Advent, the Coming

As we celebrate this time of Advent, of the coming of our Savior to rescue us, we love that B is in his off-season and many normal activities are on hold (co-op, for example).  It allows for great family time and much reflection on the most amazing gift of Love ever.

We have looked for a nativity advent calendar the past few years and found a great kid-friendly one this year.  The Gs love it!  In addition to adding a character to the nativity scene each day, B and I made a list of activities we will do and plan to put one in each morning for the kids to find.  Every few days, I'll post about our experiences.  It has been fun so far.  :) 

And in the evenings, another way to wait expectantly and prepare for the celebration of Christ's birth:  A Jesse Tree.  We so enjoyed Ann Voskamp's Easter Tree with devotional this spring and were so glad to find a similar option for Advent.

B reads aloud the devotion, an account of the ways that God has loved us and kept His promises since the beginning...all leading up to THE display of love and promise-kept in Jesus.  The kids place the picture-representing and an ornament for fun (and so both can participate each time :)).

With the reminders in pictures each day in front of us this December, I pray that our hearts will be turned towards Him like never before.  Thank You, Lord, for the Coming.  The Christmas season would be nothing without Your gift!