Advent calendars are a wonderful...
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Advent calendars are a wonderful way to teach children about Advent and Christmas. One family shared their experience when their children were seven and five. Each day the children would take turns opening the little door to view the picture depicting an aspect of the nativity. One day it was an angel. Beth told the story of the angel visiting Mary. The next day the picture behind the door was Mary. One of the children asked his mother why she was wearing a scarf on her head. "Because it must have been cold," Beth replied. Another day there was a star, the explanation was that the wise men followed the star to find the baby Jesus. There were shepherds, a donkey, and other animals as the days progressed toward Christmas.
What stood out for Beth was the children's interest as well as their anticipation each day to discover what was behind the door. Beth also noted that throughout the weeks of Advent the children did not seem to argue and fight as much. There was a sense of peace in the house. Beth says that the meaning of Christmas became real to her children and for her that Christmas.
The prophet Isaiah cries out, "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God." How might we prepare to receive Jesus into our lives anew this year?
What stood out for Beth was the children's interest as well as their anticipation each day to discover what was behind the door. Beth also noted that throughout the weeks of Advent the children did not seem to argue and fight as much. There was a sense of peace in the house. Beth says that the meaning of Christmas became real to her children and for her that Christmas.
The prophet Isaiah cries out, "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God." How might we prepare to receive Jesus into our lives anew this year?
