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It's Wednesday and I feel like it's been forever since I've shared a grade school Bible lesson. But today, it's back to Bible lessons! We're into advent season, so I'm sharing my weekly advent lessons I'm writing for KidMin. Our church is going through Luke 1 & 2 as part of our advent series, so I'm creating lessons to match the sermon series. Today, I'm sharing "The Announcement", Luke 1:1-23. We are also having our kids create an advent banner each week that includes the weekly memory verse. I'll give more in-depth instructions on tomorrow's blog, but today I will share a sneak peek! Enjoy this lesson! ( post contains affiliate links )

Welcome Question

"What is the thing you've waited the longest for?"

Introduction

Good Morning! I hope y'all had a great week! We're now getting into Christmas! Yay! And there is so much good stuff about Christmas! All the decorations, the tree, the lights, the cookies and treats, and of course, the presents. I mean, that's the main show, am I right? In fact, this is so weird, I found this present just sitting here this morning. It says, "to ( your group's name )". Should we open it? Who wants to? Don't you love just ripping open a present to see what's inside? Since this is to all of us, should we open it? Eeeee, NO, we better wait.

Large Group Lesson

Speaking of waiting, have you ever noticed in the Bible that there is kind of a gap between the Old Testament and the New Testament? Like a 400 year gap? At the end of the book of Malachi this is what is says, " What on earth is that talking about? Basically, he's saying there will be a guy that comes to make way for the Messiah, the Rescuer. And then nothing. Silence. For 400 years.( Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. 6 And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction." dramatically) Until...the Big Announcement.

( Go back to the present)Well, since we're waiting for the big announcement...should we open up the present? I kind of want to...I really want to see what's in it...but we we better wait. That just reminded me of our "Welcome Question", "What is the thing you've waited the longest for?" (review answers and discuss)

None of those answers seemed like you had to wait 400 years. That would have been crazy. 400 years with no prophets, no one proclaiming what God was saying and then BAM big announcement. And this announcement came in kind of a funny way...

Let's watch a video on this announcement in Luke 1.

Zechariah & Elizabeth Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJXrSRxSX-Y (watch until 1:58)

Zechariah was just told by the angel of God that his son, John, will make the way for the Savior of the world. And Zechariah is shocked! Why? Because he's old! He can't believe he gets to have a child and one that will announce the coming Savior.
18 And Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." 19 And the angel answered him, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time."
And now after 400 years of silence, he's the only one that knows...and he can't speak. In fact, Zechariah can't speak until John is born! Then Elizabeth becomes pregnant as an old lady. God is full of surprises!

Speaking of surprises, I wonder if we should open our present now?? ( Shake the box) Oh man, it sounds like something really good is inside. Maybe we should wait a little longer.
Close in Prayer
Back to our story, do you think Zechariah was happy to wait 9 months until his son was born to speak? Y'all have a hard time not talking for 9 minutes, let alone 9 months! Waiting is hard. We don't like waiting. We want everything now. Lamentations 3:25 says, " The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. " The Lord sometimes wants us to wait because He has something better for us. Elizabeth was an old lady, she and Zechariah wanted to have children for so long, but God had a special plan for them. All in the Old Testament there are prophecies of the Rescuer, the Messiah coming, but God's people had to wait and wait and wait.

Let's open up this present now. (get a child who has waited patiently to open it, in it is the advent supplies). Does anyone know what these are? These are Advent candles. What does the word advent mean? The word advent is actually a Latin word that means "coming". And when someone is coming, that means others are waiting. Advent is all about waiting for the coming of who? Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

Sometimes we think that waiting to open presents on Christmas Day is what is most important. Advent helps us remember why we're waiting and WHO we are waiting for.
Bible Challenge:
Let's light the first candle. This candle represents Hope. Think about Zechariah. He was a priest, he knew that the Messiah would one day come and now he had real HOPE that He was coming and his own son would get to be apart of it.

We have hope too, that Jesus will one day return for us. So let's keep waiting and watching, even if it takes 400 years! And this Christmas, we'll also wait together and keep focused on the birth of Jesus, the whole reason we do Christmas in the first place.
Advent Activity:
Small Group Questions
Please check the blog tomorrow for specific instructions for making this banner.
Introduce yourself and learn the kids names. Then use the following questions to lead a discussion.

400 years is a long time of waiting. Sometimes we can hardly wait 4 minutes for something!

What is the longest thing you've ever waited for?

How can waiting be a good thing?

What do patience and waiting have to do with each other?

This week's Memory Verse: "The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. "Lamentations 3:25

Go over the verse for this week. Practice it together several times.

Using the supplies provided, children will create a banner with the word "Hope" on it. Each week they will make one for the four weeks of Advent. They will also attach their Bible verse for the week to the banner.

Prayer: Ask children if there is anything they need prayer for. Close your small group time in prayer.

Printable Resources

The Announcement Printable Advent Lesson

Thanks for letting me share,

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Grade School Advent Series: The Announcement

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It's Wednesday and I feel like it's been forever since I've shared a grade school Bible lesson. But today, it's back to Bible lessons! We're into advent season, so I'm sharing my weekly advent lessons I'm writing for KidMin.

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Counting down to Christmas with Bible Verses

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Counting down to Christmas with Bible Verses

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One my most popular Christmas posts is the set of 24 cards I created several years ago that tell a little piece of the Christmas story each day (you can see them HERE).

I love those cards, but I wanted to make a set that was a bit more kid-friendly (the earlier printable was written using the King James Version of the Bible).

This brand new version was created using the International Children's Bible and the Easy Reader's Version of the Bible. Plus, I did my very best to keep the verses short and without some of the more challenging vocabulary for little ears - like taxes and virgin.

I am all for educating our kids and having rich conversations with them about the Christmas story, but a 2-year-old is usually not ready to sit and listen to a sermon about the history of Caesar Augustus, the Roman Empire, and the great census. They typically just want to move along to finding out whether or not they can have some chicken nuggets for lunch.

😉

Christmas is about Jesus. So let's capture their little hearts and minds with a simple, fun, Christ-centered countdown to Christmas!

These little cards are the perfect size for Advent Calendars!

They also fit just right with your Elf on the Shelf or Shepherd on the Search each day!

If you're looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Christmas this year and remember the One who it's all about, I know you will love these cards!

My heart is to see homes everywhere focusing on Jesus this holiday season! Would you please share this post with your friends and help me spread the word about this exclusive FREE Printable? Click the sharing buttons below!

Joyfully,

Julie 🙂
*Click HERE to see 12 more amazing, Christ-centered Christmas ideas for your family!

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Bible Verse Advent Countdown for Kids - FREE Printable! - Happy Home Fairy

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One my most popular Christmas posts is the set of 24 cards I created several years ago that tell a little piece of the Christmas story each day (you can see them HERE). I love those cards, but I wanted to make a set that was a bit more kid-friendly (the earlier printable was written ...

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25 Day Count Down to the Advent

I hope that you will find this 25 day Advent Calendar countdown guide a blessing in your home. I will be honest and say that I worked long hours on this blog post - thinking up each day and what verses to read. Then thinking up unique crafts for each day that a child can touch and really understand the lesson being taught. Finally, putting a teaching point with each day. I was blessed by putting this Hands-On Nativity Lessons for Kids together. My prayer is that you will treasure these beautiful lessons in your home and perhaps even use these crafted tutorials with your children. God bless you.

Easy and Inexpensive Daily Craft Tutorial

All of the materials needed for the entire Nativity Lessons are simple inexpensive materials easily found in your own home or at a local store. I have most of these crafts completed and my plan is to post each craft on the day that it is presented. Once the blog post for the craft tutorial goes live, I will link the post to this main post right near the craft title for each day. Here are the materials that are needed for all the crafts in this Nativity Lesson guide.

Materials Needed for the Entire 25 Days

- Popsicle Sticks (Large and Small)

- Magic Markers (several different colors if possible)

- "Strong" Glue (glue gun and glue sticks preferred)

- 15-20 Wooden Peg People

- Several pieces of different colored flannel for clothes for the Wooden Peg People

- Craft Paper (Gold, Silver, White preferred)

- Medium Cardboard Box

- Scissors

- Cotton Balls

- Star Stickers

- Medium Wooden Embroidery Hoop

- Different Colored Ribbon (3-4 different colors/shapes)

- Glitter and Yellow Paint

- Gold (Glitter) or Yellow Pipe Cleaners

December 1

Read: Isaiah 9:6 and Matt 1:21-23

Craft: Visit - Popsicle Stick Scripture Memory Puzzle, for instructions.

Teach: Introducing your child to the names of Jesus and explaining that the meaning of Emmanuel is "God with Us."

December 2

Read: Luke 1:5-17

Craft: 7 Christmas Angel Crafts

Teach: Angel Means Messenger from God (Luke 1:19). Explain that God uses angels to send messages to us from Him. Angels take care of us all the time and some people are fortunate to actually see an angel.

December 3

Read: Luke 1:18-25

Craft: Wooden Peg Person Zacharias - Visit Biblical Wooden Peg People Craft Tutorial

Teach: Read the story and act out the angel Gabriel visiting Zacharias and then Zacharias becomes mute because of his unbelief. Talk about having child like faith and belief in God.

December 4

Read: Luke 1:26-38

Craft: Wooden Peg Person Mary - Visit Biblical Wooden Peg People Craft Tutorial

Teach: The angel visits Mary and she believes the message from the angel. Discuss how Mary's child-like faith is different from Zacharias unbelief.

December 5

Read: Luke 1:38-42

Craft: Wooden Peg Person (pregnant) Elisabeth - Visit Biblical Wooden Peg People Craft Tutorial

Teach: Discuss how the Holy Spirit can speak through us and also cause a baby to leap for joy in the womb.

December 6

Read: Matthew 1:18-25

Craft: Wooden Peg Person Joseph - Visit Biblical Wooden Peg People Craft Tutorial

Teach: God can also visit us when we dream by speaking to us and also by sending his angels. Talk about other stories in the Bible where God spoke to people in a dream.

December 7

Read: Luke 2:1-5

Craft: Cardboard Donkey - Visit Cardboard Animals for Kids

Teach: Trip to Bethlehem to Pay Taxes. Discuss how this journey to Bethlehem fulfills Biblical prophecy - read Micah 5:2.

December 8

Read: Luke 2:6-7

Craft: Cardboard Box for Stable - Visit Cardboard Nativity Stable Tutorial

Teach: No Room in the Inn - Stay in the Stable with the Animals. Discuss why Jesus as the King was born in a dirty stable. Why wasn't He born in a palace?

December 9

Read: Luke 2:6-7

Craft: Baby Jesus (wooden peg child) in Swaddling Clothes in a Craft Stick Manger - Visit Baby Jesus in a Craft Stick Manger - Tutorial

Teach: Discuss what it means for a brand new baby to be born and how Mary did her best to keep him warm, clean, and safe in a dirty environment. Talk about a mother's love for her child.

December 10

Read: Luke 2:8

Craft: Wooden Peg Person Shepherd(s) - Visit Biblical Wooden Peg People Craft Tutorial

Teach: Discuss what is would be like to stay up all night watching the sheep to keep them safe from danger. What do you think the job of a shepherd involves? Did you know that Jesus is considered the "Good Shepherd" of His sheep (us)? Read John 10:11

December 11

Read: Luke 2:8

Craft: Cardboard Sheep and Cotton Balls - Visit Cardboard Animals for Kids

Teach: Did you know that the Bible says that we are like sheep? Read Isaiah 53:6 What do you think this verse means for you personally?

December 12

Read: Luke 2:9-14

Craft: DIY Stars and Angels Mobile for Kids

Teach: Listen to the song, "Angels We Have Heard On High." Discuss with your children how majestic the dark night sky must have appeared when it lit up with all those beautiful angels singing at the top of their voices. Sing the song together at the top of your voices.

December 13

Read: Luke 2:15-20

Activity: Role Play Shepherds Visiting Baby Jesus with Hand-Made Props

Teach: What do you think the shepherds were thinking when they visited baby Jesus? What do you think made them so excited that they wanted to tell everyone about their visit to the baby King?

December 14

Read: Luke 2:19

Craft: 7 Heart Crafts to Love

Teach: Mary Ponders in her Heart - What do you think Mary was "pondering" or deeply thinking about in her heart? What does it mean to ponder something in your heart?

December 15

Read: Matthew 2:1-2, 9-10

Craft: Popsicle Stick Glitter Star (attach to the cardboard box manger) - Visit Cardboard Nativity Stable Tutorial

Teach: What do you think the heavenly star looked like? Was it different from all the other stars in the sky? Jesus promises to guide our path and He sent a beautiful star to guide the path of the wise men. Read - Isaiah 30:21

December 16

Read: Matthew 2:3-8, 12

Craft: Wooden Peg Person King - Visit Biblical Wooden Peg People Craft Tutorial

Teach: Mean King Herod - Why do you think the "mean" King Herod was so upset about Jesus birth? Talk about the evils of unbelief and jealousy.

December 17

Read: Matthew 2:1

Craft: Cardboard Camels - Visit Cardboard Animals for Kids

Teach: Wise Men Come from the East on Camels - How far do you think the Magi travelled to visit baby Jesus? Why do you think they came so far? Look at an old Biblical map online.

December 18

Read: Matthew 2:11

Craft: Wooden Peg Person - One Wise Man with Gift of Gold - Visit Three Gifts for Baby Jesus

Teach: The gift of gold was brought to honor a king. Do you think gold is valuable? Do you think the wise men believed that Jesus was the King even though He was only a baby?

December 19

Read: Matthew 2:11

Craft: Wooden Peg Person - One Wise Man with Gift of Frankincense - Visit Three Gifts for Baby Jesus

Teach: Read about the history of frankincense. It is used as an incense and can represent our prayers ascending to heaven. Read Revelation 8:4

December 20

Read: Matthew 2:11

Craft: Wooden Peg Person - One Wise Man with Gift of Myrrh - Visit Three Gifts for Baby Jesus

Teach: Read about the history of myrrh. It was used as a "healing balm" for certain illnesses. Is Jesus able to heal our broken hearts?

December 21

Read: Luke 2:22-33

Craft: Doves of Peace Craft

Teach: Jesus Dedication - What does it mean for a baby to be dedicated to God? What is the symbol of the dove? Does the dove represent peace? Is the dove gentle, white, sweet and loving?

December 22

Read: Matthew 2:13-15

Activity: Role play the angel visiting Joseph and then the family flees on small donkey to Egypt.

Teach: Angel visits Joseph (dream) to Flee to Egypt from Mean King Herod - Do you think that God will show you the way to go when you are in danger? Do you believe that God can take care of you? Can you remember a time when God protected you from danger?

December 23

Read: Matthew 2:19-23

Craft: Small Child Wooden Peg Person as the Jesus Child - Visit Biblical Wooden Peg People Craft Tutorial

Teach: Angel visits Joseph - Safe to Return to Nazareth with Jesus. Was Nazareth a nice place for Jesus to grow up? Why do you think it was important for Jesus to grow up in Nazareth?

December 24

Read: Luke 2:40, 52 and Mark 6:3

Craft: Growing Strong Hands-On Learning Craft - Visit 5 "Strong as a Tree" Kid Activities

Teach: Jesus Grew Strong as the Carpenter's Son. Did Jesus only grow strong in physical strength? In what other ways did Jesus grow strong? Do you think that you can grow strong like Jesus did?

December 25

Read: Entire Story as a Family

Activity: Let Your Children Role Play with the Hands-On Props

Teach: Let your children recount the nativity story that they learned and "teach" you the step by step lessons.

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25 Hands-On Nativity Lessons for Kids - Mama's Happy Hive

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I hope that you will find this 25 day Advent Calendar countdown guide a blessing in your home. I will be honest and say that I worked long hours on this blog post - thinking up each day and what verses to read.

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This free, printable Christmas Advent Calendar with Bible Verses can be framed and used year after year while your family learns about Jesus from Scripture!

When I was a kid, I honestly thought Advent was another word for those little cardboard 3D calendars with the chocolates in them. It wasn't that I didn't know that Christmas was about the birth of Jesus. I mean, we made him a cake every year. But I didn't know that Advent is a season we spend celebrating the coming of the King of the Universe, Jesus.

When my kids look back on their childhood, I want them to remember Christmas as a time focused on Jesus, on the gospel, and on God's plan for humanity.

Do you ever purpose to spend the entire Advent season pointing your kids to Jesus, just to have the busyness of the season overwhelm you?

Do you know there are Scriptural Nativity themes you could be focusing on with your kids each day, but you just don't have time to pull them together and organize them?

Do you wonder if your kids will grow up thinking Christmas is all about them and their gifts?

Me too.
Hey! There's a free Advent Calendar in this post!

Bible Verses for Advent

It doesn't have to be that way. In just a few minutes each day of Advent, your family can read through themed Bible verses about the birth of Christ. Your kids will learn to make important connections between Old Testament prophecy and the New Testament fulfillment of prophecy. They'll learn about important Scriptural themes like:

The Promise of Jesus

Jesus' Family

Jesus' Royalty

Zechariah and his Reaction

The Coming of the King

Shepherds Worshiping Jesus

And more!

Teach your kids about Jesus with the Christmas Bible Study Bundle-and save!

Christmas Advent Calendar with Bible Verses

We love Jesus, and Advent is a great reminder each year to study his coming. We celebrate Christmas because the Incarnation of Christ-the event of Jesus becoming fully God and fully man-is worthy of remembrance. God's love for us is astounding.

Make this year a year your kids truly begin to understand and remember the gift the Lord gave us. His plan for our salvation began before his creation of the world. The Lord's prophets told us of Jesus' coming, and Jesus fulfilled those prophecies.

In 2 Peter 1:16, Peter tells us:

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Jesus' birth is not a myth, nor are the extraordinary circumstances surrounding it. The birth of Jesus Christ is a well documented fact, as is his life, crucifixion, and resurrection. We can make his miraculous coming real to our kids.

To receive your Christmas Advent Calendar with Bible Verses, just hop over to the store and check out. Print it on cardstock for your family-and a copy for each of your Sunday School kids!

Display Your Christmas Advent Calendar Every Year for Family Worship

Frame your Advent calendar, and display it every year for use during December. Make this a tradition that will last!

Beginning December 1st, read that day's Scripture readings. I recommend find a time each day to read with your kids, like at breakfast or at dinner. That way, you won't forget to read together.

Have your kids help you locate the Scriptures in the Bible. Take turns reading a paragraph each and discuss what you learned about the Incarnation of Christ that day!

Grab the 12-month Bible Verse Calendar and get started on fun, themed devotions for your kids. It's a fun way to teach theology!

More Thinking Kids Posts You'll Love

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Christmas Advent Calendar with Bible Verses

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This free, printable Christmas Advent Calendar with Bible Verses can be framed and used year after year while your family learns about Jesus from Scripture! When I was a kid, I honestly thought Advent was another word for those little cardboard 3D calendars with the chocolates in them.

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I love Advent and it's almost here. One of our favorite traditions is having an advent wreath on the table and lighting the candles at dinner. You can say a special prayer for each week of Advent, or just enjoy the wreath and candles, and the excitement that builds as you light another candle each week the closer you get to Christmas. I was thinking about this fun tradition when I had this idea to make a paper version for kids to craft. So, I present you a 3-D Printable Advent Wreath!
(Please download to your computer and open in a .pdf program like Adobe Acrobat before printing for the best results!)
This printable is free and really fun and easy to assemble into an advent wreath. While I was at it, I made a Black and White version, Color version, and then a mini-version - so there should be a version to fit a variety of needs (or wants)!

To color you own just print four copies of the black and white version. Color three candles purple, and one rose (aka pink). We had fun coloring ours!

Assembly is really pretty easy. Cut them out around the wreath and candle. Then cut along the wreath/candle line until you get to the small back dot.

Roll your candles into a tube, and secure with tape or glue dots.

Then attach each of the four sections to each other, overlapping the tabs. If the wreath is too wide, simply overlap a little more.

Can you tell which one the 4yr old colored!? lol

Make this a faster craft by printing the color copies, or make it a smaller project in general by printing the mini-version. The mini-version might fit perfectly on a doll table, or in a backpack to take home 🙂 It make great decoration for the kid table in your house. If your kids want to simulate the lighting of the candles, just have them fold the flame part backwards into the candle until the proper week. Then unfold it to stand back up like you have 'lit' it!

I hope you all enjoy this printable Advent Wreath! I'm waiting in joyful hope for the birth of Our Savior Jesus Christ this Christmas, and hopefully this craft brings a little joy to your Advent too!

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3-D Printable Advent Wreath - Drawn2BCreative

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I love Advent and it's almost here. One of our favorite traditions is having an advent wreath on the table and lighting the candles at dinner. You can say a special prayer for each week of Advent, or just enjoy the wreath and candles, and the excitement that builds as you light another candle each week the closer you get to Christmas.

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Loraine loves arts and crafts and used to volunteer at an elementary art class. She loves sharing fun and easy craft tutorials.
Christmas is a favorite time of year for children and for the child in each of us. We all have memories and mementos of Christmases past. Have you ever thought about making a nativity scene that could become a family heirloom? Would you if you just knew how to make one?

In this article, I'll show you how to craft Christmas nativity scenes. This lens will show you pictures of different nativity scenes and stables and take you, at a click, to directions on how to make them.

To make the set shown above, go to the Crafts Unleashed site.

1. Modern Peg Doll Nativity

You'll find an easy to follow tutorial for making this modern peg doll Nativity set at DIY CANDY. All the supplies are inexpensive, so this is a perfect Nativity when you have young children who like to touch the characters.

2. Nativity Stable Scene

Find the tutorial for making this cardboard Nativity stable at Prince August.

3. Lighted Nativity

A clear carry out container is used to make this shadowbox. For a more permanent nativity purchase a shadowbox to make this craft. Find the instructions at I can TEACH my child.

4. Outdoor Pavers Nativity

If you've ever wanted an outdoor Nativity, that was easy to make, this is a great project for the family. You'll find the pictured tutorial at mollie's mom .

5. Nativity Peg Dolls

Make Nativity characters that the little ones can play with. A great way to tell or read the Nativity story to the kids. Find directions for making these peg dolls at Christianity Cove.

6. Nativity Blocks

I love the idea of letting the little ones play with this set of Nativity blocks. Go to Helping Little Hands for directions on how to make these blocks.

7. Easy Nativity

I think this would make a great Christmas classroom project. There are three examples and the instructions that are found at AMY'S FREE IDEAS.

8. Cardboard Box Stable

This outstanding cardboard box stable is perfect for any handmade Nativity set. Find the tutorial for this project at the bright apple blossom blog. A super craft!

9. Away in the Manger Dice Game

This is a cute little Nativity game to play with your little tykes. Find the tutorial and downloads at The Activity Mom.

10. Wooden Spoon Nativity

Make beautiful and appropriate centerpieces for a Christmas holiday banquet. This is an inexpensive to make Christmas craft and the centerpieces could be given as gifts after the party. Find the information you need to make this project by going to Bargain Mom for the tutorial.

11. Where's The Line To See Jesus - Becky Kelley

12. Craft Stick Christmas Nativity

Such a simple, but beautiful Christmas creche. Who would believe, from the looks of this project, that it is made from craft sticks and wooden dollpins? The directions are simple and easy to follow. You'll find all the information on Craftbits.

13. Wooden Block Nativity

This super easy Nativity can be made any size that you choose, so it could be displayed inside or outdoors. Find the instructions for this project at Brimful Curiosities.

14. Nativity Scene

This project uses tp rolls or empty gift wrap rolls. You'll find very nice directions and patterns for this Nativity Scene at Catholic Icing.

15. Children's Nativity

I am so impressed with this project. This would make a great gift for someone with limited space. Find the instructions for this Nativity at Today's Fabulous Finds.

16. Nativity Tutorials

Then She Made has tutorials for making the stable and all the Nativity characters shown in the picture above. An outstanding project!

17. Free Printable Nativity

You can make these magnetic like the directions on learn create love suggest, or you can make them standing by making half circles with a slit in the center of the rounded side. Then make a slit on the bottom of the printed figure. Fit the slits together and the figures will stand on their own.

18. Finger Puppet Nativity Set

You can find the directions and patterns for these Nativity Set puppets on the Hart of the Mountain site.

19. Felt Nativity Ornament

You'll find a great tutorial for making this felt Nativity ornament at wild olive.

20. Clay Pot Nativity

Isn't this little three piece Nativity just too cute? The site, Craftily Ever After has easy to follow directions and pictures to help you make this project.

21. Cookie Jar Christmas

Wouldn't this Nativity under glass be a beautiful focal point on a mantel or shelf? I love this project, with great instructions found at The Lettered Cottage.

22. Nativity Scene Download

Download the Nativity images from makingfriends.com to make this cute little Nativity scene. Easy enough for the little kids to do and they'll love to hear the Christmas story also. You have to click on each of the Nativity headlines to get the images.

23. Quilted Ornament

Although the instructions for this project are a bit short, I believe that the quilter's won't have a problem following them. The directions for this super cute ornament can be found at carla-at-home. Consider making this larger and use it as a wall hanging.

24. Crocheted Nativity Set

This set would be a perfect gift for someone in the nursing home or for children because It would be easy to store and unbreakable. You can get the instructions for this project at favecrafts.

25. Christmas Nativity Peg Dolls and Stable Download

Everything you need to make a cute Nativity scene. Find the directions at lil blue boo.

26. Wooden Block Nativity

Simple but so elegant is this wooden block Nativity. Impressive and yet easy to make.

27. Stable Scene

A very nice Nativity project for a family or for a church or school class. Instructions for this project are found on the Scrapbook Scrapbook site.

28. Simple Christmas Nativity

There is real beauty in simplicity, and this little craft project proves it. You can make this easy Nativity project by following the instructions at Serving Pink Lemonade.

29. Nativity Scene

Although this project calls for one inch ball ornaments for the heads, I believe I would use wooden beads instead. Find all the directions for this nice, child friendly Nativity at CraftoArt.

30. Nativity Family

You can find this clay pot nativity family scene and the directions at A Girl and a Glue Gun.

31. Spoon Nativity

Keep a little reminder of the real reason for Christmas in your kitchen. The directions for this cute project is brought to you by Bargain Mom.

32. Nativity Printables

This project is actually done with fabric and fabric markers, but I can imagine they could be made using poster board also. You can just print off the Nativity people, animals and stable. Then the kids can color and arrange their own nativity scene. A great project for the kids. Go to Pretty Prudent for the printables and instructions.

33. Toilet Roll Nativity Set

Although this is another toilet roll project, I think it is different enough to be included here. This is a really cute little set that I'm sure the kids will enjoy making. Find the instructions at happy hooligans.

34. Baby Jesus Song

You can download these Nativity images in color or black and white, to be colored. Just attach a craft stick to the baby and let the kids act out the Christmas story. There are words for a song included, with the instructions for making this project at Bible Fun For Kids.

35. Nativity Garden Flag

This is a great reminder that the birth of Jesus is the reason for celebrating Christmas. You'll find the easy to follow directions for making this garden flag at Random Thoughts of a SUPERMOM.

36. Nativity Tree Ornament

This is a great Christmas project for a classroom or Sunday school class. The easy to make ornament uses clothespins as the basis for the craft. Find the directions and more photos at Creative "try"als.

37. Fabulous Glass Ornaments

This is really a beautiful tree ornament. You'll find the instructions at THE Se*wer THE Caker THE Copycat Maker. The ornament insert download can be found at Lori Whitlock. If I were doing this project in a classroom, I think I would find Nativity clip art and have the kids lay the ornament insert over the clip art and, using a black Sharpie, trace over the image. This would give the kids a huge variety of unique ornaments.

38. Christmas Nativity Printables

You'll find Nativity printables in two sizes and in color, and also in black and white to color. Scroll down to find this project and Instructions for making this craft on BIBLE STORY PRINTABLES.com. I love all the projects that can be used in the classroom.

39. Printable Ornaments

The kids will enjoy making these ornaments for your tree at home and also to give to family and friends for their trees. You'll find the instructions for these printable ornaments at wild olive.

40. Spool Doll Nativity

You'll find a photo tutorial for making this spool doll nativity project at Holes in my Shiny Veneer. Start saving those empty spools, and have your friends save theirs too, so you can make this impressive craft. Of course you can also purchase spools to make the nativity set this year.
© 2011 Loraine Brummer
Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on October 24, 2017:

Many of these Nativity sets are so original. I love some of the creative ways of using everyday materials. Great hub.

Rock Artist on October 20, 2017:

Great ideas, love this hub! Thank you

Larry W. Fish on September 13, 2017:

I really enjoyed looking at the different nativity scenes. Such creativity. My favorite is the cookie jar nativity. I am sure everyone has a favorite.

C A Chancellor from US/TN on December 19, 2013:

These look like great ideas to keep kids occupied during the holiday season!

Baddew Fibes on December 10, 2013:

A superb array of ideas. Fantastic lens - thanks!

KandH on November 15, 2012:

What a beautiful lens celebrating the true reason for the season :)

Toni Grundstrom from Minneapolis, MN on December 30, 2011:

These are great craft ideas for Christmas. Blessed by a SquidAngel.

hamshi5433 on December 29, 2011:

I love this idea! Might give it a try next year..I enjoyed it very much..

Oracle Post on December 23, 2011:

Great and informative lens for the upcoming Christmas!

JoyfulPamela2 from Pennsylvania, USA on December 23, 2011:

I love your ideas to create fun family Nativity sets! I'm featuring this on my Christmas Bible lens. *Squidoo Angel blessed!*

Renaissance Woman from Colorado on December 17, 2011:

I love these nativity craft ideas and appreciate all of the resources here. The music video is wonderful -- great song. And, I absolutely love the quote about love being what one hears in the room when pausing the other activities long enough to listen. Yes!

Shelly Sellers from Midwest U.S.A. on December 14, 2011:

These are wonderful ideas for Sunday school Loraine and they look easy! Squid Angel blessed and sister from Nebraska too :)

JoshK47 on November 23, 2011:

What a beautiful idea - I feel like not enough people pay mind to the nativity element of Christmas. The most important part, after all! Great lens! Blessed by a SquidAngel!

nsixx99 on October 28, 2011:

My favorite Christmas memories were waking up to "Santa" at my grandparents house with the smell of Christmas dinner throughout the house.

I-sparkle on October 28, 2011:

My best Christmas memory is making a drawing of a sleigh for a Christmas art project. The whole school got to see it! Really nice idea for a lens. One of the few Christmas ideas that I never seem to tire of seeing.

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Loraine loves arts and crafts and used to volunteer at an elementary art class. She loves sharing fun and easy craft tutorials. Christmas is a favorite time of year for children and for the child in each of us. We all have memories and mementos of Christmases past.

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Enjoy this Advent lesson plan, suitable for children in grades 4-6.

Objectives

The children will be able to

Materials
Student Handout A (Advent and Christmas) Student Handout B (Make an Advent Calendar) Student Handout C (Prayer Service) Family Handout (Advent Preparations)
Centering

Discuss with the children their experiences of waiting for an important day such as their birthdays or the start of a vacation. Ask: Do you do anything special while waiting for one these days? (birthday-giving hints about presents you might like; vacation-reading about places to visit)

Say: We also prepare for visitors. We don't just sit and wait for our visitors to come-we prepare for them. How do you and your family prepare when you expect visitors? (tidy the house, plan and go shopping for meals) Continue by saying: During the four weeks of Advent, the Church invites us to prepare to welcome Jesus at Christmas. We wait for him as people of long ago did because he is our loving Savior. We celebrate his birthday by welcoming him into our hearts. When Christ lives in our hearts, we are filled with grace. His grace helps us share more deeply in his own life so that we become more like him.

Sharing

Pass out Student Handout A, Advent and Christmas. Explain that we use calendars when waiting for things because they help us track the passage of time. Tell the children that today they will learn about the special calendar the Church uses to track the passage of time. Ask them to read Student Handout A silently. While they are reading, write the following questions on the board:

1. What is the most important Church feast day? (Easter)

2. What do we call the Church year? (the liturgical year)

3. When does the Church year begin? (the first Sunday of Advent)

4. How do we know when the first Sunday of Advent is each year? (We count back four Sundays before December 25.)

5. What colors do we see in Church during Advent? (violet or dark blue)

6. What are we waiting for in Advent? (the risen Jesus to come in glory)

After the children have finished reading the handout, ask them to take out a sheet of paper and write their answers to the six questions on the board. When they have finished, have them exchange papers with a partner and review each other's answers. Then ask for volunteers to answer the questions for the whole class.

Pass out Student Handout B, Make an Advent Calendar, and have the children fill out the Advent calendar for the current year. Give them time to think about one special thing they might do each day.

Acting

Lead the children in the Prayer Service found on Student Handout C. After the reading from Isaiah, allow a few moments for silent reflection. Ask the children to reflect on the following questions:

What kind of mountains keep Jesus and his Light away from us?
How can we break down those mountains within our hearts?
What should we do to fill up the valleys?
What else do you want to say to Jesus?

Then continue with the remainder of the prayer service. Conclude with "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" or another song.

Family Component

Print out the Family Handout, Advent Preparations, and have the young people take it home to share with their families.

Enriching the Faith Experience

1. Use the following Scripture hunt game to help the children get acquainted with the people who prepared in a special way for the coming of Christ.

2. Let the children dramatize the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38).

3. Propose to the children that their family might hold a family meeting to decide what they will do to prepare for the coming of Christ. They might plan a family "Keep Christ in Christmas" campaign.

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Advent Lesson Plan Grades 4-6 | Loyola Press

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Enjoy this Advent lesson plan, suitable for children in grades 4-6. The children will be able to Student Handout A (Advent and Christmas) Student Handout B (Make an Advent Calendar) Student Handout C (Prayer Service) Family Handout (Advent Preparations) Discuss with the children their experiences of waiting for an important day such as their birthdays or the start of a vacation.

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Enjoy this Advent lesson plan, suitable for children in grades 1-3.

Objectives

The children will be able to

Materials
Student Handout A (Jesus Is the Son of God) Student Handout B (Advent Decoder) Student Handout C (Prayer Service) Family Handout (Advent Preparations)
Centering

Invite the children to share experiences of waiting. Say: Think of a time when you had to wait for something. Maybe it was for your birthday. Maybe it was for a special trip with your family. How did you feel during these times of waiting? Allow several volunteers to share, then ask: Why was it hard to wait? What did you do while you waited?

Relate the children's experiences of waiting to the Jewish people waiting for the Savior. Say: Before Jesus was born, the Jewish people had been waiting a long time for God to keep his promise. Do you remember the promise that God made to them? (to send them a Savior) The people believed that God would keep his promise. What do you think they did while they waited? (They got ready for his arrival. They became more and more excited.)

Sharing

Explain to the children that one of the ways the Israelites prepared for the coming of the Savior was to pray. Say: The Jewish people prayed that God would keep his promise to send the Savior. Through prayers and songs, they asked God to help them. Even when the time felt long and they were growing impatient, they never stopped praying.

Introduce Advent as the time when we pray and wait for the celebration of Christ's birth. Say: God kept his promise to send a Savior. Can you tell me whom God sent? (his Son, Jesus). Advent is our time of waiting. During Advent, we get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Distribute Student Handout A, Jesus Is the Son of God. Invite volunteers to read it aloud. Then ask: What promise did God make? (to send someone to save us from our sins) What kind of Savior did God send? Was he a powerful warrior? (No, God sent a baby, his only Son.) How did Jesus come into this world? (He was born to Mary and raised by Mary and Joseph.) Who announced Jesus' birth? (angels) When do we celebrate the birth of Jesus? (on Christmas)

Tell the children: Every year, Christians get ready to celebrate Christmas. The word Advent means "coming." Advent is the four weeks before Christmas when we prepare for Christ's coming.

Distribute Student Handout B, Advent Decoder. Guide the children in completing the handout.

Then say: During Advent, we pray to Jesus to fill our hearts with his love. It's a time when we try to pray more and to do good deeds. It isn't always easy. But we can offer our prayers and good deeds as gifts to God. Invite the children to share times when they might pray more and examples of good deeds they can do.

Now lead the children in prayer, using Student Handout C, Prayer Service.

Family Component

Print out the Family Handout, Advent Preparations, and have the young people take it home to share with their families.

Enriching the Faith Experience

1. Plan a visit to your parish church. Point out the Advent wreath and any violet or blue decorations, such as banners.

2. Make an Advent calendar to mark the days in preparation for Christ's coming.

3. Teach the children some traditional Advent songs.

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Advent Lesson Plan Grades 1-3 | Loyola Press

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Enjoy this Advent lesson plan, suitable for children in grades 1-3. The children will be able to Student Handout A (Jesus Is the Son of God) Student Handout B (Advent Decoder) Student Handout C (Prayer Service) Family Handout (Advent Preparations) Invite the children to share experiences of waiting.

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Christian Advent Calendar activities for each day

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Christian Advent Calendar activities for each day

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We wish you the very best this Advent season!
We hope our Advent calendar will bring you inspiration and reflection this season.
Enjoy the many tips and suggestions for Advent.
God Bless!

Download the Advent Calendar

Beginning the Church's liturgical year, Advent (from, "ad-venire" in Latin or "to come to") is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas.

The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ's second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord's birth on Christmas. The final days of Advent, from December 17 to December 24, focus particularly on our preparation for the celebrations of the Nativity of our Lord (Christmas).

Advent devotions including the Advent wreath, remind us of the meaning of the season. Our Advent calendar above can help you fully enter in to the season with daily activity and prayer suggestions to prepare you spiritually for the birth of Jesus Christ. More Advent resources are listed below.

Advent Resources

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We wish you the very best this Advent season! We hope our Advent calendar will bring you inspiration and reflection this season. Enjoy the many tips and suggestions for Advent. God Bless! Download the Advent Calendar Beginning the Church's liturgical year, Advent (from, "ad-venire" in Latin or "to come to") is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas.

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Here is a very visual and beautiful way to journey through Advent to Bethlehem with Mary and Joseph in anticipation of the birth of Christ.

Download Now!

For this craft, you will need the Catholic Playground template that contains
1) Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem
2) Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus
3) the stable at Bethlehem
4) the star of Bethlehem
5) the three wise men on their camels traveling to the stable

- either the full color template...

or the black and white template of these images that you can color yourself. The templates are available together as a download for $3.99.

Download Now!

We used a few supplies from home to attach the Advent craft to the wall...
- a length of twine, yarn or rope that will fit a wall you plan to hang it on (ours was 7 ft long)
- pink, purple, and yellow beads (or, you could mark these spots on your string with marker)
- three clothespins

First, cut out the color template or color and cut out the black and white template. For the black and white template, you can cut out the images directly on the shapes or on the oval shapes given around each shape.

Once the shapes are cut and colored, use a long string or yarn as your Advent "counter." To keep track of the days of Advent, we spaced out purple plastic beads for the first two weeks,
then pink beads for the third week of Advent, then enough purple beads for the days of Advent in the fourth week (count the number of days before Christmas Day in the fourth week), along the twine reaching all the way to the stable at Bethlehem. After the fourth week of purple beads, we left a space for the stable and then additional space on the twine after the stable for the days until Epiphany
(This will vary from year to year. In most countries, the celebration of Epiphany is transferred to the Sunday that falls between January 2 and January 8).
We put a loop on each end of the twine to attach the string to the wall.
Then, we attached a small loop to the top of the stable so that we could attach it to the wall...
and put the Star of Bethlehem at the top.

You can use whatever method you like to attach the string to the wall. We like command hooks for this purpose. They are easy to attach, will not ruin the paint, and can be easily removed when you want to take them down.

Next, we glued clothespins to the back of the images of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, and the wise men.

Then, Mary and Joseph can be placed on the first space on the twine as they begin their journey to Bethlehem. Each day of Advent- by moving the clothespin another space- Mary and Joseph can travel another "day" on the timeline.
On Christmas Day, place Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus in front of the stable...
Then,

the wise men can begin their journey,

traveling along each day,
until they reach the stable on Epiphany!

Purchase Journey to Bethlehem Advent craft

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Here is a very visual and beautiful way to journey through Advent to Bethlehem with Mary and Joseph in anticipation of the birth of Christ. Download Now!

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What should Catholic children know about Advent? They should know that it is a season of waiting and preparation, not fulfillment. In contrast to the frenzied Christmas shopping season, the patient waiting that characterizes Advent has its own particular beauty. More than that, it helps us understand something important about Jesus: he is the awaited Savior of the people of God.

Use the rich symbols and stories of the season to help children experience Advent and lead them to a better celebration of Jesus' coming at Christmas.

The Seasons

Help children know the basic outline of the Advent and Christmas seasons. Explain that the liturgical year begins with Advent. Children should know the importance of the four weeks of Advent and the celebrations of the Christmas season: the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas Day); the Feast of the Holy Family; the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God; the Epiphany; and the Baptism of the Lord. Middle-grade children should recognize the order and reasons for these celebrations.

The Story of Salvation

Use a Jesse Tree to help children understand salvation history. The symbols on this "Bible on a tree" represent Jesus' ancestors. With older children, read Jesus' genealogy (Matthew 1:1‒25), which we hear at the Christmas Vigil Mass. From Adam and Eve on, each of these people played a role in preparing for Jesus. Help students know that Abraham, Noah, Moses, David, and others, especially Isaiah, who promised the coming of Jesus, all played a role in the coming of Jesus, the "Second Adam." If you don't know the basic outline of salvation history and the relationship of these figures to Jesus, consider some introductory Bible study.

The Role of Mary

Take time during Advent to teach children about Mary's discipleship and her importance as the Mother of God. Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus. Through her "yes" to the angel Gabriel, the Son of God became human for our salvation. Just as Mary waited for the birth of her son, during Advent we wait for Jesus to come again in his glory.

The Advent Wreath

The wreath represents the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the World. As we light the candles each week, we mark the passage of time leading towards Christmas. Gather each week before or at the end of your session to pray around the wreath. Even if you don't have class during the final week of Advent, ask the children to watch for the final candle on their family wreath and the wreath at church.

The Nativity Scene/Manger

Have children color or craft an empty stable, populating it with figures. Remind them that Mary, Joseph, and Jesus don't arrive until Christmas Eve and the Wise Men not until Epiphany. A prayer-box manger can be a daily reminder to pray for others. Help families celebrate at home by sending home an outline for prayer around the Nativity scene.

When children return to class, allow time for them to share their Christmas stories. Help them understand that when the Christmas season ends on the Baptism of the Lord, we are ready for a new beginning, to follow Jesus as he starts his public ministry.

How do you teach about the Advent and Christmas seasons?

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Waiting and Preparation: Teaching Advent and Christmas

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What should Catholic children know about Advent? They should know that it is a season of waiting and preparation, not fulfillment. In contrast to the frenzied Christmas shopping season, the patient waiting that characterizes Advent has its own particular beauty.

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Why is the third Sunday of Advent PINK? (CLIP)

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Why is the third Sunday of Advent PINK? (CLIP)

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I inevitably got this question from my students during the 3rd week of Advent. So what is the best way to answer it?

You could Google it and find a number of reasons:

Purple is a penitential color of fasting while pink (rose) is the color of joy.

The 3rd Sunday in Advent is Gaudete Sunday (from the Latin meaning "rejoice") which is taken from Philippians 4:4-5, the Entrance Antiphon of the day.

Long ago the Pope would honor a citizen with a pink rose (or a rose rose?) Priests then would wear pink vestments as a reminder of this coming joy.

Rose is also used during Laetare Sunday (the Fourth Sunday of Lent) to symbolize a similar expectation of the coming joy of Christ's coming in Easter.

But often, the Google's answer doesn't stick. How you answer questions like this one is more important than the answer itself. This way, when your students are asked this question as parents many years later, they will have an answer ready to share. Here is my approach:
1. Tap into their prior knowledge by asking:

What is the purpose of the season of Advent? (preparing for Jesus' coming/Christmas)

What other season uses purple? (Lent)

What is the purpose of Lent? (giving things up, preparing for Easter)

What do Advent and Lent have in common? (they are both seasons of preparation)

So what do you think purple stands for? (preparation - make sure they make a connection between preparation and penitence)

2. Give them the simple, compact, and memorable answer:
The third Sunday of Advent is rose (pink) because pink symbolizes joy, the joy that Jesus is almost here. When parents get ready to bring a new baby home, they typically paint the baby's room pink or blue. They do this out of joy for to baby's arrival. In the same way, the priest wears pink and we light a pink candle to represent the joy we feel to welcome Jesus in Christmas.
If you don't like the analogy I used, then pick another one. The point is, if you connect this new information with a story they already know, then you can get the message to stick. This way, you won't get the same question next year!

Also, make sure you review this lesson during Lent when the priests break out the rose vestments again for Laetare Sunday.

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Why is the third Sunday of Advent pink? (Why is the third candle in the Advent wreath pink?)

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I inevitably got this question from my students during the 3rd week of Advent. So what is the best way to answer it? You could Google it and find a number of reasons: Purple is a penitential color of fasting while pink (rose) is the color of joy.

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The Religion Teacher | Catholic Religious Education

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The Advent Wreath's Meaning

One of the most popular Christian symbols used in churches and family homes to celebrate the meaning of Advent is the Advent wreath. The Catholic Advent wreath has four candles (three purple and one rose) evenly spaced along a circle of evergreen branches. Each component of the Advent wreath has special meaning for Christians who use it as a part of their preparation for Christmas.
Advent Wreath Meaning:

Circle

Evergreen Leaves

Candles

4 Candles

3 Purple Candles of Advent

One Rose (Pink) Candle of Advent

Teachers/Catechists: Get the lesson plan and worksheet to accompany this video in The Religion Teacher's Advent Activity Pack.

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The Meaning of the Advent Wreath (Video)

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The Advent Wreath's Meaning One of the most popular Christian symbols used in churches and family homes to celebrate the meaning of Advent is the Advent wreath. The Catholic Advent wreath has four candles (three purple and one rose) evenly spaced along a circle of evergreen branches.

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The Meaning of Advent

What is the meaning of Advent?

The meaning of the word Advent is "to come" or "coming." So you could say that the definition of Advent, meaning coming, is the liturgical season in which we prepare for the arrival of Jesus into the world.

We spend the four weeks of Advent in preparation for the coming of Jesus into the world.

We celebrate and prepare for two comings:

the coming of Jesus into the world at Christmas (the Nativity)

and the Second Coming when the Son of Man will return riding on the clouds.

Teachers/Catechists: Get the lesson plan and worksheet to accompany this video in The Religion Teacher's Advent Activity Pack.

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What is the meaning of Advent? The meaning of the word Advent is "to come" or "coming." So you could say that the definition of Advent, meaning coming, is the liturgical season in which we prepare for the arrival of Jesus into the world.

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Advent Prayers - Prayers - Catholic Online

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The Jesse Tree explained (With Scripture Readings)

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The Jesse Tree explained (With Scripture Readings)

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Catholic Activity: Jesse Tree Instructions

Supplies

glue

ribbon or yarn (preferably purple)

crayons, markers, paints or colored pencils

decorations for ornaments: colored paper, cloth, wood, sequins, etc.

thick paper, like poster board

a Bible

Prep Time

5 hours

Difficulty

Cost

For Ages

All

Activity Types (1)

Linked Activities (9)

Files (0)

Linked Recipes (0)

Linked Prayers (1)

Feasts (5)

Seasons (1)

A short history of the Jesse Tree, ideas on how to create a tree and ornaments, and suggested Scripture verses for each ornament.

DIRECTIONS

To make the Jesse Tree ornaments you will need: glue; ribbon or yarn (preferably purple); and crayons, markers, paints or colored pencils, and cardboard stock to create paper background for the ornaments. The ornaments may be decorated with bits and pieces of bright colored paper, cloth, wood, plastic, etc., that you may find around your home. You will also need a Bible.

THE STORY OF THE JESSE TREE
Jesse was the father of the great King David of the Old Testament. He is often looked upon as the first person in the genealogy of Jesus.

In Church art a design developed showing the relationship of Jesus with Jesse and other biblical personages. This design showed a branched tree growing from a reclining figure of Jesse. The various branches had pictures of other Old and New Testament figures who were ancestors of Jesus. At the top of the tree were figures of Mary and Jesus. This design was used mostly in stained glass windows in some of the great medieval cathedrals of Europe. The Cathedral of Chartres (which was dedicated in 1260) has a particularly beautiful Jesse Tree window.

Another development in religious art during the Middle Ages was that of Mystery Plays-drama that depicted various Bible stories or lives of Saints and Martyrs. These plays were performed in churches as part of the liturgical celebrations. One such play was based on the Bible account of the fall of Adam and Eve. The "Tree of Life" used during the play was decorated with apples. (Quite possibly this is also the forerunner of our own Christmas tree.)

Combining the two ideas of the stained glass Jesse Tree window and the Tree of Life from the Mystery Play we come up with our Jesse Tree Advent project. This custom has been used for years to help Christians to prepare for Christmas.

YOUR OWN JESSE TREE
It will take planning and work from each family member to make your own Jesse Tree. The needed materials are usually found around most homes.

First of all, you will need a Bible. If there are very small children in the family, a Bible picture story book will help them understand the Bible stories used.

The tree itself can be one of several types. A small artificial tree works fine, as does a tree branch that is anchored in a bucket or a large can of sand or gravel. The tree branch looks particularly attractive if painted white and sprinkled with silver glitter while the paint is still wet. Another possibility is a large drawing of a tree on cardboard or poster board that can be hung on the wall.

The third thing needed is a set of ornaments to hang on the tree. These are best if they are homemade by various family members.

JESSE TREE ORNAMENTS
If you decide to use one symbol each day during December, there are 24 symbolic ornaments to make for your Jesse Tree, so each family member will need to make several. Making the ornaments is a good project for Sunday afternoons during Advent.

To make an ornament, first read the Scripture verses for the day. Then pick out one or two short verses that give the main idea. Copy these verses on the back of the ornament. By this time you will probably be thinking of various ways to illustrate your Scripture verses.

Use lots of creativity in making your ornament! You can use pictures from magazines or old greeting cards. Or draw pictures or symbols yourself. Color them with crayons, pencils, markers or paint. Look around the house for bits and pieces that will make your design beautiful!

JESSE TREE SCRIPTURES (The symbols are only suggestions)

On December 17, the Church begins to intensify the preparation for Christmas with the use of the "O" Antiphons during the Liturgy of the Hours. The symbols for the Jesse Tree from December 17 to 23 are based on the "O" Antiphons.

Activity Source: Jesse Tree Kit, A by Betsy Walter, Pauline Books and Media, Boston, MA, 1983

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Liturgical Year : Activities : Jesse Tree Instructions

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glue ribbon or yarn (preferably purple) crayons, markers, paints or colored pencils decorations for ornaments: colored paper, cloth, wood, sequins, etc. thick paper, like poster board a Bible 5 hours All A short history of the Jesse Tree, ideas on how to create a tree and ornaments, and suggested Scripture verses for each ornament.

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During the four weeks of Advent, we prepare for the celebration of Christ's birth through prayer and reflection. We contemplate the First Coming of Jesus as Savior, and anticipate his promised Second Coming. And amid the flurry of Christmas preparations, we look for practical ways to observe the holiness of the season in our everyday lives.

Ignatian contemplation and reflective prayer encourage us in the season of Advent. Below we highlight Advent resources in the tradition of Ignatian spirituality.

Enjoy video commentary about works of art inspired by the Sunday Scriptures of Advent. Use these videos to take a new look at this season of preparation through the lens of sacred art. Accompanying dotMagis blog posts offer reflections on using the art as a means of Ignatian prayer.

2020

First Week of Advent, Cycle B
Second Week of Advent, Cycle B
Third Week of Advent, Cycle B
Fourth Week of Advent, Cycle B
Christmas Day

2021

First Week of Advent, Cycle C
Second Week of Advent, Cycle C
Third Week of Advent, Cycle C
Fourth Week of Advent, Cycle C
Christmas Day

2022

First Week of Advent, Cycle A
Second Week of Advent, Cycle A
Third Week of Advent, Cycle A
Fourth Week of Advent, Cycle A
Christmas Day

Advent Weekly Video Reflections

Enjoy these video reflections to help you in your spiritual journey.

Week One: Love Is Coming by Joe Paprocki
Week Two: Waiting by Tim Muldoon
Week Three: How Does Hope Shape Us? by Vinita Hampton Wright
Week Four: Mary Receiving Jesus into Her Arms by Becky Eldredge

More Advent Resources

Advent A to Z
Observe the 26 days of Advent 2020 with Advent A to Z. This special e-mail series will explore seasonal themes following the alphabet for inspiration. Sign up to receive the daily messages via e-mail.

Loyola Press Online Advent Calendar
Use an online Advent calendar featuring daily reflections from several sites. Also find other Advent resources from Loyola Press.

Journeying with the Magi
Popular prayer sites Sacred Space and Pray as You Go collaborate to offer this online retreat that reflects upon the Christmas story of the Magi (or Wise Men) from St. Matthew's Gospel.

Advent Podcasts
The New England Jesuits offer meditations and reflections intersecting themes of Advent and Ignatian spirituality. The topics are: Anticipating Joy, Using the Examen During Advent, Imaginative Prayer, and Advent Gifts and Graces.

Praying Advent
Creighton University's Online Ministries offers a selection of materials to help people prayerfully enter into Advent, from short prayers to longer reflections and audio retreats.

Advent Examen
By Laurie Marshanke
Marshanke invites seasonal reflection through the lens of the Examen.

Contemplation on the Incarnation Part One: The Trinity Looks Down from Heaven
By Daniel Ruff, SJ
The Contemplation on the Incarnation begins with imagining the Trinity looking down from heaven and responding with the Incarnation. Ruff introduces readers to this aspect of the Spiritual Exercises.

Contemplation on the Incarnation Part Two: Mary's Human Response
By Daniel Ruff, SJ
The second part of the Contemplation on the Incarnation explores the Annunciation and Mary's response.

Mary at Her Annunciation as a Model for Growing in the Virtue of Faith
By Gerald M. Fagin, SJ
In contemplating the Annunciation, we see Mary as a model of faith and are called to trust and openness ourselves.
Find more Advent reflections on the dotMagis blog.

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During the four weeks of Advent, we prepare for the celebration of Christ's birth through prayer and reflection. We contemplate the First Coming of Jesus as Savior, and anticipate his promised Second Coming. And amid the flurry of Christmas preparations, we look for practical ways to observe the holiness of the season in our everyday lives.

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Christmas Lesson Plans (EXCELLENT RESOURCE) Yr 4-6

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Christmas Lesson Plans (EXCELLENT RESOURCE) Yr 4-6

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Enjoy this Christmas lesson plan, suitable for children in grades 4-6.

Objectives

The children will be able to

describe all the parts of the celebration of Jesus' birth from Advent to his Baptism.

identify the facts about the Holy Family that are contained in the Bible.

Materials
Student Handout A (The Promised One) Student Handout B (Hidden Message Crossword) Student Handout C (Prayer Service) Family Handout (The Birth of Jesus)
Centering

Arrange the children in pairs and invite them to talk about the many different things they do during the Christmas season. (eat special foods, visit relatives, sing songs, exchange presents) Say: Because the birth of Jesus is so important, we celebrate it over a number of days. Ask the children: When do we begin to prepare for Christmas in the Church? (the first Sunday of Advent) Explain to the children that today they are going to learn about the Christmas season and how it lasts for three weeks.

Sharing

Pass out Student Handout A, The Promised One, and ask the children to read it silently. Ask a volunteer to read Luke 2:1-7. Ask: Which feast is described in this reading? (Christmas) What will happen next? (Angels will tell shepherds that Jesus is born, and the shepherds will go to visit him.) Ask two volunteers to read the next two parts of the story, Luke 2:8-14 and 2:15-20.

Tell the children that the next feast day after Christmas is the feast of the Holy Family. Tell them you are going to read them a story about the Holy Family, and then read Luke 2:41-52.

Then tell the children that Epiphany is the feast day following the feast of the Holy Family. Ask: What does this feast celebrate? (the three Wise Men visiting Jesus) Read Matthew 2:1-12 to the children.

Then ask them what the final feast of the Christmas season celebrates. (the baptism of Jesus) Read to the children the account of the baptism in Matthew 4:13-17.

Acting

Pass out Student Handout B, Hidden Message Crossword, and have the children complete the puzzle and find the hidden message. Use this activity to see if the children have an understanding of the main parts of Jesus' life celebrated during the Christmas season.

Pass out the Prayer Service, Student Handout C. Have a few volunteers read Matthew 2:1-11. Make sure you allow time after the reading for silent reflection.

Family Component

Print out the Family Handout, The Birth of Jesus, and have the children take it home to share with their families.

Enriching the Faith Experience

1. Have the children make colorful birthday cards for Jesus and present them at the parish Nativity scene.

2. Teach the children traditional Christmas carols, discussing the lyrics to songs such as "Joy to the World," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," and "The First Noel."

3. Acquaint the children with some of the Christmas customs of different nations. If possible, invite a parent or parishioner to share his or her customs with the children.

4. It is a custom in Central America for families to make their own Nativity scene. Each family member makes a figure out of clay, paper, or cardboard, or provides a store-bought one. The figures of the Christ Child, Mary, and Joseph are always made first. However, the Christ Child is always added last, on Christmas Eve. Then figures from the Old and New Testaments are added. Sometimes figures representing the family members themselves are made, as well as figures for the animals. Introduce this custom to the children and share this tradition as a class, or encourage them to share this custom with their families.

5. Invite the children to dramatize one or more of the Scripture passages about the Holy Family found in Matthew 1:18-25; 2:13-23, 13:53-58; and Luke 2:1-52.

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Christmas Lesson Plan Grades 4-6 | Loyola Press

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Enjoy this Christmas lesson plan, suitable for children in grades 4-6. The children will be able to describe all the parts of the celebration of Jesus' birth from Advent to his Baptism. identify the facts about the Holy Family that are contained in the Bible.

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Christmas Lesson Plans Yr R-3 (REALLY GOOD LINK)

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Christmas Lesson Plans Yr R-3 (REALLY GOOD LINK)

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Enjoy this Christmas lesson plan, suitable for children in grades 1-3.

Objectives

The children will be able to

express an understanding of why the Wise Men went to see Jesus.

explain how Jesus is God's gift to us.

describe how they are gifts to others.

Materials

Student Handout A (Someone Special)

Student Handout B (Prayer Service)

Family Handout (The Birth of Jesus)

Paper, crayons, markers

Centering

Invite the children to sit comfortably and then close their eyes. Tell them that they are going on an imaginary trip. Ask them to picture someone special to them who lives far away. Say: Imagine that you have a chance to visit the person you are thinking of. How will you get there? Who will go with you? How long can you stay? Will you take a gift? What will it be? Pause for 15 seconds, allowing the children sufficient time for reflection. Ask them to open their eyes; then ask for volunteers to share their experience.

Relate the experience of visiting a special person with the journey of the Wise Men. Say: Today we're going to learn about a trip that three men made to visit a very special person. Can you guess who they were, and whom they traveled to see? (the three Wise Men; Jesus) Why did the Wise Men want to visit Jesus? (to honor him)

Sharing

Explain to the children that you are going to read aloud the story of the visit of the Magi, or the Wise Men, from Matthew 2:1-12. Read verses 1 and 2. Ask: Whom were the wise men looking for? (the newborn king of the Jews) What did they want to do when they found him? (honor him) How did they find him? (They saw a star and followed it.)

Read the rest of the story to the children. Ask: To what city did the star lead the Wise Men? (Bethlehem) Whom did they find when they arrived? (Jesus, Mary, and Joseph) What gifts did they bring for the newborn king? (gold, frankincense, and myrrh)

Say: We remember that Jesus was born on a special day. We call that day Christmas. We remember the visit of the three Wise Men on another special day called Epiphany.

Distribute Student Handout A, Someone Special. Guide the children in completing the handout. When they are finished, you might suggest that they send their cards to the people they traveled to see in the Centering activity.

Tell the children: The Wise Men brought special gifts to Jesus because they knew he was God's Son, God's gift to us. We can be like the Wise Men and share our gifts with others. We each have gifts we can offer that we don't need money to buy. What are some of those gifts? (spending time with someone who is ill or lonely, playing with someone who has no friends, offering to help without being asked, reading a story to a younger brother or sister) When we do these things, we are being gifts to others. We tell them they are special through our actions.

Continue by discussing thankfulness. Say to the children: What do we say when we receive a gift? (thank you) Let's spend a few moments in prayer together to thank God for giving us the best gift of all, Jesus. Lead the children in prayer using Student Handout B, Prayer Service.

Family Component

Print out the Family Handout, The Birth of Jesus, and have the children take it home to share with their families.

Enriching the Faith Experience

1. Teach the children the song "We Three Kings."

2. Acquaint the children with the Epiphany customs of different countries. If possible, invite someone from that country to come and share with the children.

3. Take the children to church to visit the crèche. Point out the figures of the Wise Men, and retell the story.

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Christmas Lesson Plan Grades 1-3 | Loyola Press

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Enjoy this Christmas lesson plan, suitable for children in grades 1-3. The children will be able to express an understanding of why the Wise Men went to see Jesus. explain how Jesus is God's gift to us. describe how they are gifts to others.

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Plenty of IDEAS, LESSONS, CRAFT ETC

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Activities & Crafts:

4catholiceducators.com- Christmas Resources

Neat Jesse Tree to Make- Check out this lovely and creative Jesse Tree by Angela

Shine On- Students make punched-tin candleholders. (Bible Story Crafts & Projects Children Love by Kathy Ross, page 71).

daniellesplace.com- Christmas Crafts For Kids

Christmas Lapbooks- Here are some lapbooks that celebrate the meaning of Christmas. Download them for free and use what you want to make your own Christmas Lapbook.

12 Days of Christmas Lapbooks- Here are the directions from various resources on how to do the lapbook. These can give you lots of great ideas to make your own.

noelnoelnoel.com- Festive Candle Holder
Cute, easy craft made out of a baby food jar and tissue paper. Tip: Make a mixture of half water and half glue in a paper cup. Paint with a paintbrush or a Q-tip a small area on each jar with the glue mixture, then cover the area with small pieces of tissue paper. Use a variety of colored paper to cover the entire jar with two or three layers of tissue paper. Coat the finished jar with thinned glue to seal.

Glitter and Sugar Ornament- A fun and easy way to make lots of pretty ornaments to decorate your Christmas Tree. (The Best Holiday Crafts Ever! By Kathy Ross, page 144 & 145).

ehow.com- Melted Crayon Jars
An easy craft that students can make as presents for their loved ones.

christiancrafters.com- Several Christmas crafts posted here.

Gratitude Boxes- These heartfelt gifts are the ones you will cherish forever and will never forget.

Birth of Jesus Story Wheel- Children turn their story wheel dial to retell the Birth of Jesus story they learned over and over again. Even though this comes from a preschool craft book, it is appropriate for older children to do. (Preschool Christian Crafts by Linda Standke, page 37, 38, 39, 40, and 44).

catholicicing.blogspot.com- DIY Printable Nativity for Kids by Lacy
Complete directions and printable templates

papertoys.com- Printable Nativity Scene

madebyjoel.com- Made by Joel Nativity Scene (free printable)

Baby Jesus in a Manger- A little manger with baby Jesus is just right for little hands. Even though this comes from a preschool craft book, it is appropriate for older children to do. (Preschool Christian Crafts by Linda Standke, page 47 & 48).

Paper Bag Manger Scene- Preschool Christian Crafts by Linda Standke, page 49 - 52.

Coloring:

4catholiceducators.com- Christmas Coloring Pages

coloringbookfun.com- Christian coloring pages

sermons4kids.com- Jesus is born manger scene #1

sermons4kids.com- Jesus is born manger scene #2

sermons4kids.com- Jesus' birth manger scene #3

sermons4kids.com- Manger scene #4

sermons4kids.com- Mary and baby Jesus

sermons4kids.com- Wise Men Worship Jesus

lambsongs.co.nz- 9 Christmas booklets
Print these out for the children to color.

fcpeace.com- The First Christmas Book
A book for you to make and share.

Games:

12 Days of Christmas Memory Game- Print out 2 copies to play Memory

The Birth of Jesus Game- A simple and fun board game for younger children to find Jesus in the stable. (Super Bible Game Book by Linda Standke, page 56 & 57 for game board and page 55 for directions).

Pin the Star on the Stable- Teach the Christmas story with this simple game of Pin the Star on the Stable. Great for younger children. (Super Bible Game Book by Linda Standke, page 47).

kidssundayschool.com- Search for Jesus
A fun yet simple game for younger children about searching for baby Jesus.

sundayschoolnetwork.com- Eight Christmas games posted here.

Introduce game: What town was Jesus born in? Bethlehem

learningtreasures.com- Nativity Dominoes to print out and play

diva-girl-parties-and-stuff.com- Right, Left, Christmas Game
A fun way to review the story of the birth of Jesus.

Gifts For The Baby Jesus File Folder Game- The object of this game is to be the first to collect gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Lessons:

Mary and the Angel- lesson plan for 1st grade on up with: Objectives, Review, Vocabulary Words, Bible Story with questions, Activities, Crafts, Games, Snacks, Puzzles/Mazes/Worksheets, etc.

Birth of Jesus- (Pre K - K) lesson plan with: Objectives, Word Wall, Bible Story with questions, Songs and/or Finger Plays, Activities, Crafts, Games, Snacks, Coloring/Puzzles, etc.

Birth of Jesus- lesson plan for 1st grade on up with: Objectives, Review, Vocabulary Words, Bible Story with questions, Activities, Crafts, Games, Snacks, Puzzles/Mazes/Worksheets, etc.

calvarycurriculum.com- Several Christmas lessons listed with memory verses, circle the correct words, true or false, fill in the blanks, puzzles, and color sheets.

dltk-bible.com- The Christmas Story (Taken from Matthew and Luke) lesson with memory verse, teacher's guide, angel printables, Christmas Bible Reading Chart, coloring pages, crafts, games and puzzles, Christmas Nativity Felt Board, puppets, or coloring templates, Christmas plays, prayers, and songs, Christmas printables, recipes, take home sheets, etc.

kidssundayschool.com- Lesson One: Gabriel Visits Mary

kidssundayschool.com- Lesson Two: Joseph's Dream

kidssundayschool.com- Lesson Three: Journey to Bethlehem

kidssundayschool.com- Lesson Four: Visit of the Magi

Music/Songs:

kididdles.com- Away in a Manger Song (with lyrics and audio)

kididdles.com- Christ Was Born on Christmas Day Song (with lyrics)

kididdles.com- Go Tell It On The Mountain Song (with lyrics)

Puzzles/Worksheets:

ministry-to-children.com- Christmas Activity Worksheets for Children

kidssundayschool.com- The Magi Search for Jesus word search

sermons4kids.com- Birth of Jesus (word search)

sermons4kids.com- Birth of Jesus (crossword)

sermons4kids.com- The Birth of Jesus (decoder)

thoughtco.com- Christmas Nativity Wordsearch, Crossword Puzzle, and Other Printouts

The Angel Said to Them . . . (find the hidden pictures)- Hidden Pictures Explore Hidden Treasures in God's World: Grade 1 - 3 by Linda Standke, page 16.

Shepherds Find the Baby (find the hidden pictures)- Hidden Pictures Explore Hidden Treasures in God's World: Grade 1 - 3 by Linda Standke, page 17. (Click on Sample)

dltk-holidays.com- Christmas puzzles
Scroll down to Christmas Themed Printable Games and Puzzles for anagrams, bingo, crosswords, cryptograms, dominos, jigsaw puzzles, mazes, Memory cards, riddles, word-mining, word searches

pflaum.com- Four times during the school year, Pflaum Gospel Weeklies provides three ready-to-print activities for each level; Seeds (Preschool), Promise (Grades K-1), Good News (Grades 2-3), Venture (Grades 4-6) and Visions (Grades 7-8). Plus each season special features for the entire family.

An Angel Tells Good News- Connect the dots in the picture to see who brought Mary good news. (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus' Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 9).

The Angel Speaks to Mary- Begin at start and write down every other word as you follow the arrows around the crown. You will see part of the angel's message about the soon-to-be-born king. (Red Hot Bible Puzzles by Nancy I. Sanders, page 34).

Jesus' Birth Announcement- Use this code to see what the angles said. (Wa-a-ay Cool Bible Puzzles by Nancy I. Sanders, page 34).

Joseph Cares for Mary- In the space draw a picture of what the angel told Joseph in his dream. (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus' Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 10).

A Trip to Bethlehem- Look at the two pictures. The second picture has 6 missing parts. Circle the missing parts. (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus' Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 12).

Angels Tell Shepherds the Good News- Match the angels. (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus' Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 13).

Shepherds Find The Baby (find the hidden pictures)- Hidden Pictures Explore Hidden Treasures in God's Word (Grade 1 - 3) by Linda Standke, page 17.

Wise Men Visit Jesus- Find the matching pictures and draw lines to them. (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus' Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 14).

The First Christmas Gift- To find out what the first Christmas gift was, write the first letter of each picture on the line above the picture. (Wa-a-ay Cool Bible Puzzles by Nancy I. Sanders, page 35).

Go to Egypt- Help Joseph take Mary and Jesus to Egypt (maze). (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus' Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 15).

The Flight to Egypt-Flip the page maze to help Joseph and his family travel to Egypt. . (Wa-a-ay Cool Bible Puzzles by Nancy I. Sanders, page 37 & 38).

Quizzes:

a4esl.org- Christmas Story Quiz

akidsheart.com- The Christmas Story

whatchristianswanttoknow.com- This quiz can easily be made into a worksheet.

Skits:

kidssundayschool.com- The Birth of Jesus- A lively skit about the people and times during the Birth of Jesus.

kidssundayschool.com- Not What I Wanted- Have you ever been disappointed by a Christmas Gift?

christiancrafters.com- Several Christmas Skits, Plays & Dramas posted here

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Activities & Crafts: 4catholiceducators.com- Christmas Resources Neat Jesse Tree to Make- Check out this lovely and creative Jesse Tree by Angela Shine On- Students make punched-tin candleholders. (Bible Story Crafts & Projects Children Love by Kathy Ross, page 71). daniellesplace.com- Christmas Crafts For Kids Christmas Lapbooks- Here are some lapbooks that celebrate the meaning of Christmas.

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From the Archdiocese of Adelaide: LOTS OF IDEAS

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From the Archdiocese of Adelaide: LOTS OF IDEAS

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Welcome to the Adelaide Archdiocese. The Adelaide Archdiocese dates back to 1842, just six years after the first fleet arrived at Glenelg

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Saint Nicholas of Myra - the Real Santa Claus (The Reliquary)

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Light Your Way To A Merry Christmas Click HERE for a Virtual Advent Wreath with wicks that light when clicked, or HERE for a brief history of Advent and the wreath: Begin with a prayer, such as "Lord God, we light this candle to thank you for your son Jesus, our savior and the light of the world."
1st Week of Advent Begins on the 4th Sunday Before Christmas:
To light, click the wick of the purple candle on the left.

Look at the 1st light~think of the moment of Incarnation when Christ was conceived in the womb of a young Virgin Mary in Nazareth.
2nd Week of Advent Will Begin on the 3rd Sunday Before Christmas:
To light, click the wick of the 2nd purple candle on the left.

Look at the 2nd light~think of Mary rushing to spend three months helping Elizabeth & the mysterious joyful meeting of their unborn sons.
3rd Week of Advent Will Begin on the 2nd Sunday Before Christmas:
To light, click the wick of the pink candle~rose-colored, for joyful anticipation.

Look at the 3rd light~think of Mary's return to Joseph & their humble daily life after angels have told them she is carrying the divinely-conceived Christ.
4th Week of Advent Will Begin on the Sunday Before Christmas:
To light, click the wick of the last purple candle on the right.

Look at the 4th light~think of the Holy Family's difficult journey leading to wondrous joy, with all walks of life invited to see the newborn king.
The Season of Advent Will End at Christmas:
(after midnight Christmas Eve or Christmas Day) , click the wick of the white candle. Look at all the lights~Give thanks for the Incarnation, accomplished in secret, hidden for nine months, and revealed to the world in Bethlehem.

May You & Yours Receive All the Blessings Of Christmas~Happy Holy Days!

To Begin Again Click HERE or scroll down to read about Advent and the Wreath.

Advent & the Advent Wreath:A Brief History

The anticipatory season of Advent is a tradition that expands the spiritual meaning of Christmas outside of the few days of gift giving, just as the 12 Days of Christmas extends it beyond.An Advent wreath like the one featured on this page is a time-honored way to count down the four Sundays before Christmas.The custom of using a candle wreath at this season of the year (laid flat on a stand or table) was formalized and first popularized in 16th century Lutheran Germany.As each Sunday of Advent arrives, feel free to invite someone to click and light one or more candles, or ask a child to color their own version and add a flame (or a gold sticker) each week.On the first Sunday of Advent the first purple candle is lit, accompanied by a simple prayer, such as "Lord God, we light this candle to thank you for your son Jesus, our savior and the light of the world."The second week the first two purple candles are lit in order, and so on.The third Sunday adds the rose-colored candle representing a break from the waiting period in which a few holiday treats can be enjoyed ahead of time.Finally all four colored candles are lit for the last Sunday of Advent.Modern versions of the wreath often feature a white candle to light on Christmas Eve after dark--with all five lit again each evening through Epiphany on January 6 marking the end of the 12th day of Christmas.

It is also interesting to note that the original colors of the Advent wreath follow traditional liturgical colors in the vestments and cloths used at Mass.Purple, the color of royalty for Christ the newborn king, is chosen as a penitential color as Advent was once a Lenten-like time of preparatory prayer and penance.The rose pink represents joy and has its origins in the papal custom of giving out roses on the Sundays in the latter half of Advent to celebrate passing the midpoint.The third Sunday on which the pink candle is lit is called "Gaudete Sunday," which comes from the Latin term for "rejoice"--the first word of the traditional entrance antiphon sung or spoken at the start of the Mass for that day.Gaudete Sunday has a Lenten counterpart in Laetare Sunday (also named for the day's antiphon or introit)--another day on which rose vestments and altar cloths are used after the midpoint of Lent to signify a respite from the penitential season.The wreath itself is traditionally made of evergreens, reminding us of everlasting life--these include laurel, pine, yew, cedar, and often holly which has a special Christian symbolism in that the prickly leaves are reminiscent of Christ's crown of thorns.The circle of the wreath symbolizes eternity, and the nuts, seeds, pods, and pinecones are a symbol of resurrection and new life.

Advent wreaths can be purchased ready-made, but this seasonal addition needn't be costly.Children can start a yearly tradition of drawing an annual Advent wreath and adding a flame each Sunday, or a simple inexpensive version can be made at home with craft or dollar store items.The easiest way to make an Advent wreath is to use a round shallow dish or platter and choose wide stand-up candles in the desired colors--small votives, tall pillars, or jar candles with the labels removed can be used depending on the size of the wreath.If you add real or faux greens, make sure the flames will be far enough away as they burn down.For safety, especially if the wreath will be left unattended, flameless candles can also be used.Try unique variations, such as a wreath of greenery with a 4-section cut-crystal dish in the center filled with water and pink and purple floating candles.The Advent wreath was brought to America by German immigrants in the 1800s and became popular in Catholic churches.In recent years it has spread to various denominations, which often use different color variations--red candles with one white in keeping with holiday decor, or blue symbolic of hope and waiting.The newer addition of the central white candle represents Jesus Christ--in some versions of the wreath all the candles are white to remind us of Christ and His purity.May we all keep that in mind as we prepare to celebrate a Merry and Blessed Christmas.

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Virtual Advent Wreath--Click the Wick Each Week to Light!

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Light Your Way To A Merry Christmas Click HERE for a Virtual Advent Wreath with wicks that light when clicked, or HERE for a brief history of Advent and the wreath: Begin with a prayer, such as "Lord God, we light this candle to thank you for your son Jesus, our savior and the light of the world."