How the Grinch Stole Christmas has a line that I love: "Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!" In the book and movie, they are talking about goodwill towards mankind, but it goes farther than that. Christmas is more than special cookies, decorating the tree, and opening presents. I love all those things, but Christmas, for us, is all about focusing on the birth of the Saviour of the world. Advent is about waiting. Waiting and anticipating the arrival of the baby who didn't stay in the manger, but grew up and saved the world with His death and life.
Last year I started doing Advent with Gavin, and although he was only 18 months, I was able to start teaching him why we celebrate Christmas and who we celebrate. I used a great resource called Truth in the Tinsel.
Each day, leading up to the 25th, there is a craft that you can do with your child and a short devotional and Scripture reading. Last year was the first year that printable ornaments were offered and I am using them again this year. I love that option if you are using it for really young children; all you have to do is grab the crayons and let them colour as you talk about the ornament and the
devotional for the day.
This year we are also adding a little bit of something to each ornament. For example, Gavin put rhinestone stickers on the crown and googly eyes on Zechariah.
He loves doing the craft and has been really into the devotional part...as long as I keep it short and sweet. He is two after all. :)
If you haven't started Advent yet with your young children and are looking for something to do, even if it is six days in, check out Truth in the Tinsel!
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