Advent ideas and resources, with a little bonus

Hey, happy Wednesday! I drove Josiah out to Pratum (think out in the country, by the farm) this morning at 7:30. As we pulled up to Market Street (still in town) I glanced left to check for cars and there, hanging low in the morning sky, was the huge full moon. There's something about the moon in the morning that gives me pleasure. Then, as we crossed Cordon road and left the city behind, turning corners past a pasture of long-horn cattle and a lone buffalo, with frost laden fields stretching before us, the sun came up over the blue ridge of the Silverton hills. A glowing orange orb sending light cascading over the fields, barns, and trees. Mt. Hood was illuminated in all it's glory, and the kids and I drank in the beauty. As we turned to return home, there was that big, beautiful moon hanging low in the western sky - as if staying a little longer this morning just to say "Hello" to the sun. I was filled with the wonder of the beauty, wishing for a camera, but at the same time realizing that the camera can never capture the awe of such a moment, such a gorgeous, glorious day. It was then that I prayed this prayer, "Oh Lord, please let moments such as these last long in our memory, for this kind of beauty feeds the soul. Thank you for creating us with the capacity to enjoy beauty. Amen"

So, that was your bonus thought for the day. :) Now, on to advent. We had a great second family advent time last night. The first was on Sunday, where Josiah lit the first candle and we talked about the HOPE of Jesus' coming. The second was last night at dinner, where we had our first scripture reading because it was December 1st. It was a sweet time together, where all the kids got out their Bibles (well, Abby got out her Cubbies book from Awana, but that's about as close as she has to her own Bible,) and were eager to read. It was fun.

Here are a few tips and ideas if you're wanting to do some Advent activities with your family this year. It's not an extensive list, but it's a start.

1a. I can't take credit for this one because I heard it from someone else, but here it is: If you're a wife, you have the opportunity to set your husband up for success. You can do the footwork of finding some verses, perhaps a devotional reading, a Bible, and setting them at your husband's place for dinner. Sometimes we get discouraged because we feel like our husband is not being the spiritual leader - whatever that's supposed to look like - and we nag. This is an opportunity to help him succeed. I think it's fine for the mom to lead the Advent time - I led our time on Sunday because I had done most of the research and knew what to teach - and I also think it's great for us to give our husband the opportunity to lead as well, even if we are the person getting things rolling. Jeff was appreciative that I set it up and got our family started with Advent, and he did a great job of leading the kids in reading and discussing the verses.

1b. For scriptures, we used the back of the church bulletin. This month they are giving daily scriptures for Advent, so I just have it tucked in my Bible and that's what we used for our reading at dinner time. I have another list that I got at Hearts at Home last year. I may type it up for you in the next few days, if not, those of you who have the "Traditions" book from the May term last Spring have a list of daily scriptures for the Advent season.

2. Use the internet, just google Advent activities, and you'll find several links. Some are selling things, and some are free - just use your judgement on what you're family needs.

3. Start a family collection of special books telling Christmas related stories. Here's a google listing of places selling Advent books.

4. For your own personal devotions, Salem Alliance has a great online resource this year. They have daily advent readings written by various people.

5. Start some sort of advent calendar with your kids. It doesn't have to be store bought - I read one idea about wrapping 25 chocolate kisses in a long saran wrap line, and separating each with a tied ribbon - then kids get to unwrap one kiss a day until Christmas. Just something to build anticipation and create a talking point about Jesus' coming.

What other ideas do you have, or have to you done? I would love to hear them. May God bless you as you are intentional during this season - and Merry Christmas!!