Explore the 2026 Advent Worship Series

As Advent dawns, a radiant promise breaks into the darkness: “Arise, shine, for your light has come” (Isaiah 60:1 ESV). Drawing on Isaiah 60 and the beloved hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” this series invites us to behold the glory of the Lord shining through the humble birth of Christ. In Bethlehem’s quiet streets and Zion’s radiant hope, God’s ancient promise comes alive: Immanuel has come to dwell with us.

This all-inclusive preaching and worship series features sermons and sermon notes, Bible studies, children’s messages, a children’s Christmas service, and more. Additionally, families can have devotional time together with a daily adult devotional and a new children’s Arch® Book. Wrap it all together with custom bulletins for your congregation to enjoy during midweek services.

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Weekly Themes

Explore four midweek sermon themes, starting with the first week of Advent and concluding on Christmas Day.

Week 1

A Street Called Light

The darkness of this world is real, but it is not the final word. Drawing on Isaiah 60 and “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” this message celebrates the everlasting light of Christ, who conquers even death itself and calls us into His glorious light.

Isaiah 60:1–3

Week 2

A Street Called Beautiful

In a world marred by sin and its consequences, Christ’s redeeming work shines all the brighter. This message explores how Jesus meets us in our brokenness and renews us through His life-giving presence.

Isaiah 60:4–9

Week 3

A Street Called Impossible

Life often confronts us with problems we cannot solve and burdens we cannot carry alone. This message explores how Christ meets us in the midst of the impossible, bringing lasting peace and the sure hope of His resurrection.

Isaiah 60:15–18

The Nativity of Our Lord

A Street Called Forever

What lasts forever in a changing world? Not our circumstances, but the presence of Christ. Through His coming into our world and His victory over the grave, Jesus offers a hope that endures beyond every trial and every loss.

Isaiah 60:19–22

Advent Series Materials

Preaching and Worship Resources

R. Reed Lessing

Plan your midweek worship series easily with premade sermons, sermon notes, Bible studies, children’s messages, and a children’s Christmas service.

$44.99

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Daily Devotions

R. Reed Lessing

Offer the adults in your congregation their own daily devotions with these booklets. They cover December 1 through January 7.

$3.49

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Bulletins

This pack of 100 bulletins brings your worship service together. The inside is blank for you to customize, while the outside corresponds with your midweek services.

$8.99

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Children’s Book

R. Reed Lessing

Share the joy of baby Jesus’ birth with this brand new Arch Book. The inside features bright imagery and easy-to-read language.

$4.25

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Christmas Ornament (Pack of 12)

Celebrate Christ’s birth with a beautifully detailed wooden nativity ornament for gifting or display.

$11.99

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About the Sermon Series Author

Dr. R. Reed Lessing is the Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies at Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. He also serves as the university’s director for the Center of Biblical Studies and oversees the university’s pre-seminary program. Previously he was senior pastor at Saint Michael Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and before that, professor of exegetical theology and director of the graduate school at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. He was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and received the BA in pre-seminary studies from St. John’s College, Winfield, Kansas, in 1981. He earned his MDiv (1985), STM (1989), and PhD (2001) degrees from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. He was ordained into the office of the holy ministry on June 29, 1986. From 1986 to 1999, he served pastorates in West Monroe, Louisiana, and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.