Today Lydia looked at her calendar and said, “Mommy! I can’t believe how fast the days have gone. It’s almost Christmas!” You don’t usually hear that from a kid! But it does feel that way. This month has gone by quickly–I can’t believe Christmas will be here in just days!
There are really just 3 days in this advent week. So, here are the 3 (or so) activities we’ll be doing:
1. Candle & Peace
I’m excited about introducing the word “peace”. There are several verses I want to read to help explain this sometimes misunderstood word:
Isaiah 9:6-7
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Luke 2:8-15 “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
I love that Jesus came to earth as a baby to give us REAL peace and this His peace will rule and reign forever. What a gorgeous picture!
To help us understand what “peace” is we’re going to do a little tactile learning after lighting our candle. I’m going to ask them what things make them feel peaceful (a warm blanket, cup of milk, hugs, etc.) and then we’ll just do all those things–snuggle, hug, listen to music or whatever they suggest. Then I’ll ask them to imagine an even greater peace than that. A better “feeling” if you will. I hope it will help them understand that the peace Jesus brings isn’t just for the world at large but for their own hearts. {And you know what? I don’t really have time to snuggle and drink milk this week…but isn’t that just what we need to show? Some real peace in the middle of the last-minute Christmas prep?!}
2. Candy Cane
We’ll be “redeeming” the candy cane this week. I finally broke down and bought The Legend of the Candy Canea few weeks ago. Of course, then J Is for Jesusbook surprised me at church last Sunday and now I have TWO candy cane books! Anyway, we’re going to read the book, talk about the different lessons we can learn–and the things we can remember when looking at a Candy Cane.
I found this amazing Candy Cane lapbook based on the Legend of the Candy Cane–lots of fun stuff for homeschooling, but if you could use the ideas individually, too. Also, I hope we have time to make this fun Candy Cane button craft. I love button crafts. So cute!
3. Charlie Brown Christmas
We’ll be watching this movie because I think it epitomizes the world’s peace problem. Yup. World Peace could be fixed with Charlie Brown! The problem is that everyone does get so caught up in [insert their problem here], that Christmas ends up being the commercialized mess Charlie Brown dreads. And the only fix is the peace that Jesus’ birth and life brings.
I know my kids won’t understand all THAT. But I do want them to see that Christmas is a time to calm down and reflect on Jesus and his birth. To focus on the PEACE he brings.
I hope you’ve enjoyed our Advent Activities this year! I’d love to hear from you if you did any of these activities with your kids. Let me know how they went or how you improved upon them!
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Merry Christmas!
Leigh says
Super sweet, Amanda! I love that you are going to make time to be peaceful with your kids this week, even though it’s such a busy time!