Truth in the Tinsel Roundup

Nothing like a Christmas tummy bug to slow down the business of the season. We ended up doing about half of the Advent activities and had such a fun time. Mostly, I think Jackson realizes that Christmas is a celebration of Jesus' birthday. Next year, we may do the same Advent book again, and try to finish it!

On the 19th Day of Christmas: He Knows My Name

Today's Advent Reading: Luke 2:1-7

5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:5-7

We talked today about why Mary and Joseph were traveling. We also talked about how even though there are lots and lots of people in the world, God knows each and every one of us, and has a plan for us. He knows our name!

I know this Advent expereince that Blake and I decided to do with Jackson was designed for a preschooler, but it is touching my heart in many ways, and has been such a blessing to me this Christmas.

On the Sixth Day of Christmas...

Our elf was hanging out on the bookshelf, and we did not get to do our Advent activity for the day. Jackson had preschool, then lunch, naps, and I had a dental appointment. Jack fell asleep on the way home from my mom's house about 6:00 and did not wake up until this morning. We'll double up today.

On the Fifth Day of Christmas....

Flop was hanging out in the Christmas tree this morning.

Tonight, we read Luke 1:26-38.

37 Nothing is impossible with God."
38 "I serve the Lord," Mary answered. "May it happen to me just as you said it would." Then the angel left her.
Luke 1:37, 38

We talked about the angel, Gabriel, and how the angel told Mary that she was going to have a baby, and His name would be Jesus. I got super excited tonight, because Jackson said, "Hey, mom, that was the same angel that told that other guy he was going to have that baby, and then he said no, and God put all those bubbles in his mouth so he couldn't say anything." Although Zechariah did not have bubbles in his mouth, I was excited that he remembered all of that from Saturday's lesson!

On the Third Day Day of Christmas: Zechariah

Saturday, we talked about Zechariah. We used bubble wrap to signify that God closed Zechariah's mouth after He told him he was going to have a son. We read Luke 1:5-25

13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah. Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will have a child. It will be a boy, and you must name him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you. His birth will make many people very glad. 15 He will be important in the Lord's eyes.

Luke 1:13-15

We also went back to the tree farm Saturday morning! This is our second trip, and I am confident it is now officially tradition. We had a progressive dinner and did marathon Christmas tree decorating Saturday night. We decorated all three trees in record time.

Blake stole one of Darla's ornaments. I hope to never get on her bad side! :)

On the Second Day of Christmas: Jesus is the King

Friday, we reread Isaiah 9:2-7, and talked about how Jesus came to be king. We made a crown and decorated it with some old shiny beads I had in my jewelry box. Jesus came to the world as a baby, and he grew up to be the King of our heart.

Emma, Jackson, and Claire love playing with the Little People Nativity. It was a gift from Nana, and they LOVE it. Jackson was having a healing service with the Baby Jesus Friday, and it was pretty entertaning.

Friday night, my parents and our little family met my aunt, uncle, and cousins at a restaurant in Huntsville for dinner. Then, we went to the Botanical Gardens. The Gardens were decorated with all kinds of lights and we got to drive through. It was very pretty. They had a little exhibit for the kids to play around in, too. Fake snow, cookies, Santa.

On the First Day of Christmas: Jesus is the Light of the World

Last Thursday (December 1), we started our "Truth in the Tinsel" Advent experience with Jackson. I am LOVING it! Each night, we read a scripture, have a little discussion, and make a craft that goes along with what we have talked about. The crafts are super easy, and most can be made with things we have at home. I had to buy just a few things we didn't have in our craft box. We talked about how Jesus is the light of the world.

Isaiah 9:2-7
2 The people who are now living in darkness will see a great light. They are now living in a very dark land. But a light will shine on them. 3 Lord, you will make our nation larger. You will increase their joy. They will show you how glad they are. They will be as glad as people are at harvest time. They will be as glad as soldiers are when they share the things they've taken after a battle. 4 You set Israel free from Midian long ago. In the same way, you will break the heavy yoke that weighs Israel down. You will break the wooden beams that are on their shoulders. You will break the rods of those who strike them down. 5 Every fighting man's boot that is used in battle will be burned up. So will every piece of clothes that is covered with blood. All of them will be thrown into the fire. 6 A child will be born to us. A son will be given to us. He will rule over us. And he will be called Wonderful Adviser and Mighty God. He will also be called Father Who Lives Forever and Prince Who Brings Peace. 7 The authority of his rule will continue to grow.The peace he brings will never end. He will rule on David's throne and over his kingdom. He will make the kingdom strong and secure. His rule will be based on what is fair and right. It will last forever. The Lord's great love will make sure that happens. He rules over all.