Count Down to Christmas!

Last year a couple folks told me about the "Truth in the Tinsel" e-book that was an advent calendar of crafts for children ages preschool to young elementary. It was too far into the season to attempt it then, but I made a mental note and went shopping for all the craft supplies before the start of December this year so that we could roll it out as our count-down to Christmas. The boys love crafts, and this was a GREAT way to teach them about the true meaning of Christmas. If you've never heard of it or want to know more, I would recommend buying the e-book at www.truthinthetinsel.com. You won't be sorry you did! Also makes a great gift for any mama! And a very special thank you to Cousin Jessica for encouraging us to do this activity this season!!!

 

Since the author has asked moms not to publish big sections of her book online (which I can respect), I am simply going to put the Bible verses and pictures of the boys with their completed crafts from each day on our blog. I am highly amazed at how well the boys are retaining the Scripture references. Caleb will tell me that Jesus is the light of the world and the king of all the earth. Joshua will tell me in-depth about each of the characters like Zechariah, Elizabeth, John, Mary & Joseph, etc. I have loved spending quality time with them each day doing a craft, reading God's Word together and making this Christmas season more memorable with what's most important. Caleb now asks to do it each and every day, and most times they take less than half an hour total of our time.

The first three pictures are from Day 1 and the last pictures are from Day 2. Here is the Scripture reference:

Isaiah 9:2-7

² The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned.
³ You have enlarged the nation
    and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
    as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
    when dividing the plunder.
⁴ For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
    you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
    the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor.
⁵ Every warrior’s boot used in battle
    and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
    will be fuel for the fire.
⁶ For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.

The lights from the top pictures look SO cool on our tree in front of the Christmas lights; and in case you can't tell from the pictures, these are little crowns we made.