Advent

(If this Advent idea sounds good to you then jump over here for a copy of your own, Jesse tree journey.)

For the next 27 days school will be focused on the coming of the Christ Child. The Advent will be our only focus between now and Christmas. In just a few short years I'll have to make time for academics as well as things of spiritual value so until that time this is where our focus will be.

I chose this particular Advent celebration because it all starts in Genesis.  Just as the Christ story always has.  It doesn't jump to the birth where only a small portion of the truth is seen.

Each day we'll read another story from the Old Testament that will point to the Child Immanuel.  Not only that but we'll be challenged with ways to become more like him.  Some days it will be an act of service done for somebody, even strangers, while other it will be an activity to help us learn to focus on Him.

Here's what I did.  Along with the booklet came some paper ornaments.  So cut I them out; made them pretty.  Each with red, the sinless blood, for a frame, and green ribbon, eternal life, as a way to hang each one.

We gathered some rocks from out side and found a small tree that we cut down.

Using a mixing bowl as the tree stand we put the tree and the rocks into the bowl.

Found a safe place for it.

Put an extra tree skirt around the ugly blue bowl.

There you have it:  An advent tree full of surprises and hope.

And I will put enmity between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel.

~ Genesis 3:15

1262.  Making my own Advent calender.

1263.  Starting and finishing a craft in one afternoon.

1264.  Hours alone focusing only on the Christ Child.

1265.  Old Testament scriptures fulfilled.

1272.  Tiny advent tree.