tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64081556000218595612024-03-12T19:02:04.377-07:00Christmas Adventure BoxLana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-23707703003558829672010-11-18T18:10:00.000-08:002010-11-18T18:15:08.047-08:00Welcome...The following posts are advent devotionals aimed at putting the "Christ" into "Christmas." Our family has enjoyed these activities year after year and I hope yours will too. The tabs at the top of the page will help you get started and the blog entries will guide you through a fun 25 days of sharing Christ with your kids. Enjoy your own Christmas Adventure!Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-60950564817486797942010-11-18T12:43:00.001-08:002010-11-18T13:09:20.764-08:00December 1: The Greatest Gift<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_n6Us-ielCD0/TOWV96MFbUI/AAAAAAAAABg/fTqDasKjAvo/s1600/DSCF0677.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_n6Us-ielCD0/TOWV96MFbUI/AAAAAAAAABg/fTqDasKjAvo/s400/DSCF0677.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540999807373765954" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n6Us-ielCD0/TOWVe5rk8QI/AAAAAAAAABY/tM_DH0MZ8U0/s1600/DSCF0677.JPG"><br /></a><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Gather your children and present a large wrapped box with a removable lid (keep the lid on for today, unless you want to show them wrapped gifts inside the box).</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Explain that each day in December you will get a present out of this "Christmas Adventure Box" and talk about how that present reminds us of Jesus.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Tell them that this large wrapped present reminds you of the Greatest Gift ever given.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Read John 3:16.</span></span></li></ul><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Talk about the biggest gift in the history of time, God's gift to us in Jesus.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Tell about when you received Jesus as a gift and made him Lord of your life. </span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Share the gospel story with your children, giving them a chance to receive this Greatest Gift.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Pray with your children, thanking God for the gift of Jesus. Thank God for the season of Advent and the anticipation of the celebration of Jesus. Ask Him to bless each day as you experience this Christmas Adventure Box!<br /></span></span></li></ul>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-36322283685670751332010-11-18T12:29:00.000-08:002010-11-18T12:55:18.288-08:00December 2: The Census<span style="font-family:arial;"> *Wrap a package of Skittles for today's gift.</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Read Luke 2:1-4.</span></span></li></ul><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. </span><sup style="font-family: arial;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24976">2</sup><span style="font-family:arial;"> (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) </span><sup style="font-family: arial;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24977">3</sup><span style="font-family:arial;"> And everyone went to their own town to register.</span><sup style="font-family: arial;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24978"> 4</sup><span style="font-family:arial;"> So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David."</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Let your children unwrap the Skittles.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Divide the candy so that each child has a handful. Make extra groupings if you are working with one or two children.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Explain that Caesar Augustus, in the time of Jesus, wanted to have a "census" to simply count the people.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Have each child count the pieces of candy in their own pile(s).</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Label your piles with names of cities if you like...giving one the name of "Bethlehem."</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Label each color of Skittles a city name as well, using the same city names given to the piles.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Instruct all the green colored Skittles to travel to the city designated as "home" to the green candies. Separate all the colors, having them "travel" to their own cities until the candies are all separated into piles or "cities" of the same color.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Now, count each pile again, noting how many more or less each "city" has.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Explain that the census was Caesar Augustus' way of counting the people in his country. Also explain that this census played an important role in orchestrating the birth of Christ to take place in Bethlehem, as promised.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Thank God for making special plans to keep His promise. Thank God for Joseph and Mary's safe trip to Bethlehem. Ask God to keep you safe as you travel over the holidays.</span></span></li></ul>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-90601234432749327102010-11-18T11:24:00.000-08:002010-11-18T13:05:24.357-08:00December 3: The Stable<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_n6Us-ielCD0/TOWVB19ngjI/AAAAAAAAABQ/_b_sNPxorMg/s1600/DSCF0693.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_n6Us-ielCD0/TOWVB19ngjI/AAAAAAAAABQ/_b_sNPxorMg/s320/DSCF0693.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540998775447192114" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">*Wrap the stable and animals (except the sheep...save those for December 6) for today's gift.</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Read Luke 2: 5-7.</span></span></li></ul><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">"He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. </span><sup style="font-family: arial;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24980">6</sup><span style="font-family:arial;"> While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, </span><sup style="font-family: arial;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24981">7</sup><span style="font-family:arial;"> and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them."</span><br /><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Pass out the gifts to be unwrapped and let the children open them.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Remind your children why Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem (The census discussion from December 2nd should help.)</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Ask your children, "Where would we have to travel if we were told to go to the hometown of our dad?"</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Talk about how busy the town would be today if you actually had to travel back with everyone else from that same town. (Equate it to a festival there, or a time when many go back to visit.)</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Ask your children where everyone would stay if that were to happen. We don't have stables today, but would Joseph and Mary's situation today mean they would have stayed in their car in a hotel parking lot or in someone's garage?</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Discuss that Joseph and Mary were back in Joseph's hometown and it was very crowded.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Talk about their situation and the open stable that was offered to them. Discuss the sights, sounds and smells of such a place.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Pray with your family. Thank God for giving Joseph and Mary a place to stay. Thank God for Christmas and ask God to teach you more about Him this season.</span></span></li></ul>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-85647305002416356282010-11-18T11:15:00.000-08:002010-11-18T13:14:44.997-08:00December 4: Joseph and Mary<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_n6Us-ielCD0/TOWXOwZToyI/AAAAAAAAABw/7HaOahPHYhs/s1600/DSCF0694.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_n6Us-ielCD0/TOWXOwZToyI/AAAAAAAAABw/7HaOahPHYhs/s200/DSCF0694.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541001196314272546" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">*Today's gifts are the unbreakable nativity figurines of Joseph and Mary.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Read Luke 1: 30-33.</span></span></li></ul><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">"But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. </span><sup style="font-family: arial;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24925">31</sup><span style="font-family:arial;"> You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. </span><sup style="font-family: arial;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24926">32</sup><span style="font-family:arial;"> He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, </span><sup style="font-family: arial;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24927">33</sup><span style="font-family:arial;"> and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.'"</span><br /><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Give your children the gifts to open.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Explain how God's people were given promises about a king who would "reign in the house of Jacob forever." (This phrase is also found in Isaiah 9:7)</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Explain also how Old Testament prophets told of the birth of this King through special circumstances (by a virgin, Isaiah 7:14).</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Talk about the way God kept promises through the birth of Jesus. He kept his promise with Mary too.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Think of a time when you knew God kept a promise to you (Duet. 31:6 will help).</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Pray with your family, thanking God for always keeping His promises.</span></span></li></ul>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-41980139013045966442010-11-18T11:09:00.000-08:002010-11-18T12:56:49.348-08:00December 5: Baby Jesus<span style="font-family:arial;">*Wrap an unbreakable nativity figurine of baby Jesus for today's gift.</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Read Luke 2:6-7.</span></span></li></ul><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> "While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, </span><sup style="font-family: arial;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24981">7</sup><span style="font-family:arial;"> and sh</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;font-family:arial;" ></span><span style="font-family:arial;">e gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them."</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Choose a child to unwrap the figurine of baby Jesus.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Remind your children about the activity surrounding the stable from a few days ago. Talk again about the sights, sounds and smells of a stable.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Ask the children how Joseph and Mary must have felt, knowing that the promised King would be born in a stable.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Share the stories of the births of each of your children and how they were different from the birth of Jesus.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Pray with your family. Thank God for the birth of Jesus Christ, the promised King. Thank God for the birth of each child in your family.</span></span></li></ul>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-56464036657048177172010-11-18T10:56:00.001-08:002010-11-19T05:50:33.844-08:00December 6: The Shepherds and Angels<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n6Us-ielCD0/TOaARpI4OAI/AAAAAAAAACM/iSdCmshTZmk/s1600/DSCF0692.JPG"><br /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">*For today's gift, wrap the shepherds, sheep and angels from your unbreakable nativity set.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Give the children the figurines to unwrap.</span></li></ul><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Read Luke 2:8-20</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> and let the children use the figurines as puppets to "act out" the events of this passage.</span></li></ul><br /><p style="font-family: arial;">"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24983">9</sup> An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24984">10</sup> But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people<nobr></nobr>. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24985">11</sup> Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24986">12</sup> This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' </p><p style="font-family: arial;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24987">13</sup> Suddenly a great company of<nobr></nobr> the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, </p><p style="font-family: arial;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24988">14</sup> “Glory to God in the highest heaven,<br />and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” </p><p style="font-family: arial;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24989">15</sup> When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.' </p> <sup style="font-family: arial;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24990">16</sup><span style="font-family:arial;"> So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. </span><sup style="font-family: arial;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24991">17</sup><span style="font-family:arial;"> When they had seen him, they spread</span><p style="font-family: arial;"><nobr></nobr> the word concerning what had been told them about this child, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24992">18</sup> and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24993">19</sup> But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24994">20</sup> The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."</p><p style="font-family: arial;"><br /></p><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Afterward, talk about the excitement the shepherds felt about this big news they were able to share.</span></li></ul><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Think of a time in your family when you were excited to share some big news (perhaps the news of a new baby).</span></li></ul><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Use the example of your excitement to share "big news" to help understand how excited the shepherds were to share the news of Jesus' birth.</span></li></ul><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Pray with your family. Thank God for the shepherds and the angels and all the excitement surrounding the birth of baby Jesus. Thank God for the feelings of excitement your family has experienced. Ask God to give your family excitement to share the story of Jesus with others.</span><br /></span></li></ul>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-60784982861835605672010-11-18T10:45:00.000-08:002010-11-18T12:57:35.867-08:00December 7: The Magi<span style="font-family:arial;">*Today's gift should contain the Magi from your unbreakable nativity set.</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Read Matthew 2:1-2, 10-11.</span></span></li></ul><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem </span><sup style="font-family: arial;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23172">2</sup><span style="font-family:arial;"> and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him...'</span><sup style="font-family: arial;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23180">10</sup><span style="font-family:arial;"> When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. </span><sup style="font-family: arial;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23181">11</sup><span style="font-family:arial;"> 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."</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Allow your children to open the figurines of the magi.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Point out that the Magi were not from Jerusalem and had probably never heard about a promised Messiah.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Ask your children why they think God gave the Magi a star to follow that led right to Jesus. </span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Think aloud with your children about how God shows Himself to people all over the world, even people who don't know about Him.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Pray with your family. Ask God to show Himself boldly to someone in the world who does not know about Him. Pray that many would respond to Jesus just like the Magi did in the story of Jesus' birth.</span></span></li></ul>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-88895693023022357982010-11-18T10:32:00.000-08:002010-11-18T12:57:54.538-08:00December 8: Family Skit<span style="font-family:arial;">*For today's gift, you'll need to wrap supplies for a production of the Christmas story. I usually wrap hand towels, hair bands and bath robes. These items transform regular kids into Bible-time characters!</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Let your children open the "costumes."</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Assign parts to conduct your very own rendition of Christ's birth. You'll need characters (or stand-ins) for Joseph, Mary, Baby Jesus, shepherds and at least one angel.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Narrate the story by reading the Scriptures while the children act it out. The story is found in Luke 2:1-20.<br /></span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >This is excellent video footage if you're able to film....we've documented this skit year after year and it's fun to see how our kids have grown in their own understanding of the Christmas story.</span></span></span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">At the conclusion of your skit, pray with your family. Thank God for this unpredictable and miraculous story about the birth of the Messiah.</span></span></li></ul>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-23180219700141468962010-11-18T10:20:00.000-08:002010-11-18T12:58:14.522-08:00December 9: Let the Children Come<span style="font-family:arial;">*Today's gift will require a photo of each child when they were a baby. I wrap each one separately and label them with names so each child can open their own picture.</span><br /><br /><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Read Luke 18:15-17.</span></li></ul><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">"People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. </span><sup style="font-family: arial;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-25705">16</sup><span style="font-family:arial;"> But Jesus called the children to him and said, </span><span class="woj" style="font-family:arial;">'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.</span> <sup style="font-family: arial;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-25706">17</sup><div class="result-text-style-normal" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="woj" style=""> Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'"<br /><br /></span><ul><li><span class="woj" style=""><span style="font-size:130%;">Explain that when Jesus grew to be a man, he began to teach people how to live a life pleasing to God. This story is about one of those times, when Jesus was teaching people about God.</span></span></li></ul><span class="woj" style=""><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span class="woj" style=""><span style="font-size:130%;">Allow the children to open their gifts.</span></span></li></ul><span class="woj" style=""><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span class="woj" style=""><span style="font-size:130%;">Spend time sharing with each child about their birth and your decision to "bring them to Jesus," just as the parents in this passage did. Perhaps this was in the form of a child dedication, or simply a prayer around the time of their birth.</span></span></li></ul><span class="woj" style=""><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span class="woj" style=""><span style="font-size:130%;">Emphasize that Jesus thinks children have remarkable faith and encourages them to come to him.</span></span></li></ul><span class="woj" style=""><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span class="woj" style=""><span style="font-size:130%;">Ask each child to share something they would have said to Jesus if they would have been a child in this Bible story.</span></span></li></ul><span class="woj" style=""><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span class="woj" style=""><span style="font-size:130%;">Encourage your children to pray at the conclusion of your time, saying the very things they would have told Jesus if they were part of this story in Scripture.</span></span></li></ul></div>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-30324835146080411302010-11-18T10:03:00.000-08:002010-11-18T10:19:20.681-08:00December 10: "Surprise Ride!" (Light of the World)<span style="font-family: arial;">*Today's gift is simply a note that reads "Surprise Ride!" You could also wrap up a set of car keys.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Read Matthew 5:14-16</span></span></li></ul><span class="woj" style="font-family: arial;">“'You are the light of the world. A town<nobr></nobr> built on a hill cannot be hidden.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span class="woj" style="font-family: arial;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23250">15</sup> Neither do<nobr></nobr> people light a<nobr></nobr> lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span class="woj" style="font-family: arial;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23251">16</sup> In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.</span><span style="font-family: arial;">"</span><br /><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Give your children a chance to open the "Surprise Ride!" certificate.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Explain that you'll all be driving to a surprise destination.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drive to a location where there are lots of Christmas lights on display.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Remind the children about the verse for today and point out how brightly the Christmas lights shine against the dark night. Explain that we can shine our lights in a dark world to make a big difference for people here.</span></span></li></ul><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">Feel free to use the Christmas lights to further this lesson by pointing out dark spots and missing bulbs and how that can demonstrate a dark place needing light. Lots of lights in one space could further the analogy by emphasizing the power of lots of "lights" working together...range far and wide on this discussion if you have the time/attention span with your children.</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pray with your family. Ask God to give your family the boldness to "let your light shine before others" by sharing the hope of Christ with a dark world.<br /></span></span></li></ul>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-75080790986422865572010-11-18T09:52:00.000-08:002010-11-18T10:02:38.625-08:00December 11: Pass the blessing!<span style="font-family: arial;">*Today's gift is a large bag of M&M's.</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Read I Timothy 6:18</span></span></li></ul><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">"Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share."</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Give the gift to one child to open.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ask that child how it feels to open such a treat.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Talk with all the children about special gifts your family has received in the past.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Point out the gifts God gives us all the time (food, a smile, talents, a house, etc.).</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Use the verse to explain that God instructs us to share what we have.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Use the M&M's to show your children how you will use the gift from one child to share with lots of people.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Combine the M&M's to make a treat for your postal carrier, bus driver and/or Sunday school teacher.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Package the treats to give away and thank your children for being willing to share.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pray with your family. Ask God to give you a heart that is always generous and willing to share.</span></span></li></ul>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-21360543740951165842010-11-18T09:41:00.000-08:002010-11-18T09:52:39.712-08:00December 12: The Legend of the Candy Cane<span style="font-family: arial;">*Today's gift is a candy cane. I usually wrap a whole box...because it's the easiest way to wrap them!</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Read Isaiah 53:5 (NKJ).</span></span></li></ul><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">"But He </span><i style="font-family: arial;">was</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> wounded for our transgressions, </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><i style="font-family: arial;">He was</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> bruised for our iniquities; </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> The chastisement for our peace </span><i style="font-family: arial;">was</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> upon Him, </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> And by His stripes we are healed."</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Let the children open the candy canes.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Talk about candy canes and wonder aloud why we only see them at Christmas.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Share this legend:</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">There was once a candy maker who wanted to create a piece of candy that told the story of Jesus. He began by using hard candy to represent Jesus as the "rock of ages." He then shaped the hard candy into a shepherd's crook to symbolize Jesus as the "great shepherd." The candy-maker started with the color white to represent the purity and blamelessness of Christ. He added a red stripe to represent the blood shed on the cross for our sins...a perfect sacrifice.<br /><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Use the candy canes as a treat, or hang them on the Christmas tree for decoration.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pray with your family. Thank God for candy canes and how they can remind us about Jesus.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-73871730562319267332010-11-18T06:55:00.000-08:002010-11-18T09:41:25.021-08:00December 13: Peace on Earth<span style="font-family: arial;">*Wrap an angel for today's gift. We use a Christmas tree-topper for our angel.</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Read Luke 2:14</span></span></li></ul><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">“'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'”</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Give your children today's gift to unwrap.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ask your children what they think the angels meant when they sang, "and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Discuss what it means to have favor with God and how that gives us peace. (For my children, I've discussed this as blessing God with the way we live our lives. One result of blessing God with our lives is living in peace with Him.)</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pray with your family. Give "glory to God in the highest." Pray that His favor will rest with each one in your family and he will grant you peace.</span></span></li></ul>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-52033514085783991782010-11-18T06:23:00.000-08:002010-11-18T06:55:13.660-08:00December 14: Christmas in Mexico<span style="font-family: arial;">*The gift for today's activity is a small board or sturdy book.</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Read Luke 2:7.</span></span></li></ul><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">"...and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them."</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Give your children the gift for today to unwrap.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tell the children that you'll use the board/book to celebrate the Mexican tradition of "Posadas." </span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The tradition looks a little like this:</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">In Mexico, from December 16-24, children and adults celebrate by reenacting Joseph and Mary's search for an inn (las posadas). On each night of the festival, children take a board or book with figures of Mary and Joseph carefully perched on them (we use our Mary and Joseph from the nativity set opened earlier in the month). They take Mary and Joseph to a home where someone acts as the innkeeper and others act as Joseph and Mary. The innkeeper goes to a room and closes the door. The children take Joseph and Mary around the house, searching for the inn keeper. When Joseph and Mary find the room of the innkeeper, they knock and beg for a place to stay. The innkeeper refuses until Joseph tells of Mary's pregnancy and the need of a room to birth the coming Messiah. The innkeeper grows excited about playing a part in the birth of the Messiah and rejoices by throwing a party!</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Have your children carry out your family's rendition of this Mexican celebration. A "hide-and-seek" of sorts with a baby Jesus theme:)</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Feel free to conclude your time with a party or mini-celebration.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pray with your family. Thank God for giving Jesus a special birth-place. Thank God for His creativity and for the celebrations happening around the world because of Jesus and His birth.</span></span></li></ul>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-63011237492131827932010-11-18T06:09:00.000-08:002010-11-18T06:19:38.797-08:00December 15: Surprise Ride (Tell us your story!)<span style="font-family:arial;">*Plan ahead for this day's activity by arranging a visit to a close family member or friend. Let them know that you'll want them to tell your children of how Jesus has changed/affected their life. You can also ask them to share a Christmas tradition from their childhood. Wrap up a Surprise Ride certificate or set of keys for today's gift.</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Read Philemon 1:6</span></span></li></ul><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">"I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ."</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Allow your children to open the "Surprise Ride" certificate and load them up in the car.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Travel to the home of a family member or friend prepared to share with your children their "Christ story." They could share about when the accepted Christ as Lord, a time when Christ was very near to them, or a childhood Christmas tradition they remember.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Thank your host and remind your children with today's verse that telling our stories is an important part of our faith.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Pray with your children. Ask God to give you boldness to share your own experiences of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in your lives.</span></span></li></ul>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-72081084449079544952010-11-18T05:42:00.000-08:002010-11-18T06:09:12.015-08:00December 16: The Legend of the Christmas Tree<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">*Today's gift should be something for the Christmas tree. I reuse specific ornaments for each child every year.</span></span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Read Philippians 2:14-16</span></span></li></ul>"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29407">15</sup> so that you may become blameless and pure, 'children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.' Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29408"> 16</sup> as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain." <ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Have your children look at the verse for today to answer this question: "How can we shine like stars?"</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Give the children an opportunity to open their gift(s) for today.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Explain how an interest in "shining like stars" is the legendary basis for today's Christmas tree.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">The legend goes something like this (share what you have time/attention for):</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">Martin Luther (a key figure in the Reformation of the church) was preparing for a sermon, pacing back and forth in his living room. He watched the stars shining through the pine trees outside his window and got a "bright" idea. He brought an evergreen from outside and stood it up in his living room, adding candles to simulate the stars shining through the branches. This legend gave way to the modern lighted evergreens that adorn our living rooms today.</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Let the children place their ornaments on the Christmas tree.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stand across the room from the tree and have everyone squint as they look at your lighted tree.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Marvel at the "stars" dancing on the branches of your evergreen and remind the children that as Christians, we are like beautiful shining stars in our world.</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pray with your family. Ask God to make you blameless and pure so that you can shine like stars in the universe. Thank God for each child and the specific way they shine.</span></span></li></ul>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-36936113738489548712010-11-17T12:29:00.000-08:002010-11-19T05:46:24.806-08:00December 17: Advent<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n6Us-ielCD0/TOZ_jFsCGfI/AAAAAAAAACE/bFOKFqkgc78/s1600/DSCF0687.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n6Us-ielCD0/TOZ_jFsCGfI/AAAAAAAAACE/bFOKFqkgc78/s320/DSCF0687.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541256632324987378" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">*Gather supplies for a "countdown" calender. We use strips of construction paper to make a "countdown to Christmas" chain.</span><br /></span><br /><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Read Isaiah 40:31.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">"...but those who hope in the LORD </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> will renew their strength. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">They will soar on wings like eagles; </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> they will run and not grow weary, </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> they will walk and not be faint."</span></span><br /><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Let your children open the countdown to Christmas supplies that you've wrapped.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Explain the meaning of "advent." (Which is simply the anticipation of the coming of Christ.)</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Talk about what it means to "hope in the Lord" and "soar like eagles."</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Share about a time when you experienced hope in the Lord.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Ask the kids if they love Christmastime...talk about the eager anticipation we have to celebrate the birth of Christ.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">If your children are old enough and you feel you have time, share about living life with eagerness for Christ's second coming.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Show the children how you will use the supplies to make your own countdown to Christmas.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Create your countdown and explain how it works.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Pray, thanking God for Christmastime. Ask God to give your family a hope at all times.<br /></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-11419708128118019302010-11-17T11:09:00.000-08:002010-11-17T12:29:51.959-08:00December 18: Saint Nicholas<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">*Grab a few socks (I always have plenty in my "missing sock" bag!) and wrap them. Make sure to have just a couple pieces of candy ready to place in the socks once the children are asleep.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Read Galations 2:10.</span></li></ul><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">"</span>All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along."</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Give your children a chance to open their "stockings."</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Explain to your children the history and legends surrounding Saint Nicholas. A summary of the legend is:</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">A long time ago, there was a man named Saint Nicholas. He was widely known for the good deeds he performed, helping the helpless and giving to the needy. It was said that he gave up all his money and inheritance to travel the countryside and help those in need. One legend has Saint Nicholas sailing into a sea-side town to give gifts to children right around the time of his birthday (December 6th). This is likely where our initial cultural traditions of gift-giving began. Another legend says that a similar figure, "Father Christmas" left goodies for boys and girls who left their stockings out. This legend is the basis for our "stocking stuffers" today.</span></span><br /><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Talk about the generosity of Saint Nicholas.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Encourage your children to think of how they can help the helpless and needy this holiday season. Brainstorm ideas with your children and make an effort to follow through.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Ask your children if they would like to hang their stockings, just as the boys and girls in the legend did. Be sure to add a piece of candy to the stockings once the children are asleep!</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Thank God for the things he has blessed your family with. Thank Him for the example of Saint Nicholas and ask God to help your family be generous with what you have.</span></span><br /></li></ul>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-60491272339736247862010-11-16T19:46:00.000-08:002010-11-17T11:09:19.981-08:00December 19: Family Prayer Journal<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n6Us-ielCD0/TOQoVX9n_4I/AAAAAAAAABA/SdWrSJH8iY4/s1600/DSCF0686.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n6Us-ielCD0/TOQoVX9n_4I/AAAAAAAAABA/SdWrSJH8iY4/s320/DSCF0686.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540597789247405954" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">*Wrap an empty photo journal for today's gift.</span></span><br /><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Read James 5:16.</span></li></ul><span style="font-style: italic;">"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."<br /><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Talk about prayer: when, why and how you pray.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Describe a time when you saw God answer a specific prayer. Reinforce the Scripture by emphasizing the power of prayer.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Let the children unwrap the gift (an empty photo album).</span></li></ul><br /><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Explain that the photos received through Christmas greetings will be cut to size and placed in the album.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Tell the children that the pictures will then be used at prayer time.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Pray with your children. Ask God to show you His power as you pray for your family and friends through the coming year.</span></li></ul>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-85457145808919024352010-11-16T19:35:00.000-08:002010-11-17T11:05:44.886-08:00December 20: The Cross*Wrap a cross for today's gift. We have a cross ornament that I use every year for this day's activity.<br /><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Read Hebrews 10:9-10.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family:arial;">"Then he said, 'Here I am, I have come to do your will.' He sets aside the first to establish the second. </span><sup style="font-family: arial;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30144">10</sup><span style="font-family:arial;"> And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." </span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews%2010:9-10&version=NIV"></a><br /><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Give your children the wrapped cross to open.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family: arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Talk about why Jesus was born as a baby (found in today's verse: "to do your will").</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Ask your children what God's will was for Jesus' life.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Share the gospel with your children again.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Look at the cross with your children and discuss the importance of this symbol to us today.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Place the cross in a place where your family will see it for the next several days. (Ours gets placed on the Christmas tree because it is a cross ornament.)</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Pray, thanking God for His perfect will. Thank Jesus for carrying out the will of God. Ask God to remind you of the sacrifice given on the cross.</span></li></ul>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-73336390496729521462010-11-16T19:19:00.000-08:002010-11-17T10:54:36.989-08:00December 21: Surprise Ride- Christmas Caroling<span style="font-size:100%;">*Today's gift is a note that reads, "Surprise Ride!" or a set of keys...anything that indicates you'll be loading up in the car!</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Read Revelation 5:12.</span></li></ul>"In a loud voice they were saying: <p> 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,<br /> to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength<br /> and honor and glory and praise!'” </p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=revelations%205:12&version=NIV"></a></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Give your children the gift and let them open their "Surprise Ride" certificate.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Load up the family in the car and as you drive make a list of your favorite Christmas songs.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Stop at a nursing home, or make several stops at the homes of family and friends to sing your favorite Christmas songs.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">After you're finished, pray with your children. Thank God for Christmas music and ask Him to bless your hearts continually through the gift of music.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >*I always plan this advent activity to go along with our church calender's annual caroling night. </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >If Christmas caroling is out of your family's comfort zone, try a variation of this activity. Your family could also choose to sing at home (turn out all the lights except your shimmering tree...that will help set the mood!). You could also opt for uploading your favorite Christmas carols to a CD that you can listen to on Christmas morning.</span>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-29259831087255529192010-11-16T18:59:00.001-08:002010-11-17T10:59:14.742-08:00December 22: Thankful<span style="font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" >*For today's gift, wrap card making supplies like card-stock, markers and stickers.</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Read Phillipians 1:3</span></li></ul><span style="font-family:arial;">"I thank my God every time I remember you."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philipians%201:3&version=NIV"></a></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Ask your children, "Who are you thankful for?"</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Talk about Christmas and the tradition of giving gifts. Give a few examples of how your family will show thankfulness to someone you love by giving them a gift at Christmas.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Explain how others may give gifts to members of your family because they also want to show you love. Discuss what it might look like to receive a gift with thanks.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Give the children your gift of markers and card making supplies and let them open it.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Explain that you will make cards for grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins for whom you are thankful. You can use the verse as the text for the cards (if your children are old enough).</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Pray, thanking God for each person mentioned.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Send the cards, save them as a Christmas gift, or keep them to use as thank-you cards after the holidays are over.</span></li></ul>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-20489634076939526062010-11-15T07:22:00.000-08:002010-11-19T05:43:51.415-08:00December 23: The Baker's Hand<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_n6Us-ielCD0/TOZ-8QA8J3I/AAAAAAAAAB8/ga70sU0OTY4/s1600/DSCF0689.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_n6Us-ielCD0/TOZ-8QA8J3I/AAAAAAAAAB8/ga70sU0OTY4/s320/DSCF0689.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541255965082134386" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >*You'll need to wrap one or more cookie cutters for today's gift if you start at the beginning of today's instructions. If you prefer to pre-bake (or buy!) cut-out cookies, the verse is applicable to simply decorating the cookies. In the past, I have wrapped up a bottle of cookie sprinkles or decorations instead of cookie cutters to demonstrate God's craftsmanship.</span><br /><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Read Isaiah 64:8.</span></li></ul> <span style="font-family:arial;">"Yet you, LORD, are our Father.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We are the clay, you are the potter;</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">we are all the</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> work of your hand."</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2064:8&version=NIV"></a></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Give the children time to open the cookie cutter(s).</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Explain to your children how God takes great care in forming each one of us for His purpose.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Pass out small amounts of cookie dough to each child.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I found this recipe for cutout sugar cookies:</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Sugar-Cookie-Cutouts/Detail.aspx">http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Sugar-Cookie-Cutouts/Detail.aspx</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If you have a favorite cut-out recipe that you'd be willing to share, post it in a comment below!</span><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Allow the children to play with the dough, shaping it and forming it as you talk.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Use the verse in Isaiah to talk about the way God made us, choosing specific features unique to each one. Expound on the unique features of each child.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Continue cutting/forming the cookies and then bake them.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Use the decorations as an analogy as well. Describe how God adds just the right touches to our personalities to make us all unique and beautiful.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Give your children an opportunity to decorate their own cookies.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Pray with your children, thanking God for each one for specific qualities.<br /></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Enjoy!<br /></span></li></ul>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408155600021859561.post-70740472340625750972010-11-15T06:51:00.000-08:002010-11-17T10:57:56.657-08:00December 24: Christmas Retold<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n6Us-ielCD0/TOQhk7I1LjI/AAAAAAAAAA4/rAWSUnzroso/s1600/Late%2Bsummer%2B%252706%2B044.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n6Us-ielCD0/TOQhk7I1LjI/AAAAAAAAAA4/rAWSUnzroso/s320/Late%2Bsummer%2B%252706%2B044.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540590359806291506" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">*Today's gift is a movie about the Nativity or Christmas Story.</span><br /><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Read II Thessalonians 2:15-16.</span></span></li></ul> <p>"So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. </p><p> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29678">16</sup> May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29679">17</sup> encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."<br /></p><p><br /></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Remind your children what you've learned during the month of December through the Adventure Box.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Let the children unwrap the gift.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Tell them that your family will "review" some of the things you've learned by watching a movie that depicts the Christmas story.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Pray that God will keep this story close to your hearts and thank him again for the gift of Jesus.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Start the movie!<br /></span></li></ul><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Our movie night has become a beloved tradition for the kids. They watch the movie with the lights out and sleep in the living room.</span> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Movie suggestion</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> for younger children:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Christmas Story Keepers</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Story-Keepers-Artist-Provided/dp/B0000AQRYY">http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Story-Keepers-Artist-Provided/dp/B0000AQRYY</a></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Movie suggestion for older children:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Nativity Story</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nativity-Story-Keisha-Castle-Hughes/dp/B000MGBM1I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1289833234&sr=1-1">http://www.amazon.com/Nativity-Story-Keisha-Castle-Hughes/dp/B000MGBM1I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1289833234&sr=1-1</a></span>Lana Shoafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093055995202178017noreply@blogger.com1