Description
Advent finds us in the real, honest moments of our lives — in grief and exhaustion, strained relationships and quiet doubts, hope and longing. Dear Pastor: Advent Letters is an Advent devotional from Presbyterian Outlook that brings those experiences into conversation with the hope of Christ.
Inspired by real pastoral experiences, each “Dear Pastor” letter gives voice to the kinds of questions and struggles people bring to pastors and church leaders. We’ve recruited a variety of pastors and church leaders to respond to these letters, reflecting on the traditional Advent themes of hope, peace, joy and love and what they offer us in the midst of complicated, imperfect lives.
The questions posed in each “Dear Pastor” letter aren’t polished or always “right.” They are honest — and the responses invite readers to consider where Christ meets us in the space between promise and fulfillment, between what has been and what will be.
These digital devotions can be emailed to your congregation, printed as a complete booklet or shared throughout the Advent season. 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:
- “Dear Pastor” letters inspired by the real questions, struggles and experiences people bring to church leaders.
- Pastoral responses from a variety of pastors and church leaders.
- Reflections on hope, peace, joy and love to accompany you through the season of Advent.
- Honest engagement with real life — including grief, exhaustion, conflict, relationships, doubt and longing.
- Christ-centered wisdom that invites you to watch, wait and prepare for Christ to enter our hearts once more.
- Daily verses from Scripture
Why choose Dear Pastor: Advent Letters?
Advent does not ask us to leave the complicated parts of our lives behind.
Dear Pastor begins with the questions we actually carry. Through letters and compassionate pastoral responses, this devotional creates space to reflect on our shared humanness and discover how the hope, peace, joy and love of Advent speak into our everyday lives.
Whether you’re reading on your own, sharing the devotional with your congregation or reflecting together in a small group, Dear Pastor offers an accessible way to prepare for Christ’s coming — not by pretending everything is perfect, but by paying attention to the places where our hearts have been broken open.
Product details
- Format: Digital download (PDF)
- Designed for individual, small-group and congregational use
- Originally published in 2026 but formatted to be used any year (i.e. no specific dates are included in the design)
Sample
Are you curious about the product? Read our sample.
When will I get the devotional?
The devotions will be available for download on November 6. On that day, we distribute the devotional files to all pre-orders via email.
If you order your devotional before November 6, you will receive an email confirmation upon your order and the devotional files in your inbox on November 6.
If you order your devotional after November 6, you will receive all versions of the devotional to your inbox upon your order.
Digital devotions? Do I have to read them on my computer?
You are purchasing a digital copy of this devotional.
We will offer the devotions in multiple forms so that you can use the version that works best for your congregation. Your purchase will include a full .pdf book of devotions and individual files for each week of Advent. You can email the devotions to your congregation, or you can print as many as you need. You have the option to print a half-page or full-page booklet. The full-page booklet has a slightly larger font.
Questions?
Email [email protected] with questions and/or for presbytery pricing.
