First Sunday of Advent

Two Thousand years ago in Bethlehem, the world received a very important gift. That's when Jesus first came to earth to walk among us and save us from our sins. And that's what we celebrate every Christmas. For centuries, Christians have anticipated Christmas Day with a month long observance called Advent. Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent and we began our celebration of this wonderful season! Ava Mae was selected to light the first candle which was the candle of Hope. All week we will follow the devotions out of this book. It also has some really fun family activites to do together.

We decided three years ago that we really need to make our focus more Christ centered during the Christmas season so celebrating Advent is one of those ways we do that. We also try to take the focus off of the craziness of gifts. So, our children receive three presents on Christmas morning along with a stocking. The three presents are in honor of the three gifts baby Jesus received from the Wise Men.

This year we are also celebrating the 12 days after Christmas as the Wise Men journeyed to meet baby Jesus. On the 12th night we will have a dinner to celebrate the Ephiphany. We found a great Lapbook we can complete this month based on the song "The 12 Days of Christmas". We are going to share some of the things we learn in church this coming Sunday when our family lights one of the Advent candles.

Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations ... In his name the nations will put their hope. Matthew 12:18, 21