December 17: Advent

*Gather supplies for a "countdown" calender. We use strips of construction paper to make a "countdown to Christmas" chain.

• Read Isaiah 40:31.

"...but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."

• Let your children open the countdown to Christmas supplies that you've wrapped.

• Explain the meaning of "advent." (Which is simply the anticipation of the coming of Christ.)

• Talk about what it means to "hope in the Lord" and "soar like eagles."

• Share about a time when you experienced hope in the Lord.

• Ask the kids if they love Christmastime...talk about the eager anticipation we have to celebrate the birth of Christ.

• If your children are old enough and you feel you have time, share about living life with eagerness for Christ's second coming.

• Show the children how you will use the supplies to make your own countdown to Christmas.

• Create your countdown and explain how it works.

• Pray, thanking God for Christmastime. Ask God to give your family a hope at all times.