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You're Invited
to Join Us in
Celebrate Jesus - The Light of
The World
Our journey will begin with daily
scripture readings that tell the Christmas story starting 4 Sundays before
Christmas
 and leading up to Christmas day. Most people call this
Advent. We are not anticipating the advent of Christ's birth; as that
happened 2000 years ago. We are celebrating the advent of Christ's
birth; but also eagerly anticipating His Second Advent. The word
advent means "coming" or "arrival." We will be doing most of the
Scripture readings from "The Message" which is a contemporary paraphrase of
the Bible. In addition to the scripture reading each day; we complete
a craft or activity and sing a new song each day. As we approach
Christmas, we are spending some time each day reading our many Christmas
picture books and various Children's Bibles that tell the Christmas story in
different ways; and using our
Christmas Coloring
Pages. The children are always very excited to use our
magnetic nativity scene
(shown at right) with
25 little drawers containing figures from the nativity. Each night
starting December 1st, we
will open one of these drawers and place the figure; culminating on
Christmas day with baby Jesus. Another favorite tradition is playing
with our
Children's Nativity Set s;
which only come out of the box in
December. Listen to the Christmas songs and the hymns free here: Cyberhymnal.
This new (to me) site includes lyrics! (Thanks Martha!) Songs not
included are One Small Child, and O Come Let Us Adore Him.
Won't you join us?
- November 27, 2005 -
First Sunday of Advent, A Call to
Worship and Celebration!
- Scripture:
Isaiah 9:2-6
- Song: O Come
All Ye Faithful
- Activity:
Light of the World:
Collect one container for each family member to hold darkness,
and one light for each family member. (flashlight, candle,
lamp, etc.) Instruct each member of the family to hold
their can of "darkness" and their light. Then turn out all
lights in the house. Ask everyone to "walk in darkness."
for a bit. One by one, turn on the lights held by each
person. Talk about the problems of darkness. How
much help was your can of darkness? What help was your
light? How much darkness does it take to overcome the
light? How much light does it take to overcome the light?
What can we do to reflect Jesus light to others?
- November 28, 2005 -
The Creator Of Man
- Scripture:
Genesis 1:26-31
- Song: All
Creatures Of Our God and King
- Activity:
Start
your children working on their own Christmas scrapbook.
Since we were made in the image of our creator, we are creative
beings and should use our creativity to bring God glory.
If you have a digital camera, take pages of each day's craft
during this advent journey. Print the pictures and allow
your children creative license throughout the month to complete
a scrapbook. Supplies can be inexpensive. Check out
the clearance aisle at Michaels and get ideas for inexpensive
ways to scrapbook on-line.
(I was able to find a small Christmas-themed scrapbook with
pre-designed pages and paper already included for $5 a month or
so ago. Something like that would make this accessible
even for a little one.)
-
Simple
Treat:
Roast Pecans -
Place 1 C of pecan halves into a glass pie plate.
Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir. Cook on high
for 2 more minutes. Let rest 2 minutes, then have a grown
up taste them. If a more roasted flavor is preferred, cook
one more minute. Sprinkle on salt or sugar if desired.
- November 29, 2005 -
The Fall of Man
- Scripture: Genesis
3:1-15
- Song: Jesus
Loves Me
- Activity:
Star Ornaments. To
make an ornament like the one
 here,
wrap one end of a 3-foot length of 18-gauge gold-colored craft
wire around a pencil to form a hanging loop. With the loop at
the top of a star cookie cutter, press the wire twice around the
perimeter of the cookie cutter to form a star shape, twisting it
around the hanging loop and using wire cutters (a parent's job)
to snip off any excess. Remove the cutter. Now your child
can complete the ornament by wrapping the wire outline with
lengths of 20-to 24-gauge colored lightweight wire, securing the
ends in place by wrapping them around the cookie cutter outline.
Finally, tie with ribbon. Save the cookie cutter for
later crafts. These make adorable, useable Christmas
gifts.
- November 30, 2005 - Promises of Redemption
- Scripture:
Psalm 89:1-4
- Song: What
Child Is This?
-
Activity: Prayer
Chain Count Down to Christmas. Have
your child cut out 25 strips of red and green construction paper.
On each strip have them write the name of a person or group they
would like to pray for. (You write for younger children...)
Help the child staple or glue the strips into a chain, alternating
colors. The last day can be a prayer of Thankfulness to Jesus
for coming into this world as our Saviour.
- December 1, 2005 - A Prophet Will Come
- Scripture:
Deuteronomy 18:15-19
- Song: The Light
of the World Is Jesus
- Activity: Cinnamon
Ornaments Mix 1 cup cinnamon and 1 cup
applesauce with 1 Tablespoon of white glue. You want a consistency
that can be rolled with a rolling pin but not quite as sticky or it
will stick to your counter! Sprinkle counter with cinnamon and roll
out dough and cut with cookie cutters. Cut a hole in shape with the
straw so you will be able to hang them. Let dry about 24 hours. They
shrink as they dry. Cut lengths of gold thread, make loops and hang.
they will keep their scent for a few years. Refresh scent with
cinnamon fragrance oil.
- December 2, 2005 - A Virgin With Child
- Scripture:
Isaiah 7:10-14
- Song:
Silent
Night, Holy Night
- Activity:
Little
Stars
Have your children cut two stars out of different colored construction paper,
one larger than the other. In the smaller star, cut a hole in the
center large enough for the face of the photo to show through. Trim
the photo to the correct size and glue the smaller star on top of
the photo, then glue the smaller star on top of the larger star.
This creates a border effect. Add a hole at the top, and tie a loop
of ribbon to make a hanger. Children can help glue, decorate with
glitter, etc. Write "I can reflect God's light to the world."
on the star.
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Alternative
Star Ornament: This Pointy star is made by collecting
gumballs out of your yard (or someone elses) and glueing in
toothpicks of varying lengths, then spray painting with metallic
spraypaint. How to descriptions are found at the
link.
-
- December 3, 2005 - A Righteous Judge
- Scripture:
Isaiah 11:1-10
- Song: As With
Gladness, Men of Old
-
Activity: Make Christmas Cards for Family and Friends
You will need 1/2 sheet of Dark Green, Red, or Burgundy cardstock
per card, Silver or Gold Washable Glitter Paint or White or Off-white tempera paint, 1 (or more) star cookie
cutters, 1 small disposable pie tin or other container larger than cookie cutter, and one
Christmas message (see note at the end) printed 4 to a page on white
or off-white paper, one paper cutter, 1 invitation size envelope per
card (see note at the end for link.) Cut apart Christmas messages
and trim edges about 1/8 inch all around with a paper cutter. Fold
all the cardstock in half. Put the paint in the pie tin. Have your
children dip the cookie cutter star into the paint and then press it
onto the front of each card one or more times. A
container that is only just slightly wider than the cutter, filled
at least halfway with paint works best. After the cards are dry, come back and glue the
Christmas message to the inside of the card, stuff envelopes, and
mail. {Experiment with the first card to get the look you
want; and then repeat that with each subsequent card. You can allow
the children to make multiple imprints or just one, place the star
on either side if you have older children; etc...)These will fit in the invitation size envelopes available in
bulk at your local
office supply store. A possible Christmas message might
read: "May the light of His grace shine upon you during this
Christmas season. Merry Christmas! The _________
Family. Be generous with the amount of paint in your container
as the deeper the cutter will "dip" in the better the impression
will be. Smaller cutters often create a bubble effect that
fills the center of the shape on your card. Larger cutters
will present an outline.}
- December 4, 2005- The Second Sunday of Advent, The
Birth Of Christ
-
Scripture:
Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-7
-
Song:
O Little Town of Bethlehem
- Activity:
Illustrate The
Nativity.
Draw
a picture to illustrate the birth of Jesus and share your pictures
with each other. Make available pencils, crayons, markers,
water colors, and colored pencils. Tell us the story in your picture; and why
you chose to complete it the way you did.
- December 5, 2005 - A Savior and Deliverer
- Scripture:
Isaiah 19:19-25
- Song: Come Thou
Long Expected Jesus
- Activity: Angel
Tree Gifts: Choose and
Buy Angel Tree gifts, or another local Christmas charity. Drop
off at appropriate location.
- Simple Treat: Sweet and
Salty Snack Mix - Purchase one bag of microwave popcorn, and
purchase one bag of green and red m&m's, and one bag of white
chocolate chips. Pop popcorn and place in large mixing
bowl. Melt chocolate chips 10-15 seconds at a time in the
microwave; stirring between each time. (They do not
lose their shape when mostly melted unless they are stirred.)
When they are melted, stir into the bowl of popcorn. Add
m&m's and stir again. Dry on wax paper. Serve!
- December 6, 2005 - The Sovereign Lord Comes
- Scripture:
Isaiah 40:9-11
- Song: Joy To
The World
- Activity:
Sing Christmas Carols.
Need a carol book? Try one of these:
Big Book of
Christmas Songs
- December 7, 2005 - Behold My Chosen One
- Scripture:
Isaiah 42:1-4
- Song: O Come
Let Us Adore Him
- Activity: Caroling
Friends: Make these cute carolers. You
will need
1 toilet paper tube, and 1
paper towel roll
 cut into two different lengths. You will
need 3 baby socks or child's socks. You will need paint,
construction paper, a black marker, a pink marker, and sheet
music. Click on the picture and view the more detailed directions!
December 8, 2005 - A Servant Brings Salvation
- Scripture:
Isaiah 49:1-7
- Song: One Day by
Charles H. Marsh
- Activity:
Caroling at the local Nursing
Home
- December 9, 2005 - A Man of Sorrows
- Scripture:
Isaiah 53:1-12
- Song: Tell Me the
Story of Jesus
- Activity: Beaded Wreath
Ornaments: Thread 3 or 4 green beads, and then 1 red bead
onto the pipe cleaner. Repeat this until most of the pipe cleaner is
covered. Form the beaded pipe cleaner into a circle, and then twist
the ends of the pipe cleaner together to close. Add a loop of string
on to hang as an ornament on your tree! Talk about how wreaths
represent God's love and gift of eternal salvation through Jesus
Christ; because they never end.
- December 10, 2005 - God's Spirit is Upon Him
- Scripture:
Isaiah 61:1-3
- Song: Fairest
Lord Jesus
- Activity:
Christmas Play - Plan and rehearse a Christmas play to be
presented to your family on Christmas day. Come up with
simple costumes and props using things you have around the
house. Make sure everyone is happy with their role now; so
that you will have no tears on Christmas day.
- December 11, 2005 - Third Sunday of Advent, The Shepherds
and the Angels
December 12, 2005 - A Righteous Branch
- Scripture:
Jeremiah 23:5-6
- Song: O Come All Ye
Faithful
- Activity:
Polish Star Ornaments: Cut
out a 4-inch cardboard circle. Using the cardboard as a
template, trace and cut out 14 foil-paper circles. Fold one
circle in half, i
 n
half again and in half once more. Unfold the circle and place it
on a stack of as many circles
as you can cut through. Cut along the fold lines, stopping about
1/2 inch from the center. Repeat until all the circles are cut.
Form the eight segments of each circle into points by wrapping
each one around the sharpened end of a pencil, as shown, and
securing it with a dab of glue. Thread a needle with an 18-inch
length of thread, and knot one end. Insert it through the
centers of the circles -- from the foil side of the first seven
and the wrong side of the rest. Gently pull on the thread,
bunching the circles into a ball. Tie a knot, then form a
hanging loop from the extra thread.
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Simple Treat: Festive Sugar Cookies. Purchase
one or two bags of Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix in the bags
and some red and green sugar. Mix according to package
directions. (So Easy!) Roll into one inch balls. Dip
in half green and half red sugar; making sure the sugar halves
meet. Bake according to package directions. If you
like soft cookies, be sure to take them out at the early end of
the recommended time! If you prefer, this mix also makes
great Snickerdoodles when dipped in a mix of cinnamon and
sugar; and can be used for any cookie recipe that calls for a
sugar cookie base!
- December 13, 2005 - . A Ruler Over Israel
- Scripture:
Micah 5:2-4
- Song: Be Thou
My Vision
- Activity:
Bookmarks:
 Cut an old Christmas card to
create a book mark design. Cut a piece of construction paper and
glue to back of card. Have each child write a verse on the
construction paper side back of bookmark. Punch hole at top and tie
ribbon.
- December 14, 2005 - Your King Is Coming
- Scripture:
Zechariah 9:9-10
- Song: A Child
of the King
- Activity:
Glue Ornaments:
Cut a sheet of wax
paper. Make a star with
 the glue on the wax paper. Then sprinkle it
with glitter. Let it dry on the wax paper for two days, then peel it
off and put a ribbon through it and tie a bow. Now you have a simple
decoration for the tree.
December 15, 2005 -The Messenger is Sent
- Scripture: Malachi
3:1-6
- Song: Go Tell It On
The Mountain
- Activity:
Sharing God's Gift: (Choose one or more:)
1. Take star-shaped Christmas cookies and tracts to
neighbors or Christmas cards with a gospel message to neighbors.
2. Make Christmas cards that glorify God together for
teachers, neighbors and friends who do not know Jesus and mail
them. 3. Sing carols in your neighborhood. 4.
Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or shelter as a family.
5. Purchase Christmas foods for needy families and deliver them
to your local food cupboard.
- December 16, 2005 - The Birth of John is Foretold
- Scripture:
Luke 1:1-25
- Song: One Small Child
In A Land of a Thousand
- Activity: Birthday Gifts for Jesus Put lid on shoebox or close cracker
box and place slit opening on top. Have each child wrap box and
secure with tape (younger children will need help) or decorate box
with materials of childs choosing. Adult should cut slit in top of
box after wrapped and decorated. Explain to children that this
is the box for Jesus's birthday gift. Each time they do something
that Jesus would like, ask them to write it on a slip of paper or
have an adult write it out (ex- sharing a favorite toy with a
sibling, helping Mom..., etc). Tell them that this box should be
opened 1st on Christmas morning and that all of the wonderful things
that they did for Jesus should be read.
- December 17, 2005 - The Announcement to Mary
- Scripture: Luke
1:26-38
- Song: Angels
From the Realms of Glory
- Activity:
Christmas Tree
Poster: Trace the children's handprints onto green
construction paper. Cut out and glue (palm section) to a poster board
in the shape of a Christmas tree. (fingers facing down) Next, curl
the fingers out a little to make it 3-D. Then, decorate with various
shapes (stars, circles, bells, etc.) cut from construction paper. I
plan to cut stars and write each child's name on one. Add a star to
the top and your tree is complete!
- December 18, 2005 - Fourth Sunday of Advent, The Visit of
the Magi
- Scripture:
Matthew 2:1-12
- Song: We Three Kings
- Activity:
Paper
Stars.
Instructions for folding paper
to make these lovely
stars are to complex
to list here.
Follow the link in red to complete this
 project, and hang the
finished product on your tree, from your ceiling or around your
home.
- December 19, 2005 - Elizabeth and Mary
- Scripture: Luke
1:39-56
- Song: Angels We
Have Heard On High
- Activity: Cookies:
Bake
Christmas Candy or Cookies according to your family traditions.
- Simple Treat: Christmas
Drink:
Fix non-alcoholic Egg Nog, Mulled Cider, or
special Flavored Hot Chocolate according to package directions.
- December 20, 2005 - The Birth of Jesus
- Scripture: Luke
2:1-20
- Song: It
Came Upon A Midnight Clear
- Activity: Live
Nativity: Find A Live Nativity in your area and attend
as a family.
- December 21, 2005 -
Prepare for God's Arrival
- Scripture:
Isaiah 40:1-5
- Song: There's A
Song In The Air
- Activity: Getting
Ready: This activity is perfect to go with today's
scripture. (Prepare ye the way of the Lord..., make
stright your paths...) Clean your home together so that you
are ready to enjoy Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Emphasize the ancient tradition of cleaning your home to make
sure it is ready for Christ. Discuss spiritual purity and
cleaning out our hearts with God's help. A clean home can
symbolize a clean heart.
- December 22, 2005 -
Beautiful Feet Bring the Good News
- Scripture:
Isaiah 52:7-10
- Song: While
Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night
- Activity:
Christmas Card Placemats: Use old Christmas Cards or
wrapping paper to create a collage place mat. Cut and glue
the cards on construction paper, and laminate using clear
contact paper. (Cut the contact paper slightly larger then
the construction paper, split the corners at an angle, and fold
under. Add a second, smaller piece of contact paper to the
back if desired.)
- December 23, 2005 -
The Word Became Flesh
- Scripture: John
1:1-8
- Song: O Come, O
Come Emmanuel
- Activity:
3-D Nativity Teamwork:
Using
Modeling Clay, work together to build a nativity scene--including
the manger, the people and the animals. As the whole family
becomes immersed in the construction details, what a scene you all
will create! Take plenty of pictures as the project
progresses. You can place your nativity scene on a cookie
sheet or tray for display.
- December 24, 2005
- Christmas Eve, Celebration of Christ's
Birth
- Scripture: Luke
1:68-69
- Song: Hark The
Herald Angels Sing
- Activity:
Christmas Eve Service: Attend a Christmas Eve service as a family.
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Resources:
Our Favorite
Children's Nativity Set
Christmas Coloring
Pages
Christ In Christmas; A Family Advent Celebration by Navpress
And What About Christmas A Unit Study by Amanda Bennett.
http://www.homeschooled-kids.com/advent.html
http://www.sundayschoolcrafts.com/sscideas.nsf/crafts
Family Fun magazine
Teaching
Home Advent Page |
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