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:

• Make your own nativity scene.
• Visit a living nativity or put on your own for family and friends
• Read the story of Jesus' birth
• Read the Follow the Star devotional.

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:

• Do any of the crafts located on Day 18 of the Blessed Christmas Study.
• Read Follow the Star devotional.

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.

Advent 2011 (Day 3, Nov.29th)...

Symbol: Shepard's staff

Bible Verse: Psalm 23:1-5
1The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures, he
leads me beside quiet waters, 3he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake. 4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Discuss: Jesus as shepard and the symbolism behind the candy cane.


Our activities: Decorate the tree with candy canes and give out candy canes to people you meet today to share the love of Christ.

Homeschool activities: Learn about shepards.

Other possible activities:

• Make peppermint stick marshmallows.

Recipe and picture courtesy of Gordon Gossip blog.

• Make reindeer candy canes.
• Give out candy canes with the story of the candy cane attached.
• Draw and cut out your own candy canes to color.
• Make peppermint stick cocoa
• Make candy cane crafts.
• Study the role of a shepard and how it relates to all of us.
• Read Following the Star devotional.

Resources:
Blessed Christmas study Day 12.

Blog News: Check out the latest additions to the advent activities page.