Verse of the week: John 3:16a For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.
Nov. 28 shopping for Angel Tree child (photo of someone giving a gift)
God wants us to do things for others. In fact, in the Bible he tells us to take care of those in need. Today we will go shopping for children whose parents need our help buying them gifts. Remember that we are buying what THESE children want, not what WE want. God likes it when we think of others.
Verse of the week: John 3:16a For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.
Nov. 29 Make an Advent Wreath (a battery powered votive)
The Advent wreath is a circular garland of evergreen branches representing eternity. In that wreath, five candles are arranged. During the season of Advent, one candle on the wreath is lit each Sunday as a part of the Advent services. Each candle represents an aspect of the spiritual preparation for the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Today we will decorate a white board together and place four battery powered votives on each corner. We will light one candle each week until all 4 are burning. We will place a center candle on the tile on Christmas day. When all the candles are lit, our wait will be over! Christmas will be here!
Verse of the week: John 3:16a For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.
Supplies: Dry erase board, bell pepper (small), green acrylic paint, red acrylic paint, votive candles.
Nov. 30 Christmas music (jingle bell bracelet – one for each child)
Luke 2: 8-14 (Message) There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:
Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
God planned for a long time for Jesus’ birth. When Jesus finally was born it was a time for great joy! The angels were so happy they sang songs! During Advent, music is a special part of how we show our joy and tell about the birth of Jesus. Today we will start listening to Christmas music. We will play everyone’s favorite Christmas song!
REMINDER TO PARENT: You can reinforce this concept throughout the season whenever you listen to Christmas music.
Verse of the week: John 3:16a For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.
Dec. 1 Nativity Advent Calendar (star)
The star led the wise men to Jesus. It was a special star. The brightest one in the sky. We will use this nativity calendar to help us countdown the days until Christmas. It is 25 days away. Today we will mark off star number 1 to help us with our countdown.
Verse of the week: John 3:16a For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.
Dec. 2 Nativity Puzzle found at Hobby Lobby (puzzle piece)
Sometimes life doesn’t make sense and we have to make decisions that might feel like we are completing a puzzle. Today we will work on a puzzle of the nativity to remind us that any time we are confused about a choice we should make, we should ask Jesus to help us.
Verse of the week: John 3:16a For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.
Dec. 3 – Name of God Wreath (name of boys using Wordle.net)
In the bag today is a printing of your name and words that describe you. There are lots of words that describe God. We are going to make a wreath and use it throughout the next few weeks to learn the names of God. Mommy has names like Jennifer, Mommy, daughter, sister, and friend. God had lots of names too. This wreath will help remind us of some of the names of God.
Note: The names of God are highlighted in YELLOW throughout the rest of these activities.
Add first star on the wreath: GOD
Verse of the week: John 3:16a For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.
Dec. 4 Fruit Cove Baptist Christmas Celebration (flier about the day)
Today Brewer and Maddox get to go to a Christmas Celebration at Fruit Cove Baptist Church. You will get to take your lunch and a toy for children who don’t have toys. While you are there you’ll learn about Jesus’ birthday. Have a fun time learning about how Jesus loves you!
Verse of the week: John 3:16a For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.
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Verse of the week: Luke 6:31 - Do to others what you would have them do to you.
Dec. 5 Game night (dice)
Everyone has a part in making the family happy. Everyone in our family will be happier if each person does his or her part.
Wives follow the lead of your husbands. That’s what the Lord wants. Husbands, love your wives. Don’t be mean to them. Children, obey your parents in everything. That pleases the Lord. Colossians 3:18-20
Christmas is a time to spend together with our family. Today we will play game and spend time together as a family.
Name of God Day: Lord
Verse of the week: Luke 6:31 - Do to others what you would have them do to you.
Dec. 6 book Mortimer's Christmas Manger (ornament of mouse)
Today we will read about book about a mouse named Mortimer. He was taking Jesus’ bed. The Bible tells us that Jesus is our King. Let’s read about how Mortimer found out Jesus was coming.
Your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation. - Zechariah 9:9
Name of God Day: King
Verse of the week: Luke 6:31 - Do to others what you would have them do to you.
Dec. 7 - Drive Around as a family to see Lights (light bulb)
John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life."
Jesus is the Light of the World – lights shine when it is dark and help us to see and find our way. Many people decorate their houses at Christmas with lights making them shine in the dark! Tonight we are going to drive around and look at those lights!
Name of God Day: Light of the World
Verse of the week: Luke 6:31 - Do to others what you would have them do to you.
Dec. 8 - Bell ringing at Publix for Salvation Army (coins)
Mary and Joseph did not have a lot of things. When they came to Bethlehem they needed a place to stay and food to eat. Someone was kind enough to give them a place to stay in their barn where the animals were kept so Jesus could be born.
God loves everyone in the world and wants us to love each other too. Advent is a time for us to think about other people – how we can care for others. Today Mommy and Brewer are going to ring a bell and collect money for people who don’t have places to stay or food to eat. We are going to give our time to help people that God loves.
Go get a baggie and put some of your own money in it to take to put in the bucket. This money will help others in time of need.
Verse of the week: Luke 6:31 - Do to others what you would have them do to you.
Dec. 9 - Card to a soldier (postage stamp)
We are thankful that God lets us live in America. Soldiers protect us. Today we will send a card to a soldier wishing them a Merry Christmas and telling them that Jesus loves them. We will make the card together and put it in an envelope with a stamp to mail it.
Verse of the week: Luke 6:31 - Do to others what you would have them do to you.
Dec. 10 – Christmas in the Manger board book (pic of book)
We will read this book to remind us of the story of Christmas. We will find out what each of the characters in the story say about the coming of Jesus.
The Bible says: The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. -Isaiah 7:14
Name of God Day: Immanuel
Verse of the week: Luke 6:31 - Do to others what you would have them do to you.
Dec. 11 - Kids Christmas party our house (invitation)
Today we are having our friends over for a party to celebrate Christmas. We will play games, make crafts, have a birthday cake for Jesus, and a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus. It will be an exciting time. Remember Christmas is about the excitement of the birth of Jesus.
When a baby is born, their mommy and daddy pick out their name. But an angel told Mary what to name her son. When the angel visited Mary, he said: You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. -Luke 1:31
Name of God Day: Jesus
Verse of the week: Luke 6:31 - Do to others what you would have them do to you.
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Verse of the week: John 13:34a As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Dec. 12 Veggie Tales movie, The Toy That Saved Christmas (pic of movie cover)
When we watch TV, the commercials tell us that Christmas is all about getting lots of things. It is easy to start thinking it is all about getting the toys and stuff we want. We are going to watch a movie today called, “The Toy that Saved Christmas,” to see that Christmas isn’t about getting – but about giving!
Verse of the week: John 13:34a As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Dec.13 We get 3 gifts b/c Jesus got 3 gifts (3 pieces of candy for each child)Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
The wise men brought Jesus three gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh). You both will be receiving three gifts this year from Santa just like Jesus got three gifts. Today in this bag you will find three pieces of candy for each of you to remind you of the three gifts Jesus received.
Verse of the week: John 13:34a As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Dec. 14 Legend of Candy Cane - read book and do meaning (mini candy cane)
Today we will read the book The Legend of the Candy Cane and talk about the candy cane’s shape and colors.
Verse of the week: John 13:34a As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Dec 15 Shopping for our siblings (photo of brothers)
Brothers are a gift from God. They are very special and on Christmas you will give your brother a gift that is a surprise. Tonight we will all go shopping so Maddox can pick out a Christmas gift for Brewer and Brewer can pick out a Christmas gift for Maddox. (Each child goes shopping with an individual parent.)
Verse of the week: John 13:34a As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Dec. 16 read the book Santa’s Christmas Prayer (ornament of Santa kneeling by Jesus - then hang this ornament on our tree)
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
In the midst of Christmas songs, Santa, lights and parties, it is easy to forget why we celebrate Christmas. We celebrate the birth of Jesus, our friend, Lord and Savior! Today we will read, Santa’s Christmas Prayer, a story where Santa remembers the reason for the season!
Name of God Day: Savior
Verse of the week: John 13:34a As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Dec. 17 – School Program (music note ornament)
The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
Tonight Brewer and Maddox will go to school to preform a Christmas program for mommies, daddies, MeMaws, PawPaws and friends. When we sing about the birth of Jesus, we are rejoicing in the Lord. The music note ornament in our bag reminds us of music and rejoicing.
Verse of the week: John 13:34a As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Dec 18 Make Gingerbread Houses as a family (picture of gingerbread house)
Bethlehem was where Jesus was born. It was a small town and its name means “City of Bread.” No one really knows why it is named that, but maybe at one time the town was famous for its bread.
Over the years, people laughed a lot and did many fun things in Bethlehem. Think about David and his seven brothers, or Jesus and his brothers and sisters. I’m sure they laughed and had lots of fun there in Bethlehem. Today we are going to do something fun – make Gingerbread houses!
In John 6:35 Jesus says, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.”Bread of Life is another name of God. Let’s add it to our wreath.
Name of God Day: Bread of Life
Verse of the week: John 13:34a As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
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Verse of the week: Psalm 13:5 - I trust in your unfailing love.
Dec. 19 - Birthday candle (birthday candle)
In the Bible it says that Jesus is the Light of the World. What do you think that means? Is Jesus a big light bulb? Have you ever been outside when it is very dark out? Was it hard to find your way and see where you were going? That is how it is when we don't have Jesus in our hearts. We don't know where we are going and can't find our way. When you were out in the dark, what helped you see? (elicit responses) Yes, a light. A flashlight at night can be very helpful. Jesus is like that flashlight. He shows us the way to go if we keep our eyes on Him. That's why he is called the Light of the World. Today we are going to make a little candle that will help remind you to keep your eyes on Jesus.
Name of God Day: Light of the World
Verse of the week: Psalm 13:5 - I trust in your unfailing love.
**Make candle and then read the information below.
Materials: gumdrops, white Lifesavers, birthday candles, white glue, plastic knife. Procedure:
1.Place a birthday candle in the top of the gumdrop. Glue if needed.
Cut a small slit in the gumdrop with a plastic knife to make the Lifesaver go in easily.
Eat a Lifesaver and grab another (uneaten) Lifesaver to use as the handle on the gumdrop. Glue the edge of the Lifesaver that is going into the gumdrop.
White reminds me of many things. It reminds me of snow, clouds and light. Do you see this lifesaver? What color is it? (white). That lifesaver makes me think of Jesus. Did you know that he never did anything wrong? He never sinned. He is pure and Holy. Jesus was born to save the world, and this lifesaver reminds me that he is my Savior born on Christmas day.
This gumdrop reminds me of the world we live in. Have you ever eaten a gumdrop? Gumdrops are gooey and chewy. And if you leave them out of a container for awhile they get hard. That's kind of like the world. The world can seem like a happy place, but then little things creep in like anger, discontentment, and unhappiness. Pretty soon it seems like life is so hard. Jesus came into the world to give us hope. With him, the world is sweet again.
So now you have your own Jesus birthday candle to remind you that He's our hope and our Savior.
Dec. 20 Christmas Cookie Decorating at grandparents' house (cookie cutter)
Tonight we will go to Me-Maw and Paw-Paw’s house to decorate Christmas cookies. This is a tradition that even Mommy and Uncle Day-Day used to do at Christmas time. It is special to make and keep traditions at Christmas time. God loves to see us doing fun things with our family.
Verse of the week: Psalm 13:5 - I trust in your unfailing love.
Dec. 21 Coloring Baby Jesus (marker)
Luke 2:6-7 While Joseph and Mary were there, the time came for the child to be born. She gave birth to her first baby. She wrapped the baby boy in large strips of cloth. Then she placed him in a manger. There was no room for them in the inn.
Today we will color this picture of baby Jesus to remind us of his birth.
Jesus was the Son of God. This is another name for our wreath.
Name of God Day: Son of God
Verse of the week: Psalm 13:5 - I trust in your unfailing love.
Dec. 22 book The Very Special Visitors (pic of the wise men)
Who were the special visitors that visited Jesus in the stable? What did they follow to find him? Today we are going to read a book to tell us this story. You will hear a lot about presents, trees, Santa, toys, during Christmas. But the real reason of Christmas is the story of Jesus. We celebrate Christmas in December to remind us of Jesus’ birthday.
Verse of the week: Psalm 13:5 - I trust in your unfailing love.
Dec. 23 The Best Present (small wrapped box)
In two days we will be opening a lot of gifts. But what is the best gift we’ve ever been given? JESUS! Today we will make a special card to help represent the best present given to us.
Verse of the week: Psalm 13:5 - I trust in your unfailing love.
Dec. 24 Kids Christmas Service at church and drive to see lights (small cross)
Today is the last day of Advent! Our waiting is almost over! This afternoon and tonight we will go to church for a very special Christmas Eve worship service! We will sing and celebrate together with our church the good news that Jesus is born! After the first service is over – we will go out to eat dinner together!
What has been your favorite thing we have done this Advent?
What has been your favorite story?
Verse of the week: Psalm 13:5 - I trust in your unfailing love.
