Advent is the period preceding the Christmas season. It begins on the Sunday nearest November 30, the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle, and covers four Sundays. Because the day it begins changes from year to year, so does the length of each Advent season. In 2007, Advent begins on December 2.Now, I know Samuel is only 16 months and won't have a clue what most of these things are, but I truly believe it's never too early to start teaching the true meaning of holidays. I have compiled the following list from two lists that I've found online. They were extremely similar, but I just made a few adjustments. I am so excited to dig into the Bible and read Samuel the story that has to do with each day. What a great way to prepare for the birth of our KING!
The word advent, from Latin, means “the coming.” For centuries, Advent has been a time of spiritual reflection as well as cheer and anticipation. Even as the Christmas season has become more secular-with advertisers urging holiday gift-givers to buy and buy some more-Advent still brings joy and the observance of ancient customs. Christian families find quiet moments lighting candles in the Advent wreath, and children use Advent calendars to count the days until Christmas.
The sites are here and here.
ADVENT GIFTSDoes your family celebrate the Advent season? If so, what are your traditions?
Dec. 1 Quarter
A quarter! That equals 25 cents. But 25 also stands for the number of days till Christmas, when God gave us his best present. Jesus told about one woman’s gift and the way she gave it.
Read Mark 12:41-44
Dec. 2 Grape juice, grape gum, or grape candy
Grapes make jelly, juice, raisins & wine. But Jesus didn’t need grapes to perform his first miracle.
Read John 2:1-10
Dec. 3 Smiley sticker
Here’s a smile! A smile usually expresses happiness. Jesus gave us many instructions to keep us happy.
Read Matthew 5:1-12
Dec. 4 Fish toy or fish ornament
Fish! Well if you were surprised to find this fish, wait until you read the story today! Others were surprised to find fish also! Read Luke 5:4-7
Dec. 5 Birthday candle
A birthday candle? As you know, we are getting ready to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Remember he did not remain the babe in the manger but lived a full abundant life so that he might be our example in everything. However, Jesus talked about something else that is related to the candle. Light!
Read Matthew 5:14-16
Dec. 6 Jingle bell
You could make some noise with this. But it would not have bothered a certain man until he met Jesus.
Read Mark 7:31-37
Dec. 7 Goldfish crackers
This would not go very far if you were really hungry! But Jesus could make much out of little. Surely He knew how to multiply!
Read Matthew 14:13-21
Dec. 8 Cotton balls
These cotton balls would be helpful in a thunder storm, wouldn’t they? We could use them for ear plugs to muffle the loud noises that thunder makes. But we know someone who doesn’t need cotton. Jesus can control the weather.
Read Matthew 8:23-27
Dec. 9 Torn map
People needing to use the other parts of this map are in trouble! Don’t you get lost today!
Read John 14:1-6
Dec. 10 Soap bar
It’s soap! Do you like to wash your hands and face, behind your ears….? Washing turned out to be a happy time for a man who met Jesus.
Read John 9:1-7
Dec. 11 Hearts
Wordlessly, they speak of love, don’t they? Jesus spoke some commands about love.
Read Matthew 22:37-40
Dec. 12 Cross
We use the cross as a symbol representing Jesus. Do you know why?
Read Phillippians 2:1-11
Dec. 13 Salt
Ordinary salt. Yes, Jesus related salt to us and our behavior. He also gave us some advice.
Read Matthew 5:13 and Colossians 4:6 (Notice that he doesn’t recommend pepper!)
Dec. 14 Sand
Don’t try to eat this! It’s sand. It reminds us that Jesus knows something about architecture and about buildings…and building lives.
See his instructions: Matthew 7:24-29
Dec. 15 Flowers
Flowers are pretty, aren’t they? Jesus used flowers to teach us a reassuring lesson.
Read Matthew 6:28-34
Dec. 16 Raisins
Many children are given raisins instead of candy for a snack. That’s because they are a health-promoting and delicious fruit. Jesus told us how we can product good fruit.
Read John 15:1-5
Dec. 17 Package of seeds
Jesus told a story about seeds that a man planted. Then he explained it, revealing its deep meaning.
Read Matthew 13:3-8 and Matthew 13:18-23
Dec. 18 Christmas carol
Christmas is just about a week away! And here is an appropriate song. Sing it loudly!
Then read Psalm 100
Dec. 19 Rock
A hard stone! Can you change this stone into a piece of bread? Do you think Jesus could? Jesus was asked to do just that. Do you know how He handled it?
Read Matthew 4:1-4
Dec. 20 Aluminum foil
Try to smooth out this piece of aluminum foil and use it as a mirror. It’s hard to see your reflection plainly isn’t it? Many circumstances are hard to understand, but someday everything will be clear.
Read I Corinthians 13:12
Dec. 21 Angel sticker, ornament, etc
Angels have served as messengers for God to send news of coming events, past events, as our guardians and also for songs of praise.
Read Luke 2:13-14
Dec. 22 Dove ornament
We’ve learned that the cross represents Christ, but do you know what the dove stands for?
Read Matthew 3:13-17
Dec. 23 Wool fabric item
The threads that compose this fabric came from the wool of a sheep. Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd. So you know who his sheep are?
Read John 10:7-18
Dec. 24 Marble
A marble! Do you know what is sometimes called the “big Blue Marble”? The World. God made the world for us. What does God continue doing to the world? And who is the world?
Read John 3:16
Dec. 25 Baby Jesus in a cradle ornament
Isn’t this baby cute? When he was born, he made a whole family happy. Jesus was born a baby too! He came to make the whole world happy!
Read Luke 2:1-20
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