Over on the Sonlight Home for the Holidays Forum, people are busy discussing favorite cookie recipes, homemade Christmas ornaments, turkey cooking tips, and Advent activities. I love hearing ideas for celebrating Advent ... it wasn't something that I grew up doing, so I always felt somewhat behind the curve as I attempted to be creative with the days leading up to Christmas with our children.
Advent means coming. John Piper defines it this way ... For four weeks, it’s as if we’re re-enacting, remembering the thousands of years God’s people were anticipating and longing for the coming of God’s salvation, for Jesus. I think Advent can also be described as anticipating. What do you (and your children) anticipate during this season? We probably all anticipate time together with family, yummy things to eat, presents under a tree. But do we recognize what should be the real reason for our anticipation?
Here are some wonderful Advent suggestions from the forums ... and a couple that some friends have shared with me. Perhaps you'll find some creative ideas here for your own Advent "anticipation"!
Wycliffe's Advent Christmas Countdown - Using Christmas Scripture readings from the book of Luke, stories of Bible translation around the world, prayers, and crafts, children grades K–6 will count down the days until Christmas in a meaningful way that we believe will impact adults as well. This material, presented in a series of daily readings and activities, can be completed one day at a time, from December 1–25.
A Jesus Advent Celebration - from Ann Voskamp and A Holy Experience. A pdf of Jesse Tree ideas.
Let's Go Straight to Bethlehem - Daily Advent Devotional written by Ray Pritchard. Available for Kindle.
Meet Me in the Meadow - a devotional blog by Roy Lessin. Currently focusing on the life and ministry of Jesus, each day of December.
Why Do We Call It Christmas? - 60 minute DVD. Join VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer along with intrepid newsman Buck Denver and all his friends on an amazing journey into the world's most popular holiday! Sure, you know the Christmas story. But do you know the story of Christmas?
Edwardian Advent Calendar - a unique, inexpensive digital gift to send to friends and family. The calendar will transport you to a grand English country house as the staff make the elaborate preparations for Christmas. You can even help with the decorations yourself, while every day there's a delightful little animated story to watch, or a fun new game to play. Explore the magnificent house and gardens, settle down in the Library to read fascinating facts about the period, and enjoy the gorgeous artwork, beautifully observed animation, and atmospheric Christmas music.
Sonlight's Christmas Sale - includes some wonderful Advent-themed items that may complement your family's activities of anticipation!
May you and your family anticipate the coming of Christmas in a way that brings glory to God and honors His Son!
Still on the journey ...
~Judy Wnuk
Sonlight Customer Champion