Advent Archives - Page 2 of 2

Earlier this week, I posted a guest post that shared ways to celebrate Christmas with children. I thought I’d share a few more ideas I’ve come across online that you could incorporate this Christmas. These ideas can be used at home or in a classroom.

For Kids of All Ages

I’ve shared lots of ideas to get you started on my Advent/Christmas page on Pinterest. There are printables, craft ideas, yummy snack options, and games that kids will love!

Brandon Baker listed many books to help children focus on the real meaning of Christmas on his blog. If you’re using the books at home, you can take time to wind down a busy day with one of the many story books mentioned. If you’re using the books in a classroom setting, you can choose to read a portion of a book each week until you finish. You could also use one of the books to supplement a lesson.

For Kids Ages 2 – Young Elementary

I came across an Advent devotional using the “Jesus Storybook Bible. Preschool families in our church receive this Bible as a gift from our ministry and they LOVE it. What a great way to tie in all of the Bible stories that have been read throughout the year!

For Kids Ages 2 – 12

Jenny Funderburke has a great Family Advent Calendar on her blog. Each day has a different Bible reading (or audio recording); a brief devotional to read and/or watch on video; a prayer activity; and a practical, hands-on activity to do that relates to that day’s topic. A great resource!

These ideas are just a small plethora of Christ-centered ideas for children this Christmas. And don’t worry about it being too late to begin using an Advent devotional. It’s never too late to help your children understand the true meaning of Christmas.

I’d love to hear what ideas you’ve found helpful! Please share them below!

Christmas is all about preparing for the celebration of Jesus’ birth and all of the details that come along with that…planning menus for holiday dinners and parties; choosing outfits for pictures and performances; shopping, lots of shopping; decorations for trees and houses; making room in closets, attics and garages for hidden gifts and packages.

Advent is also all about preparing—your heart. Think of it as making room for Jesus.

Luke 2:7 tells us, “…there was no room for them [Mary and Joseph] in the inn.” No room. Every room taken, filled to the brim. That can often describe my life during this time of year. This year, I am vowing to make different choices so that I don’t crowd Jesus out.

It is very easy for me to be side-tracked and distracted with all of the preparations that need to be made, so I need to be more intentional. Maybe you can relate. Spending time daily in the Word and prayer, using an Advent devotional, writing in my journal, making time for solitude and setting aside more time to enjoy the people God has placed in my life are at the top of my to-do list this Christmas. It’s not so much about doing more—it’s about a change in perspective, focusing on the most important things and not forgetting why we celebrate.

Starting this Monday, and continuing on each Monday through Christmas, we’ll look at different ways that you can make room for Jesus this Christmas. I’ve invited some very special guests to share their thoughts with you; I know that you’ll be blessed by their stories.

I hope you will join me by making room for Jesus this Christmas. As the song says, “Let every heart prepare Him room.”

Enjoy a little music to get you in the Christmas spirit!