Description
Advent unfolds during the darkest days of the year. As daylight fades and our calendars fill, Night Watch invites us to pause, step into the quiet and discover that God is present even in the darkness.
Written by Presbyterian Outlook Editor/Publisher Teri McDowell Ott, this daily devotional explores the biblical themes of night, waiting, stars and light. Each day’s reading pairs Scripture with thoughtful reflection and prayer, encouraging readers to embrace Advent as a season of holy attentiveness rather than hurried preparation.
Originally published in 2021 and updated in 2026 to remove calendar-specific dates, Night Watch is designed to be used year after year.
These digital devotions can be emailed to your congregation, printed as a complete booklet or distributed one week at a time. We ask that you do not post the material publicly outside of your congregation (on your website or social media, for instance).
Inside this devotional, you’ll find:
- Daily Scripture readings that guide you through the season of Advent.
- Reflections exploring themes of darkness, beauty, waiting and God’s faithful presence.
- Prayers that invite you to slow down, trust God and prepare your heart for Christ’s coming.
- Four weeks of devotions that can be read individually, with family or in a small group.
Want to see for yourself? Read our sample.
Why choose Night Watch?
We often associate darkness with fear or uncertainty. Scripture tells a richer story. Again and again, God meets people in the night — calling Abram beneath the stars, leading Israel through darkness, speaking in dreams and promising that even the night belongs to God.
Whether you’re reading before sunrise, after the children are asleep or during a quiet moment in the evening, Night Watch offers a peaceful companion for the Advent journey. These reflections invite you to slow down, look up and discover the beauty God reveals in the darkness.
Product details
Format: Digital download (PDF)
Originally published: 2021
Updated: 2026 with calendar-neutral language for year-after-year use
Sample
Curious about the devotional? Read our sample.
Digital devotions — What do I get when I order?
You are purchasing a digital copy of this devotional.
Your purchase includes:
- A complete devotional in regular print (PDF)
- A complete devotional in large print (PDF)
- Individual weekly PDFs in regular print
- Individual weekly PDFs in large print
The weekly files make it easy to email each week’s devotions to your congregation, include them in church communications or print only what you need. The complete files are ideal for creating booklets or reading on a tablet or computer.
We hope Night Watch helps you and your congregation enter Advent with greater wonder, patience and hope as you prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ.
Questions?
Email [email protected] with questions or to inquire about presbytery pricing.
