviour (StF 639)
We trust the mighty love of God (StF 742)
Mark 13:24-37
A charge to keep I have (StF 658)
And I will wait now (website only)
As servants working an estate (StF 491)
At the name of Jesus (StF 317)
Into the darkness of this world (StF 173)
Light a candle in a darkened place (StF 174)
Stay with me (StF 780)
We do not look for angel choirs (website only)
We pray until the hour (StF 741)
A prayer for the quiet work of reconciliation
God of the hidden way and the open horizon,
gather all that is heavy and all that still holds hope.
When our world fractures and our patience grows thin,
form us in the quiet, faithful work of reconciliation.
Where love is given in service, often unseen,
renew strength and gladness for the journey ahead.
Set our feet again upon your way,
that through loss and longing new life may yet arise,
and a deeper song
begins to rise before the dawn. Amen.
Leslie Newton, former Chair, Yorkshire North and East District
A prayer for protection - Alternative Prayer
O Christ of the dove, grant us the purity of the Spirit. O Christ of the sparrow, grant us the Father’s protection. O Christ of the mother-hen, grant us shelter beneath your wing. Amen.
St Bonaventure (c.1217–1274)