Signs of Life: An Advent Field Guide
Explore the Resources | Join us in Advent
Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.
— Mark 13:28
This Advent, Communities for Spiritual Vitality invites you to become a spiritual naturalist: someone who looks closely at the world for signs of God’s presence and activity all around us.
Inspired by Jesus’ invitation to learn from the fig tree (Mark 13:28), Signs of Life: An Advent Field Guide offers a simple, meaningful way for individuals and congregations to approach Advent with attentiveness, a spirit of discovery, and hope.
Over four weeks, participants explore four spiritual movements:
WEEK 1: WATCH: Cultivate attentiveness to the signs of life emerging around us.
WEEK 2: MAKE WAY: Recognize obstacles and opportunities, creating space for God’s work.
WEEK 3: RECOGNIZE: Take a second look at familiar people and places, discovering gifts and possibilities that may have gone unnoticed.
WEEK 4: RESPOND: Consider how our own God-given gifts might nurture the life we see.
An invitation to slow down, look again, and discover God’s presence in the ordinary and unexpected.
Explore the Resources
Whether you’re exploring Signs of Life on your own, with a small group, or as an entire congregation, these resources are designed to be flexible and easy to use.
Signs of Life Advent Field Guide Companion
Scripture, reflection questions, and accessible spiritual practices to deepen your Advent journey.
Please note this resource is designed for special paper, so printing
Signs of Life Advent Field Gide
Signs of Life Weekly Prayer Cards
Beautifully illustrated cards introducing four companions for the journey: Francis of Assisi, Julian of Norwich, Elizabeth of Judea, and Mary of Nazareth.
These can be used as bulletin inserts as a resource to share with your congregation throughout Advent.
Join Us During Advent
Sunday Evenings at the Green Mountain Online Abbey
Join us for conversation and worship on Sundays in Advent, beginning at 7p.m. Eastern, followed by Evensong at 8p.m.
Share Your Signs of Life
What are you noticing this Advent? We invite you to share your discoveries, reflections, and signs of hope with others.
Use #SignsofLife on social media and connect with Communities for Spiritual Vitality:
Instagram: @communitiesforsv
Facebook: @communitiesforspiritualvitality
Our hope is not to give you another task, but to nurture a way of seeing that continues long after Advent ends.
Request Printed Copies
The Signs of Life materials are beautifully designed keepsakes. If you or your congregation would like our professionally printed copies, we'd be delighted to send them to you, free of charge. Email our team to let us know what you need.
Printing at Home
You're welcome to download and print these resources yourself. Please note that the materials are designed in custom sizes and may not print as intended on standard 8.5-by-11-inch paper.
Keep looking. There are signs of life everywhere.
Questions? Contact us at communities@spiritualvitality.org