reverse advent

What is Reverse Advent?

A traditional Advent Calendar involves the owner receiving a small gift each day throughout the 24 days of Advent. In contrast, a Reverse Advent Calendar encourages the owner to give a small gift each day during this period. At the end of Advent, the collection of gifts can be donated to the intended recipients. In our case, this will benefit the patrons of the McCordsville United Methodist Church Food Pantry.

It serves as a simple daily reminder that we are sharing God’s greatest love with those around us.

Advent Prayer

Prayer is a beautiful way to help cut away from distractions of the season and open your heart to prepare for the joy and hope of Christ’s birth. Here is a sample prayer to use during the season to focus your heart and mind on the birth of Jesus Christ.

This Advent, Lord, come to the manger of my heart.

Fill me with Your presence from the very start.

As I prepare for the holidays and gifts to be given.

Remind me of the gift You gave when You sent Your Son from Heaven.

The first Christmas gift, it was the greatest gift ever.

You came as a baby born in a manger.

Wrapped like the gifts I find under my tree.

Waiting to be opened, to reveal Your love to me.

Restore to me the wonder that came with Jesus’ birth,

When He left the riches of Heaven and wrapped Himself in rags of earth.

Immanuel, God with us, Your presence came that night.

And angels announced, “ Into your darkness, God brings His Light.”

“Do not be afraid,” they said, to shepherds in the field.

Speak to my heart today, Lord, and help me to yield.

Make me like those shepherd boys, obedient to Your call.

Setting distractions and worries aside, to You I surrender them all.

Surround me with Your presence, Lord, I long to hear Your voice.

Clear my mind of countless concerns and all the holiday noise.

Slow me down this Christmas, let me not be in a rush.

In the midst of parties and planning, I want to feel Your hush.

This Christmas, Jesus, come to the manger of my heart.

Invade my soul like Bethlehem, bringing peace to every part.

Dwell within and around me, as I unwrap Your presence each day.

Keep me close to You, Lord. It’s in Your wonderful Name I pray.

~Renee Swope, “The Manger of My Heart” from Proverbs 31 Ministries

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Reverse Advent Daily List

  • December 1 – Box of Cereal
    Matthew 1:18–20 — “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way.”

  • December 2 – Peanut Butter
    Matthew 1:21–25 — “You shall call his name Jesus.”

  • December 3 – Canned Green Beans
    Matthew 2:1–6 — “For so it is written by the prophet.”

  • December 4 – Canned Corn
    Matthew 2:7–12 — “They rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”

  • December 5 – Macaroni & Cheese
    Matthew 2:13–18 — “Rise, take the child and his mother.”

  • December 6 – Canned Fruit
    Matthew 2:19–23 — “That what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled.”

  • December 7 – Fruit Juice
    Luke 1:26–29 — “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”

  • December 8 – Canned Tuna
    Luke 1:30–34 — “You will conceive… and call his name Jesus.”

  • December 9 – Grape Jelly
    Luke 1:35–37 — “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

  • December 10 – Jar of Applesauce
    Luke 1:38–40 — “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord.”

  • December 11 – Box of Instant Pudding
    Luke 1:41–45 — “Blessed is she who believed.”

  • December 12 – Spaghetti
    Luke 1:46–49 — “My soul magnifies the Lord.”

  • December 13 – Canned Beans
    Luke 1:50–55 — “His mercy is for those who fear him.”

  • December 14 – Box of Crackers
    Luke 1:56–59 — “The Lord had shown great mercy to her.”

  • December 15 – Package of Rice
    Luke 1:60–64 — “His name is John.”

  • December 16 – Box of Instant Oatmeal
    Luke 2:1–4 — “In those days a decree went out.”

  • December 17 – Package of Pasta
    Luke 2:5–7 — “She gave birth to her firstborn son.”

  • December 18 – Spaghetti Sauce
    Luke 2:8–11 — “Fear not… I bring you good news of great joy.”

  • December 19 – Chicken Noodle Soup
    Luke 2:12–14 — “Glory to God in the highest.”

  • December 20 – Tomato Soup
    Luke 2:15–16 — “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing.”

  • December 21 – Canned Carrots
    Luke 2:17–20 — “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God.”

  • December 22 – Canned Mixed Vegetables
    Luke 3:21 — “Heaven was opened.”

  • December 23 – Instant Mashed Potatoes
    Luke 3:22 — “You are my beloved Son.”

  • December 24 – Canned Peas
    Luke 3:23 — “Jesus… began his ministry.”