I stink at celebrating Advent with my kids. At our home overseas, we have 3 things that we do to count down to Christmas. All three are numbered 1-25 and intended to be enjoyed on Dec. 1-25. Even though we start the day after Thanksgiving to give us a little wiggle room, we don't usually finish most of them by Dec. 25.
1. We have a "Rejoice Banner" that I made before I had any kids. (Thanks Anne Marie!) It's made of felt and doesn't require a lot of time each day. Basically, we have 25 pieces that come together to create a nativity scene. Day one, we put up a stable. Then there are trees, animals, angles, a star, and finally Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. My kids love it! They were actually disappointed that I didn't bring it back to the States with us. Every year, we do get all the pieces up on the banner -- even if that means I let my kids arrange after Christmas, before I put it away.
2. Jesse Tree. I love the idea of a Jesse Tree. It traces Christ from the creation to the resurrection. There's an ornament to represent the Scripture reading for the day. My kids love the Jesse Tree, too. They think it's fun to look at the ornaments hanging on our little tree and re-tell the Bible store that goes with it. The only problem is that it takes time. In the version we have, the Scripture reading is often a chapter or two. That's fine for one night, but when we get behind, I feel overwhelmed by trying to conquer 3 or 4 in one evening. Then, it becomes rushed, and stressed, not sweet and worshipful. Last year, I just decided we'd do one or two a nights that we were home, and see how far we got. It was definitely less stressful, and we got further than ever before - maybe day 18.
3. The "Door Bible." It's an advent book with the Christmas story hidden behind a door on each page. Up until 2011, the Door Bible was our favorite Christmas activity. Our kids take turns opening each door, and trade off going first each night. And, since this is the one we used in place of famiy devos, we always finish it on time. (if we miss a night or two, it's easy to catch up!) I was given this book when I was pregnant with Savannah, so we've used it every year since she was 1. Unfortunately, it's now $55 on Amazon. If you ever find a cheaper copy, I'd highly recommend it. The pictures are fantastic!
But, this year....My dear friend Krista recommended we read Jotham's Journey.
It was so awesome!!! The only problem we had was drawing it out over 4 weeks. Every time I finished our nightly reading, the kids were begging me to read one more chapter! It was usually Brad who had to insist I stop reading so our kids could go to bed! We all really loved it! It is the story about a 10 year old boy who through a series of events (including meeting Elizabeth and the Wisemen) ends up at the stable when Mary gave birth to Jesus. The author did a great job paralleling the boys life with Israel and building the anticipation for the coming Messiah! I highly recommend this book! The author has has 2 more advent stories about two other children that also end up at the stable the night Christ was born. We haven't read them yet, and I'm not sure we'll be able to wait unit next Christmas!
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