Advent for Kids: December 10- John is Born

Which two candles are we lighting tonight and what do they symbolize? Yes, the Prophesy candle symbolizing the hope for Jesus that the prophesies brought and the Bethlehem candle symbolizing our humble obedience in His big plans

Do you remember the last two days’ stories? Yes, Gabriel Zechariah that he and his wife would have a baby, but when he didn’t respond with a spirit of humble obedience, he became mute. Then Gabriel told Mary she’d have baby Jesus. When she trusted God, God blessed her. Let’s read what happened next:

When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her. When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John!” “What?” they exclaimed. “There is no one in all your family by that name.” So they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him. He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.” Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God. Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills. Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way. John 1:57-66

Was Zechariah obedient in naming his son? (yes) What happened when he was obedient? Yes, he could speak again and he began praising God and all his friends and neighbors were filled with awe! When we obey God, we sometimes get to be part of his big plans and experience miracles that fill everyone with awe! What miracles have you seen?

Advent for Kids: December 9- Gabriel talks to Mary

Which two candles are we lighting tonight? Yes, the Prophesy and Bethlehem candles. Do you remember what the Prophesy candle symbolizes? Right, hope! What helped the people in the bible to have hope? Yes, the prophesies.  Do you remember what a prophesy is? Yes, an announcement about the future. Good job!

Do you remember what the Bethlehem candle symbolizes? Right, humble preparation. This week we’re talking about humility and obedience.  God uses our obedience in small things to carry out his big plans

Do you remember yesterday’s story? Yes, an angle told Zechariah that he and his wife, Elizabeth, would have a baby! But Zechariah didn’t respond with a spirit of humble obedience, so the angle made Zechariah unable to talk.

A few months later, God also the angle Gabriel to tell Mary that she would soon give birth to baby Jesus, who would save the world from sin, just like God promised. Let’s read about what happened:

 Gabriel appeared to [Mary] and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she’s now in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.” Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. Luke 1:28-38?

A few days later Mary went to visit Elizabeth and Zechariah. Elizabeth told her:

 “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed.  Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? 44 When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. 45 You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” Luke 1:42-45

Just like Zechariah, Elizabeth, and their son John were part of God’s plan to save us from our sins, Mary was also part of the plan. Did Mary respond to Gabriel with humble obedience? (Yes) What happened then? (God blessed her)

Being Obedient to God makes us happy and joyful. What things were you obedient to yesterday? What will you be obedient to today? Doesn’t it feel good to be obedient?

(Optional: Read Mary’s song in John 1:46-55)

Advent for Kids: December 8 – Gabriel talks to Zechariah

(oops, I had a post scheduling problem, here are the next few days!)

Week 2- The Bethlehem Candle

This is the first day of our second week of Advent. This week, we will be lighting the Bethlehem Candle. Each night, light the Prophecy Candle first and then the Bethlehem Candle.

December 8 – Gabriel talks to Zechariah

Tonight we get to light the prophesy candle and the Bethlehem candle.  Just like the prophesy candle symbolizes hope the Bethlehem candle symbolizes humble preparation. This week we’ll talk about humility and obedience as we learn the Christmas story!

Hundreds of years ago, before Jesus was born, Jesus’ mom, Mary, had a relative named Elizabeth. She was married to a priest named Zachariah. They wanted to have kids but were old now. One day when Zechariah was burning incense to God in the Temple sanctuary, the angel Gabriel appeared! Let’s read what happened:

Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John.  You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. … He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. … Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!  But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” Luke 1:12-25

When Zachariah was done serving in the Temple, he went home and soon Elizabeth became pregnant. She was so happy, she said:

“How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.” Luke 1:25

Zecharaiah and Elizabeth’s son, John would be the one to prepare the people for Jesus’ arrival. He was an important part of God’s plan to have Jesus save us all from our sins. Did Zacharaiah respond to God’s angle with humble obedience? (no) What happened then? (He became unable to speak, or mute) How would it feel to be mute?

When we’re humble, we trust that God knows best and obediently follow his plan. When we’re prideful, we think we know best or we think we deserve to know what God’s thinking. God wants us to just DO the things he asks us to do. What has God asked you to do today?

Advent for Kids: December 7 – Jesus Will Come Again

Which candle are we lighting this week and what does it symbolize? Yes, the Prophesy candle symbolizing the hope for Jesus that the prophesies brought!

The Bible tells us Jesus will come back to earth someday, so now we get to anticipation Jesus’ return. Sometimes it’s hard to wait, but Jesus is our source of strength and peace while we wait. He gives us what we need to remain confident that He will come

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.”    Hebrews 10:23 (NLT)

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. ² Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.”           Romans 5:1-2 (NLT)

The Prophecy Candle reminds us that Jesus came into the world because God always keeps his promises. We can expect Jesus to come back to earth someday just like the God says he will in the Bible.

What things do we do while we wait for Jesus to return?

Advent for Kids: December 6- The Messenger

Which candle are we lighting this week and what does it symbolize? Yes, the Prophesy candle symbolizing the hope for Jesus that the prophesies brought!

God had the prophets tell people another detail about the birth of Jesus. He explained how John the Baptist would prepare the way for Jesus. Let’s read those prophesies in the bible:

Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!”           Isaiah 40:3

“Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.            Malachi 3:1

Do we ever prepare for someone’s arrival? What do we do?

Advent for Kids: December 5- When will Jesus be born?

Which candle are we lighting this week and what does it symbolize? Yes, the Prophesy candle symbolizing the hope for Jesus that the prophesies brought!

Did you know that the prophets Daniel and Isaiah were also able to tell people when Jesus would be born? How did they know? That’s right, because God told them. Let’s read those prophesies in the bible:

Now listen and understand! Seven sets of seven plus sixty-two sets of seven will pass from the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem until a ruler - the Anointed One - comes. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and strong defenses, despite the perilous times.     Daniel 9:25

… She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). By the time this child is old enough to choose what is right and reject what is wrong, he will be eating yogurt and honey. For before the child is that old, the lands of the two kings you fear so much will both be deserted.   Isaiah 7:14-16

Do you know what will happen tomorrow? (No) Neither do I!! That’s why prophesy is so amazing! It’s telling the future and only God knows about that.

(Optional: make funny predictions about the future)

Advent for Kids: December 4- How will Jesus be born?

Which candle are we lighting this week and what does it symbolize? Yes, the Prophesy candle symbolizing the hope for Jesus that the prophesies brought!

The prophets told the people several interesting details about Jesus' birth and then it happened just like God said! They said Jesus would born of a virgin and that the 3 kings would come visit. Let’s read those prophesies in the bible:

The western kings of Tarshish and other distant lands will bring him tribute. The eastern kings of Sheba and Seba will bring him gifts.            Psalms 72:10

All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin^[f] will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).       Isaiah 7:14

It’s fun to look through your baby pictures and hear details about how you were born, isn’t it? Wouldn’t it be amazing if someone was able to tell you all about it before it happened and then it happened exactly that way?

(Optional: get out their baby pictures and tell them the story of their own birth)

Advent for Kids: December 3- Who Will Jesus be?

Which candle are we lighting this week? Yes, the Prophesy candle. What does it symbolize? Right, hope! What helped the people in the bible to have hope? Yes, the prophesies.  Do you remember what a prophesy is? Yes, an announcement about the future.

The prophets also gave the people some information about who Jesus’ great great great great great… grandparents would be!  God told the prophets Isaiah and David that Jesus would be of the line of King David and David’s father Jesse.  That meant his many-times-great-grandfathers would be David and Jesse. Let’s read those prophesies in the bible:

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.                 Isaiah 11:1-3

“For the time is coming,” says the Lord, when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. And this will be his name:  The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’ In that day Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety                    Jeremiah 23:5-6

Knowing all these details about who Jesus would be made the people excited about Jesus’ birth!

Do you like hearing stories about your great great grandparents? Wouldn’t it be cool to hear about your great great grandson?

(Optional: tell a few stories about your ancestors)

Advent for Kids: December 2- Where Will Jesus Be Born?

Which candle are we lighting this week? That’s right, the Prophesy candle symbolizing the hope the prophesies gave the people

Let’s read more prophesies about Jesus. The prophet Micah told the people what God had told him: that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. Let’s read that prophesy in the bible:

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past.             Micah 5:2-3

Knowing details about Jesus’ birth made it seem real and made it easier for the people to keep anticipating his birth.

Does knowing details about what we plan on doing for Christmas make it more real to you? Do you like to know our Christmas plans?

(Optional: Talk about your plans for Christmas travel or Christmas day this year)

Advent for Kids: December 1- Anticipation

Week 1- The Prophesy Candle

This is the first day of Advent. This week, each night, light the Prophecy Candle.

December 1- Anticipation

It’s the first week of Advent so we light the first candle. It’s called the Prophesy candle. A Prophesy is an announcement about the future.

There are many prophesies about Jesus in the Bible. Did you know that Jesus is mentioned or alluded to in every book of the Bible? This week, we will be reading some of the amazing prophecies about Jesus. The prophesies allowed the Jewish people to anticipate and hope for Jesus’ arrival even more than we anticipate Christmas! Here are some examples of their anticipation:

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!             Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT)

Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!             Isaiah 40:3 (NLT)

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.                  Psalm 62:5-6 (NLT)

Isn’t it great to know when something wonderful it going to happen? We like to think about good things that will happen. What good thing are you looking forward to?

Advent Calendar Introduction

I've been creating an advent book for my own young kids and thought I might as well post it here. Maybe it will be helpful to you! Let me know if/how you're using it!

Advent Calendar Introduction

The word "Advent" means "arrival" or "coming" and symbolizes the approach of Christ's birth (and fulfillment of the prophecies about that event) and the awaiting of Christ's second coming.

In advent we get to light candles. Candles remind us that Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness but will have the Light of Life.” (John 8:12)

There are 5 candles:

1. Prophesy candle symbolizing hope
2. Bethlehem candle symbolizing humility and preparation
3. Shepherds candle symbolizing joy
4. Angels candle symbolizing peace
5. Christ’s candle symbolizing love

Advent

I never did any kind of advent growing up so the idea is a little new to me. I like it, but without any real traditions to fall back on I've really been making it up as I go:

First, I impulsively bought this adorable 25 boxes advent calendar a few years ago on clearance. I really don't want to put candy or any other kind of gift in it (the kids get enough of that stuff as it is) so I've been looking for a nativity sceen set to go in it ever since. I've been using a make-do one for the last two years but it's mismatched weird. I've been thinking about trying to make something or paint pieces or something!

Second, We had an advent wreath the last two years because our church offered great kits for a suggested donation, but I never kept the cheap foam ring base because it was already disintegrating after a month. So now I'm trying to scrounge around my house and make something into a wreath. Fortunately I kept the candles and I've got a lot of other junk around here.

Third, we've been using a little homemade pamphlet our church handed out in 2009 for a daily devotional to go with advent. Even at 2 years old, NJ understood that he had to sit through it before he was allowed to see what surprise awaited him behind the cute numbered door on the advent calendar. However, the material was way over his head and even now at 4 years old, he's not getting it.  So I've been working on a little advent book with daily devotionals he might understand.

How about you? Help me out here!! What are your advent traditions?

The Thanksgiving Tree

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Looking for a fun quick craft? The instructions for this felt turkey were very straightforward. I did it all with glue, two staples, and two quick hand stitched spots to avoid having to break out the sewing machine. This little gobbler covers a star on a photo holder tree.

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I was looking for a way to incorporate something daily into our November- kinda like an Advent calendar for Thanksgiving- so each day we write a few things we've thankful for on leaves and slide the leaves into the photo holder spots. Tomorrow we start adding some yellow leaves too! I made a little word file with the leaves so all I have to do it print on colored paper. Email me if you'd like the file, I'm happy to pass it along!

How did this all come about???

I recently stopped by a client's house and noticed her Christmas tree was up. I'd LOVE to have mine up but my hubby has this crazy rule about waiting until Thanksgiving is over. So I quickly said, "I love that you have your Christmas tree up!" She sweetly told me it was actually their Thanksgiving tree and on closer inspection I realized that all the decorations were, in fact, fall-ish! The lights were orange and brown, the glass ornaments were fall colored, and under the tree she had a cute little scarecrow and some pumpkins and a fall leaf garland. It was perfect!!!

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I texted a photo to my husband before I left, but he still wasn't sold. We'd been talking about how part of what makes me want to put up the Christmas decorations early is all the wonderful holiday traditions that make it a month long celebration! We started doing an advent calendar a few years ago and we all love it. Each day we read a little devotional and scriptures together and then open a door in the calendar. Each door holds one little piece of a manger scene- baby Jesus comes on Christmas day! The kids really get into it, even if they have a hard time sitting still for the full devotional and it's great family time. I'm hoping this Thanksgiving tree turns into an equally well loved holiday tradition!