Thursday, December 20, 2007

Advent Update

A little update on our advent activities.

Advent wreath and candles-We have been keeping up with this each night at suppertime. The boys enjoy blowing out the candles. Jeb remembers what each candle stands for (hope, peace, joy)

The second candle stands for peace. We used Isaiah 9:6-7 as our scripture.
"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on
his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty
God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of
Peace.
Of the increase of his government
and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord almighty
will accomplish this."


The third candle stands for joy. We are using Luke 2:8-14 as our scripture.


We are hiding the countdown to Christmas gifts each night and letting the boys look for the surprises with their flashlights. After they find the gift, we read the corresponding scripture. This is by far the most fun activity we do with them. They eagerly await this time each night.


Each night we hang the next ornament on the tree and briefly discuss what it means.


We have let the Jesse Tree activities slip. We kept them up for about a week. After beginning the activities with the book I purchased, I wasn't really impressed with the book. I may do some more of the devotions, but I want to plan this out a little better for next year.


We have gotten to share one of our advent meals with some new friends from church.