Jesse Tree Advent Devotions for Families - 2016 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. Isaiah 11:1-2 1
Jesse Tree: Advent Devotions for Families an adaptation of God With Us: Evening Advent Devotions for Families 2011 Elizabeth Stewart Compiled by Anne Calvin and Sarah Lundgren Revised November 2016 2 www.oftheredeemer.org
What is a Jesse Tree? The name Jesse Tree comes from Isaiah 11:1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. We make a Jesse Tree by cutting a dead branch, placing it in a vase, and hanging a new ornament for each day of Advent. The Jesse Tree symbol reminds us that Christ came from the stump of Jesse, Jesse s tree, and all of God s story beginning with Creation points to the coming of Christ as Messiah. The Jesse Tree is an advent calendar in which we read stories from Creation to the birth of Jesus. As we wait to celebrate the newborn King, God with us, we remember the stories of His steadfast love and faithfulness to all generations. How Do I Use a Jesse Tree with an Advent Wreath? Each day of Advent, families are encouraged to light the candles of the advent wreath and read a story from scripture. Before reading, children may hang the new ornament for that specific story on the Jesse Tree. Each day families can review the stories represented by previous ornaments, so that by Christmas, together they will be able to retell 25 stories from scripture leading to Jesus birth. Each week of Advent, families are encouraged to sing and learn a different Advent hymn, and to memorize a portion of Isaiah 9:6-10 along with reading the Jesse Tree scripture stories. Families are encouraged to use as little or as much of these devotional components as fit their family. This guide is created to encourage families to gather each day together around the advent wreath, symbolizing the Light of Christ who has come into the world, the Holy One who was, and is, and is to come, so that by spending time together in His presence and in His word, we may also bear His Light and remember His faithfulness to all generations this Advent season. 3
A Note on Reading and Retelling the Stories (by Liz Stewart) Before you read the new story each evening, ask for a volunteer to retell the bible story from the previous evening. You can also retell the story together, encouraging young children to tell the parts they know, or in the case of very young children, simply letting them fill in missing words as you tell the story. Children should never feel as though this is a test of some kind, or that they are required to participate in retelling. Let them observe you struggling to remember details or the right chronology! Help them to see that these are the stories of our faith which we treasure, and in telling and retelling them over and over we make them our own, participating not just in the telling, but in the living in light of them. When you read the new story, you could read it more than once, and ask children to imagine themselves close to a different character each time, noticing their reactions or imagining what their feelings might be. You could encourage each person in the family to ask one question once you have finished reading. Those questions can be I wonder questions that may not have a clear answer. They might be very simple questions about content, or deeper questions about meaning. Being included in asking questions also helps young children to know that they are not being tested, but instead have a part to play too in the discovery of the meaning of a biblical text. Invite the Spirit to be present and trust that he is as you come together around God s Word! 4
Depending on ages of children in your family, you may want to read from a children s bible or from scripture. Three children s bible storybooks recommended for these specific stories in the Jesse Tree Advent devotional are: The Jesus Storybook Bible (JSB) by Sally-Lloyd Jones The Jesus Calling Bible Storybook (JCBS) by Sarah Young The Story for Kids (TSFK) edited by Kristen Tuinstra, Zonderkidz 5
Advent Week 1 Advent Week One Sunday Symbol God Bible Story Books for Younger Children JSB: The beginning: a perfect home Bible Story Books for Older Children Scripture Readings TSFK: Ch. 1, pp. 1-4 Genesis 1-2 Monday Adam and Eve JSB: The terrible lie TSFK: Ch. 1, pp. 5-8, through paragraph 3 Genesis 3 Tuesday Noah JSB: A new beginning TSFK: Ch. 1, pp. 8-11 Genesis 6-9 Wednesday Abraham and Sarah JSB: Son of laughter TSFK: Ch. 2, pp. 13-17, through paragraph 2 Genesis 17:15-18:15, 21:1-7 Thursday Isaac JSB: The present TSFK: Ch. 2, p. 17 Genesis 22 Friday Jacob JCSB: p.48-51 Genesis 25 Saturday Review 6
Say together: Child: The people walking in darkness Family responds: have seen a great light! Child: Why do we gather tonight to sit in silence and light a candle for hope? Adult: This is the season of Advent. It is a time for remembering and waiting with hope. We remember that God created the world in need of a Savior. The prophets long ago told about this Savior who would come to rescue people from their sins. He came and His name is Jesus, the Christ. We wait and prepare for the celebration of Jesus coming into the world as a baby. This celebration is called Christmas. We remember that we are waiting for Christ to come again-this time in glory to set everything right forever. Sing together: O Come, O Come Emmanuel O come O come Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel! O come Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan s tyranny. From depths of hell Thy people save, And give them victory o er the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel! O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, 7
And death s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel! O come O come Thou Lord of might, Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai s height, In ancient times did st give the Law, In cloud, in majesty and awe. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, Desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of all mankind Bid Thou our sad divisions cease, And be Thyself our King of peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. 8 Then sing while lighting the first purple candle Light one candle for hope, hope that the whole world needs. Light one candle for hope, hope that the Savior will bring. Sit together in silence for a minute. Listen for God. Listen Together: Before each story, show children the ornament with the symbol for that story. After the discussion questions, discuss why that symbol goes with the story. Have one child hang the ornament on the Jesse tree. Stories - Week One Before reading each evening, retell the story from the previous evening. On the final day of each week, retell the stories from the week past.
Wonder Together: Give each person an opportunity to ask one question about what you have read together. To encourage wondering, you could ask each person, What is your favorite part of this story? Why? and What do you think is the most important part of this story? Why? Sunday: I wonder why God decided to create the world? I wonder if it was hard work? I wonder if He got tired? How does the Bible tell us that God felt about what He made? I wonder if anything God created was His favorite? Monday: I wonder what it was like for Adam and Eve living in God s beautiful garden. I wonder why Adam and Eve listened to the snake. I wonder who we would have listened to if we had been in the garden. Tuesday: I wonder why everyone everywhere in the world (besides Noah and his family) had forgotten about God. I wonder why the other people laughed at Noah. I wonder how Noah and his family felt when they were finally able to leave the ark. I wonder what they might have said to God. Wednesday: I wonder how Abraham felt when God promised him a family bigger than all the stars in the sky? I wonder if Abraham trusted God s promise. I wonder when Sarah decided that she could trust God too. I wonder if God has ever broken a promise. Thursday: I wonder how Abraham felt as he and Isaac walked up the mountain together. I wonder why God said, STOP! I wonder how the ram got caught in the bushes. Friday: I wonder why Jacob agreed to trick his Father, Isaac? I wonder how Jacob s brother, Esau felt about this. I wonder what promises God and Jacob made to each other? Saturday: I wonder what stories you remember from our Jesse Tree this week? I wonder if you have a favorite part? I wonder if any story or part of a story could be left out? I wonder how God was preparing His children to meet Jesus in these stories? 9
Remember Together: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder Isaiah 9:6a Pray together: Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer, Collect: First Sunday of Advent other prayers may be added Say together: Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Extinguish the candle, or if it is bedtime, light another candle from the advent candle and lead children to bed by candlelight. 10
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Advent Week 2 Advent Week Two Sunday Symbol Joseph Bible Story Books for Younger Children JCSB: p.54-61 or JSB The forgiving prince Bible Story Books for Older Children TSFK: Ch. 3, pp. 19-27 Scripture Readings Genesis 37-46 Monday Moses JCSB: p.68-73 TSFK: Ch. 4-5, pp. 28-42 Exodus 3-4 Tuesday Joshua and Rahab JCBS: p. 78-81 TSFK: Ch. 7, pp. 50-55 Joshua 5:13-6:27 Wednesday Ruth JCSB: p. 88-91 TSFK: Ch. 9 pp. 62-68 The book of Ruth Thursday Samuel JCBS: p. 94-95 TSFK: Ch. 10, pp. 69-76 I Samuel 1-3 Friday Jesse JCBS: p. 96-97 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Saturday Review 12
Say Together: Child: The people walking in darkness Family responds: have seen a great light! Adult: As our nights grow longer and our days shorter, we look on these earthly signs-light and green branches-and we remember God s promise to our world: Christ our Light, our Hope and our Peace will come. Sing Together: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence Let all mortal flesh keep silence, And with fear and trembling stand; Ponder nothing wordly minded, For with blessing in His hand Christ our God to earth descendeth, Our full homage to demand. King of kings, yet born of Mary, As of old on earth He stood, Lord of lords in human nature, In the body and the blood, He will give to all the faithful His own self for heavenly food. At His feet the six-winged seraph; Cherubim with watchful eye, Veil their faces to His Prescence, As with ceaseless voice they cry, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Lord most high! Then sing, as you light the first purple candle for Hope and the second for Peace: Light one candle for peace, peace that the whole world needs. Light one candle for peace, peace that the Savior will bring. 13
Sit together in silence for a minute. Listen for God. Listen Together: Before each story, show children the ornament with the symbol for that story. After the discussion questions, discuss why that symbol goes with the story. Have one child hang the ornament on the Jesse tree. Stories - Week Two Before reading each evening, retell the story from the previous evening. On the final day of each week, retell the stories from the week past. Wonder Together: Give each person an opportunity to ask one question about what you have read together. To encourage wondering, you could ask each person, What is your favorite part of this story? Why? and What do you think is the most important part of this story? Why? Sunday: I wonder why Joseph s brothers sold him. I wonder why the king asked for Joseph to tell him what his dream meant. I wonder how Joseph felt when he saw his brothers again after so many years. How did God use Joseph to save his family? Monday: I wonder what Moses might have been thinking when God told him to hold his staff up toward the water. I wonder how the children of Israel felt as they watched the miracle of the sea opening so they could cross. I wonder why they soon began complaining in the wilderness. Tuesday: I wonder why Joshua sent spies to Jericho. I wonder why Rahab decided to help the spies. I wonder how the children of Israel felt when they heard how God wanted them to fight for Jericho. I wonder how the people of Jericho felt when the saw God s people marching. I wonder if the spies helped Rahab too. I wonder who won the Battle of Jericho. 14
Wednesday: I wonder why Ruth stayed with Naomi. I wonder why Boaz left extra grain for Ruth. I wonder why Naomi thought Ruth and Boaz should get married. I wonder when God likes to turn sadness into happiness. I wonder who He can use in His plan. Thursday: I wonder who was calling Samuel that night. I wonder who Samuel thought was calling him. I wonder why God chose to speak to Samuel. I wonder if God can speak to you. Friday: I wonder how Jesse felt when Samuel told him one of his sons would be the new king of Israel. I wonder which of his sons Jesse thought would be the one. I wonder why God chose David. I wonder how Jesse felt as David s father. Remember Together: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government shall be on his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Pray together: O God, rejoicing, we remember the promise of your Son. As the light from this candle, may the blessing of Christ come upon us, brightening our way and guiding us by His truth. May Christ our Savior bring life into the darkness of our world, and to us, as we wait for His coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. other prayers may be added Say together: Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Extinguish the candle, or if it is bedtime, light another candle from the advent candle and lead children to bed by candlelight. 15
Advent Week 3 Advent Week Three Symbol Sunday David Bible Story Books for Younger Children JSB: The teeny weeny true king, The young hero and the horrible giant, The Good Shepherd or JCSB, p.96-105 Monday Elijah JCSB: p. 110-111 Tuesday Elisha JCSB: p. 112-113 Bible Story Books for Older Children TSFK: Ch. 11, pp. 77-83 TSFK: Ch. 15, pp. 105-110, through paragraph 2 TSFK: Ch. 15, 110-115 Scripture Readings 1 Samuel 17 1 Kings 18 2 Kings 6 Wednesday Jonah JSB: God s Messenger pp. 160-169 JCSB: pp.114-119 The Book of Jonah Thursday Daniel JCSB: p. 128-131 or JSB Daniel & the Scary Sleepover p. 152-159 TSFK: Ch. 18, pp. 135-141 Daniel 6 Friday Esther JCSB: p. 132-135 TSFK: Ch. 20, pp. 151-156 Esther 2-8 Saturday Review 16
Say Together: Child: The people walking in darkness Family responds: have seen a great light! Adult: As our nights grow longer and our days shorter, we look on these earthly signs-light and green branches-and we remember God s promise to our world: Christ our Light, our Hope and our Peace will come. Sing Together: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus Come, Thou long expected Jesus Born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee. Israel s Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child and yet a King, Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By Thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone; By Thine all sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne. 17
Then sing while lighting the first two purple candles and the rose candle: Light one candle for joy, joy that the whole world needs, Light one candle for joy, joy that the Savior will bring. Sit together in silence for a minute. Listen for God. Listen Together: Before each story, show children the ornament with the symbol for that story. After the discussion questions, discuss why that symbol goes with the story. Have one child hang the ornament on the Jesse tree. Stories - Week Three Before reading each evening, retell the story from the previous evening. On the final day of each week, retell the stories from the week past. Wonder Together: Give each person an opportunity to ask one question about what you have read together. To encourage wondering, you could ask each person, What is your favorite part of this story? Why? and What do you think is the most important part of this story? Why? Sunday: I wonder why David thought he could fight the giant. I wonder why he didn t even wear any armor. I wonder how David s heart became like God s. I wonder if you and I could have a heart like God s. I wonder how God feels about you. Monday: I wonder why the Israelites decided to worship the idol. I wonder why Elijah challenged the priests of Baal. I wonder why Elijah asked for the altar to be soaked with water. I wonder how the children of Israel felt when fire from heaven burned Elijah s sacrifice. Tuesday: I wonder how the Syrians felt when they surrounded the children of Israel. I wonder how Elisha felt when he saw God s angel army. 18
I wonder why Elisha set the Syrians free. Wednesday: I wonder why Jonah wanted to run away. I wonder who Jonah was running away from. I wonder how Jonah felt inside the big fish for three days. I wonder happened to the people of Nineveh. Thursday: I wonder why Daniel did not follow the new law to worship only the king. I wonder how Daniel was unharmed when he spent the night in the lions den. I wonder how God used Daniel s story to help others. Friday: I wonder why Esther did not tell the King she was an Israelite at first. I wonder how Esther felt when she found out the Israelites were in danger. I wonder how God used Esther to save her people. Remember Together: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be on his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9:6-7a Pray together: O God, rejoicing, we remember the promise of your Son. As the light from this candle, may the blessing of Christ come upon us, brightening our way and guiding us by His truth. May Christ our Savior bring life into the darkness of our world, and to us, as we wait for His coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. other prayers may be added Say together: Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Extinguish the candle, or if it is bedtime, light another candle from the advent candle and lead children to bed by candlelight. 19
Advent Week Four Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Symbol Isaiah Mary Zechariah and Elisabeth John the Baptist The Magi Review Jesus Advent Week 4 Bible Story Books for Younger Children JCSB: p. 120-121 or JSB: Operation no more tears JCSB: p. 140-141 or JSB: He s here!, p. 176-179 JCSB: p. 142-143 JSB: Heaven Breaks Through p. 200 or JCSB: p.154-155 JSB: The King of all kings p. 192-199 JSB: p. 180-183 Bible Story Books for Older Children TSFK: Ch. 16, pp. 116-122 TSFK: Ch. 22, pp. 165-167 through paragraph 5 TSFK: Ch. 23, pp. 172-173 TSFK: Ch. 22, p. 169 last paragraph-p. 171 TSFK: Ch 22, p 167 from paragraph 6-p. 169 Scripture Readings Isaiah 6-9 Luke 1:26-38 Luke 1:5-25, 57-80 Matthew 3 Matthew 2:1-12 Luke 2:1-21 Sunday Christ JSB: The Light of the whole world p. 184-191 TSFK: Ch. 22, pp. 164-165 through paragraph 3 John 1:1-14 20
Say Together: Child: The people walking in darkness Family responds: have seen a great light! Adult: As our nights grow longer and our days shorter, we look on these earthly signs-light and green branches-and we remember God s promise to our world: Christ our Light, our Hope and our Peace will come. Sing Together: Lo! How a Rose E er Blooming Lo, how a rose e er blooming From tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse s lineage coming As men of old have sung. It came, a flower bright, Amid the cold of winter, When half-gone was the night. Isaiah twas fortold it, The rose I have in mind; With Mary we behold it, The virgin mother kind. To show God s love a-right She bore to men a Savior, When half-gone was the night. This flower, whose fragrance tender With sweetness fills the air, Dispels with glorious splendor The darkness everywhere. True man, yet very God, From sin and death He saves us And lightens every load. 21
Then sing while lighting three purple candles and the rose candle: 22 Light one candle for love, love that the whole world needs. Light one cancle for love, love that the Savior will bring. Sit together in silence for a minute. Listen for God. Listen Together: Before each story, show children the ornament with the symbol for that story. After the discussion questions, discuss why that symbol goes with the story. Have one child hang the ornament on the Jesse tree. Stories - Week Four Before reading each evening, retell the story from the previous evening. On the final day of each week, retell the stories from the week past. Wonder Together: Give each person an opportunity to ask one question about what you have read together. To encourage wondering, you could ask each person, What is your favorite part of this story? Why? and What do you think is the most important part of this story? Why? Sunday: I wonder how Isaiah felt when he got to peek into heaven. I wonder what was God s special message for Isaiah. I wonder who the message was about. I who God hoped would hear His message. Monday: I wonder what Gabriel said to Mary. I wonder how Mary felt when she heard this news. I wonder how others felt when they heard. I wonder how you feel when you hear this good news Tuesday: I wonder what Gabriel said to Zachariah. I wonder why Zachariah did not believe. I wonder how Elisabeth felt when her baby came. I wonder how Zachariah changed. Wednesday: I wonder what special job God gave to John. I wonder why people wanted John to baptize them. I wonder how John felt when Jesus asked to be baptized. I wonder how God felt when Jesus was baptized.
Thursday: I wonder how the wise men knew the star was a sign. I wonder why they traveled so far and so long. I wonder why they went to Herod s palace first. I wonder how the wise men felt when they found him. I wonder why Jesus was not born in a palace. Friday: Saturday: I wonder how Mary and Joseph felt when they could not find a place to stay. I wonder why God gave his wonderful gift in a stable. I wonder what Emmanuel means. I wonder who God s gift was for. Sunday: I wonder why one star shined brightest. I wonder how God shared His wonderful news. I wonder why God told the shepherds first instead of the important rulers that night. I wonder how the shepherds found Jesus. I wonder what they did when they found him. I wonder if they held him. I wonder how God shares His wonderful news with us. I wonder how we find Jesus. I wonder what we could do when we find him. Remember Together: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6-7 Pray together: O God, rejoicing, we remember the promise of your Son. As the light from this candle, may the blessing of Christ come upon us, brightening our way and guiding us by His truth. May Christ our Savior bring life into the darkness of our world, and to us, as we wait for His coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. other prayers may be added 23
Say together: Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Extinguish the candle, or if it is bedtime, light another candle from the advent candle and lead children to bed by candlelight. 24
Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Say Together: Child: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light! Adult: On those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 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. 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. Every warrior s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. Isaiah 9:2-5 Together: (with great joy!) 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. 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. Isaiah 9:6-7 Lighting of the Candles First Candle: Candle Lighter: What the prophet foretold has come to pass. Christ has brought us hope. Family: The Light of Christ has come into the world. 25
Second Candle: Candle lighter: Christ has brought us peace. Family: The Light of Christ has come into the world. Third Candle: Candle Lighter: Christ has brought us joy. Family: The Light of Christ has come inot the world. Fourth Candle Candle Lighter: Christ has brought us love. Family: The Light of Christ has come into the world. The Christ Candle Candle Lighter: Christ our Light, our Hope, our Peace and our Joy, has come! Together: Thanks be to God! Listen Together: Have a child hang the last ornament, the symbol of Christ, on the Jesse Tree. The Light of the Whole World, JSB pp. John 1:1-14 (if reading from scripture) 26
Sing Together: Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee (Ode To Joy) Joyful joyful we adore Thee God of glory Lord of love Hearts unfold like flow rs before Thee Opening to the sun above Melt the clouds of sin and sadness Drive the dark of doubt away Giver of immortal gladness Fill us with the light of day All Thy works with joy surround Thee Earth and heav n reflect Thy rays Stars and angels sing around Thee Center of unbroken praise Field and forest vale and mountain Flowery meadow flashing sea Chanting bird and flowing fountain Call us to rejoice in Thee Thou art giving and forgiving Ever blessing ever blest Wellspring of the joy of living Ocean depth of happy rest Thou our Father Christ our Brother All who live in love are Thine Teach us how to love each other Lift us to the joy divine Mortals join the mighty chorus Which the morning stars began Father love is reigning o er us Brother love binds man to man Ever singing march we onward Victors in the midst of strife Joyful music lifts us sunward In the triumph song of life 27
Pray Together: ~remembering those who are dear to Christ s heart and in need of the hope he brings the poor and the needy, the widow and the orphan, those who are in need of his healing. A Christmas Collect: O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen. 28
Celebrating Christmas for Twelve Days Did you know the celebration of Christmas lasts from December 25th to January 5th? Advent is a time of waiting and expectation, and during the Twelve Days of Christmas our waiting and hoping is fulfilled as we celebrate the birth of Christ. Those of us who observe Advent have even more reason to celebrate for the whole season of Christmas. Here are 40 ideas for celebrating Christmas after December 25th. Please add to the list! 1. Place Christmas cards and letters you have received in a basket. Take one out at mealtimes and pray for that person or family. 2. Replace the candles in your Advent Wreath with red ones. 3.Organize an outing with another family, friends, or neighbors to Feed My Starving Children. 4. Make and thank-you cards together as a family or with friends. Potato prints are fun. 5. Draw names for Christmas gifts for next year and put the emphasis on creativity. 6. Invite godparents over and recount baptism stories. 7. Make up your own version of 12 Days of Christmas song. 8. Sing those Christmas Carols you were waiting to get to all Advent. 9. Write to your sponsored children. Don t have one? Go to compassion. org and change a child s life story. 10. December 26 is the Feast of St. Stephen. Donate clothes or serve at a soup kitchen. 11. Go to the library and get books about stars, Epiphany, Wise Men. 12. Talk about a different gift that Christ brings every evening for 12 days. 13. Spread out the gift opening by having each person leave one or two of their gifts under the tree. Each day, one person in the family gets to open a gift. 29
14. Have a treasure hunt every night. 15. Send cards wishing out-of-town relatives a Merry Christmas Season. 16. Learn a new hymn together. 17. Wear festive hats for dinner each night. 18. Plan a 12th Night Party and invite some friends over. 19. Have a House Blessing on December 31. Pair up with another person or family and help to bless each other s homes. 20. Invite a person or family over from the church that you don t know. 21. Write and put on an Epiphany Play. 22. Make a poster or a banner with 12 numbered squares. Decorate it and plan out the things you will do during the 12 Days of Christmas. 23. Have people over to your home. Think about how we can recognize and welcome the presence of Christ in others. 24. Have a technology-free family evening (or two or three) - play a game, read a story out loud. 25. Make a Christmas mobile by drawing and cutting out characters from the Christmas story and hanging them on strings from a stick. 26. Take time to make festive foods as a family or with friends. 27. Let everyone in the family be in charge of choosing the menus for a day. 28. On New Years Eve, share blessings and memories from the past year. 29. Find out the meaning of your name and tell the story of why it was chosen. 30. Think about the meaning the Names of Christ have - a different one each day: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, 30
Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, Savior, Lord, Lamb of God, Light of the World Good Shepherd, Alpha and Omega. 31. Make a bird feeder or decorate a bush or tree in your yard with cranberries, popcorn, and peanuts for the birds. 32. Write down a prayer or a hope you have for the New Year. Put them in a special box, and pray for those things. 33. Think about a gift you would like to give to Jesus. 34. Go Christmas Caroling 35. Reach out to an estranged family member or friend. 36. Help children pick a toy each day to give away to someone in need. 37. Move the Wise Men from your nativity scene to a different place in the house each day as they go in search of Jesus. 38. Write a Christmas blessing of your own for your family or a friend. Pray it for them every day. 39. Choose one friend or a person in your family to give a small gift to every day for 12 days. 40. Start a list of reasons why you are grateful that Christ came. Add something to it each day for 12 days. 31
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