Advent - Bible Study Book: The Weary World Rejoices

by Lifeway Christian Resources

Experience the Christmas season anew this year by studying Advent, why we celebrate it, and how it fuels our worship of Jesus. Understand the anticipation and waiting the Old Testament world endured, the joy and new life signaled by the coming of Christ, and the way Advent points to the glory of God still to come. (5 sessions)
 
 

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

Published September 4, 2019

About the author

LifeWay Christian Resources is one of the world's largest providers of Christian resources.

Reviews

[Emily Thevenin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tried an advent study/devotional in the past that I couldn't get into. What a refreshing change this one was! I plan on buying a copy for a friend next year for an early Christmas gift. Great words but also great photos and craft ideas. A true gem.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Advent devotional! Highly recommend. It really helped me focus on hope, peace, joy and love this holiday season.
Will definitely do Lifeway Women's future Advent studies.

[Teresa Austin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the fact that this study was rich with scripture references. However, I had no interest in any of the “fluff“ included, such as recipes, crafts, etc. There was enough material for a weekly group study, almost too much.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since my small group takes a break from meeting in busy December, I was excited to find this 5-session Bible study that I can do on my own. But it is also created for group study, if your group continues to meet during Advent.

This Bible study is beautifully laid out, with photos that invite you to slow down and savor the beautiful season. Each week includes an intro essay plus 5 days of brief homework lessons. What makes this study unique is a section of creative ideas for each week. You’ll find a craft or recipe, a portion to help you engage with teens, and another to help you engage with children. This is perfect for busy moms like me, who are looking for easy ways to enjoy the season with intention.

The best part of this study is being able to participate in the online videos in December 2019. You can sign up for the free online study hosted by Lifeway. I’m looking forward to watching the videos to enhance my personal study, though the book is excellent on its own. The online study begins Nov. 29, 2019 and will be up on the website until Dec. 31, 2019.

I purchased my own copy of Advent: The Weary World Rejoices from Lifeway.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad this study was offered by our church women’s ministry this year. I appreciated a study to stay in the Word between regular group sessions and as the busy holiday season occurred. Helpful in understanding the traditional Advent season.

[Gale Penton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great study for Advent.

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Some reviews mention this study being heavy on scripture, but that wasn't my experience. Maybe I simply completed light days. I stopped using this study after several days that seemed heavy on commentary and reflection questions. Some days were pretty light on scripture compared to what I expect from a Bible study, and others directed you to read a good amount of scripture without the questions and commentary really unpacking those verses. Each day is written by a different Bible study teacher, so the rest of the study might have been better. I just didn't feel that it was worth my time to continue.

This didn't impact the rating rating, but one piece of advice I have for anyone considering Lifeway advent studies is to buy them early so you can glance through them before the season actually begins. This particular study had to be started a week before advent if you wanted to finish it before Christmas in a year like 2023, when Christmas is on a Monday. Plus, as some of the other reviews mention, Lifeway's advent studies usually include Christmas crafts, recipes, etc. If you like those kinds of things, you might find it helpful to be able to purchase supplies in advance.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This four week study opened my eyes to the history and meaning to the four weeks of Advent. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, Advent also points us to His second coming. We still long for hope, for peace, and for joy knowing God is with us each day. Each chapter provided Scriptures and a verse from Christmas song "O Holy Night" a memorable reminder. We are reminded that "God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may only be aware of three of them." John Piper. My favorite take-away quote is "A joy-giver is confident in the Lord, content, likes being around positive people, seeks to be obedient to the Lord, enjoy celebrations and rest in the Lord's plan for our life." This will become my goal for 2021.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advent -A Bible Study Book

This book helped me define and understand the 4 parts of the Advent Wreath. A candle is lit (4) for each week during the month of December. The first week, Hope -We look forward to the birth of Jesus. Second: Peace- After all the turmoil in the Old Testament, Jesus is coming and maybe along with him is Peace. Third: Joy- This is for the joy the shepherds had while looking forward to the babe, Jesus. Fourth: Love- This candle expresses the great love God had for us. He sent His son to die for the sins of the people. On Christmas Day, the larger candle in the middle can be lit.
‘Happy Birthday’ can be sang to Jesus.
The book has craft ideas for young children, teens and adults. It’s fun to explain to my grand children.

[Sandi G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very meaty Advent small group study. Included more scripture and material than could possibly be covered in a once a week 2 hour study in 4 or 5 weeks of Advent. The approach leaned more toward the fundamentalist side of theology than I was hoping for. Our group enjoyed it, however.

[Laila Hammes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Advent Study

[Megan Kortze · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study spoke into my life at a time I needed it. A wonderful advent study that is a wonderful reminder of the light in this dreary world.

[Joy Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little study on Advent and attitude. Easy to do...would be great for a small group or a couple of ladies that could discuss via text each day.

[Bonita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Q

[Michelle Wellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good study for anyone waiting for something in her life.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gave me a lot of food for thought through the Advent season, but was probably not the best boom I’ve ever read through Advent.

[Dutchess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a great deal about Advent. Neither my family nor any church I'd been a part of (before this year) celebrated Advent but we will going forward. I especially liked the prompts or ideas on ways to celebrate beyond lighting a candle, and that one was given for each age group.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great study for Advent!