Almost Christmas
A Wesleyan Advent Experience
Published September 2019
Make your Wesleyan heritage a part of your Christmas.
In 1741, John Wesley preached his famous sermon titled “The Almost Christian” in which he encouraged people to follow Christ wholeheartedly. We should not be satisfied with being almost Christian but rather strive towards being altogether a Christian.In Almost Christmas: A Wesleyan Advent Experience, author and pastor Magrey deVega leads a group of authors to explore how we can make the same commitment to Christ during Advent, connecting our Wesleyan heritage with the traditional Advent themes of Love, Hope, Joy, and Peace.
In this book, perfect for Advent, deVega and the other authors break down the barriers that prevent us from experiencing an “altogether” love, hope, joy, and peace in Christ in our lives and in the world around us. They demonstrate the promises God offers to us that makes those longings a reality, inviting us to claim those promises for ourselves this Advent and celebrate an altogether Christmas.
Chapters include:
Altogether Love
Altogether Hope
Altogether Joy
Altogether Peace
Additional components for a four-week study include a DVD featuring Magrey deVega and the other writers and a comprehensive Leader Guide, as well as nativity hymns by Charles Wesley, litanies for lighting the Advent wreath, and prayers that can be incorporated into both worship and small group settings. A daily devotional and a youth study book are also available.
Videos
About the Authors
Magrey deVega
Magrey R. deVega is the Senior Pastor at Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida. He is the author of over a dozen books, including Questions Jesus Asked, The Christmas Letters, The Bible Year, Savior, Hope for Hard Times, Almost Christmas, and One Faithful Promise. He is also a contributor to numerous publications on preaching, worship design, and the spiritual life. He is the proud father of two daughters, Grace and Madelyn.
Matt Rawle
Matt Rawle is a dynamic pastor, author, speaker, and futurist who masterfully explores the intersection of faith and contemporary culture. Matt is the author of The Final Days, The Heart that Grew Three Sizes, and The Grace of Les Misérables.
Currently serving as lead pastor of St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Metairie, Louisiana, and Carrollton United Methodist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana, Matt continues to inspire communities to discover the profound way that spirituality intersects with culture, creativity, and everyday life.
April Casperson
April Casperson is Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church. She is an ordained deacon passionate about diversity and inclusion, vocational discernment, and the organizations and systems that recruit, educate, and equip leaders for thoughtful, intentional ministry. Rev. Casperson previously served as Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Methodist Theological School in Ohio. She enjoys science fiction literature, Law & Order, and good food with family and friends.