Friday, December 2, 2011

Advent (Dec. 3, Day 7)...

Symbol: The Manger Scene

Bible verse: Luke 2:6-7
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a
son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in
the inn.


Discuss: Talk about how supposably St. Francis of Assisi had such a great desire to have been present at the birth of Christ, that he recreated the scene. Also talk about why you think Jesus was born in a stable.

Our activities: Put out the nativity set.

Other possible activities:
Resources:
Blessed Christmas study Day 17

Advent 2011 (Day 6, Dec. 2nd)...

Symbol: Angels
Bible Verse: Hebrews 13:1-2
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a
son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in
the inn.
Discuss: The angels were the first to announce the birth of the Christ child; how might we be used to be the first to introduce Christ to someone.


Our activities: Put up an angel as a reminder to share Jesus with others. Also go to see the Christmas parade downtown.

Other possible activities:

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Advent 2011 (Day 5, Dec. 1st)...

Symbol: Wreath

Bible verse: John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall
not perish but have eternal life."

Discuss: God's eternal love and faithfulness. Also discuss how with God there is no beginning or end.

Our activities: Put up our wreaths.

Homeschool activities: Learn the geometry of circles





Other possible activities:
  • If you have a preschooler use the circle to teach shapes, the numeral zero. Plus practice writing the "o"
    letter and learn it's sounds.You can also go on a "O" scavenger hunt.
  • Make pretzel wreaths from the Blessed Christmas Study Day 9.
  • Print off one of the many online coloring pages of a wreath.
  • Get discarded limbs from Christmas lots and make wreathes for someone who needs a little extra love.
  • Make a popcorn wreath.
  • Make any of these cute wreath crafts.
  • Read Follow the Star devotional.
  • If your just getting started here is some countdown ideas from an older post of mine.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Advent 2011 (Day 4, Nov. 30th)...

Symbol: Chi Rho cross (X-mas)

Bible Verse: (Luke 1:30-33) But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

Discuss: Why would people want to take Christ out of Christmas? How can our family be sure
to keep Christ in all the celebrations?

Our actvities: Learn about the Chi Rho cross. Make and decorate a Chi Rho cross for the mantle or Christmas tree.

Homeschool activities: Learn to write/say the Greek alphabet and learn about how people in Greece celebrate Christmas here and here.

Resources:
Blessed Christmas Study Day 13
Follow the Star devotional