Dec. 18, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem - Information
You're Invited to Join Us for our
Journey To Bethlehem
Celebrate Jesus - The Light of The World
Here is some background information for your journey:
Our journey will begin with daily scripture readings that tell the Christmas story starting 4 Sundays before Christmas and leading up to Christmas day. Most people call this Advent. We are not anticipating the advent of Christ's birth; as that happened 2000 years ago. We are celebrating the advent of Christ's birth; but also eagerly anticipating His Second Advent. The word advent means "coming" or "arrival." In addition to the scripture reading each day; we complete a craft or activity and sing a new song each day. You may listen to the Christmas songs included in the schedule and the hymns free here: Cyberhymnal) Songs not included in Cyberhymnal are One Small Child, and O Come Let Us Adore Him.
As we approach Christmas, we are also spending some time each day reading our many Christmas picture books and various Children's Bibles that tell the Christmas story in different ways; and using our Christmas Coloring Pages. The children are always very excited to use our magnetic advent calendar with 25 little drawers containing figures from the nativity. Each night starting December 1st, we will open one of these drawers and place the figure; culminating on Christmas day with baby Jesus.
Another favorite tradition is playing with our Children's Nativity Sets; which only come out of the box in December. This one is made by Haba Nativity
Dec. 14, 2007 - Use this Photo as Christmas Wallpaper Backdrop
Christmas Wallpaper Backdrop
Merry Christmas! You can download this file for free to use as Wallpaper on your computer... This is a photo -- I took this picture of our Christmas tree several years ago and hope you enjoy it as much as I have. To set this as Wallpaper on a MAC, first download it to your photo library. Next go to System Preferences, and choose Desktop/Screensaver. Under the Desktop tab; choose this photo from your photo library; and your all set. Blessings,
I have set this up so that Day 1 always shows up on top of the blog. The last few pages of the schedule will be found on the next page; scroll down to the bottom of the blog, and click next page.
Also, return users will be glad to know that I am adding alternate craft links.
As always, please do not feel that all activities/crafts must be completed.
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 1 - December 2, 2007
First Sunday of Advent, A Call to Worship and Celebration!
December 2, 2007
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-6 Song: O Come All Ye Faithful Activity: Light of the World: Collect one container for each family member to hold darkness, and one light for each family member. (flashlight, candle, lamp, etc.) Instruct each member of the family to hold their can of "darkness" and their light. Then turn out all lights in the house. Ask everyone to "walk in darkness." for a bit. One by one, turn on the lights held by each person. Talk about the problems of darkness. How much help was your can of darkness? What help was your light? How much darkness does it take to overcome the light? How much light does it take to overcome the light? What can we do to reflect Jesus light to others?
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 2 -- December 3, 2007
Christ, Our Creator
December 3, 2007
Scripture: Genesis 1:26-31
Song: All Creatures Of Our God and King
Activity: Start your children working on their own Christmas scrapbook. Since we were made in the image of our creator, we are creative beings and should use our creativity to bring God glory. If you have a digital camera, take pages of each day's craft during this advent journey. Print the pictures and allow your children creative license throughout the month to complete a scrapbook. Supplies can be inexpensive. Check out the clearance aisle at Michaels and get ideas for inexpensive ways to scrapbook on-line. I was able to find a small Christmas-themed scrapbook with pre-designed pages and paper already included for $5 a month or so ago. Something like that would make this accessible even for a little one.)
Simple Treat: Roast Pecans - Place 1 C of pecan halves into a glass pie plate. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir. Cook on high for 2 more minutes. Let rest 2 minutes, then have a grown up taste them. If a more roasted flavor is preferred, cook one more minute. Sprinkle on salt or sugar if desired.
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem - Advent Day 3 -- December 4, 2007
Man Sins, Thus The Need for A Savior!
December 4, 2007
Scripture: Genesis 3:1-15 Song: Jesus Loves Me Activity: Star Ornaments. This ornament at Family Fun is adorable! You will need 18 gauge gold, copper or silver craft wire (3-4 feet per ornament...the one in the picture at family fun probably has more like 5 feet of wire), 20 or 24 gage matching craft wire, wire cutters, a pencil, and a star shaped cookie cutter. Parents do all the hard stuff :). We prefer a slight change in directions -- we go three times around the cookie cutter, for more sturdiness. Be sure to save the cookie cutter for later crafts. These make adorable, useable Christmas gifts.
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 4 -- December 5, 2007
Christ, Our Redeemer
December 5, 2007
Scripture: Psalm 89:1-4 Song: What Child Is This? Activity: Prayer Chain Count Down to Christmas. Have your child cut out 20 strips of red and green construction paper. On each strip have them write the name of a person or group they would like to pray for. (You write for younger children...) Help the child staple or glue the strips into a chain, alternating colors. The last day can be a prayer of Thankfulness to Jesus for coming into this world as our Saviour.
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 5 - December 6, 2007
A Prophet Will Come
December 6, 2007
Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15-19 Song: The Light of the World Is Jesus Activity: Cinnamon Ornaments Mix 1 cup cinnamon and 1 cup applesauce with 1 Tablespoon of white glue. You want a consistency that can be rolled with a rolling pin but not quite as sticky or it will stick to your counter! Sprinkle counter with cinnamon and roll out dough and cut with cookie cutters. Cut a hole in shape with the straw so you will be able to hang them. Let dry about 24 hours. They shrink as they dry. Cut lengths of gold thread, make loops and hang. they will keep their scent for a few years. Refresh scent with cinnamon fragrance oil.
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 6 - December 7, 2007
A Virgin With Child
December 7, 2007
Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-14 Song: Silent Night, Holy Night Activity: Little Stars Have your children cut two stars out of different colored construction paper, one larger than the other. In the smaller star, cut a hole in the center large enough for the face of the photo to show through. Trim the photo to the correct size and glue the smaller star on top of the photo, then glue the smaller star on top of the larger star. This creates a border effect. Add a hole at the top, and tie a loop of ribbon to make a hanger. Children can help glue, decorate with glitter, etc. Write "I can reflect God's light to the world." on the star. Alternative Star Ornament:This Pointy star is made by collecting gumballs out of your yard (or someone elses’) and glueing in toothpicks of varying lengths, then spray painting with metallic spray paint. How to descriptions are found at the link.
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 7 - December 8, 2007
A Righteous Judge
December 8, 2007
Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10 Song: As With Gladness, Men of Old Activity: Make Christmas Cards for Family and Friends: You will need 1/2 sheet of Dark Green, Red, or Burgundy cardstock per card, Silver or Gold Washable Glitter Paint or White or Off-white tempera paint, 1 (or more) star cookie cutters, 1 small disposable pie tin or other container larger than cookie cutter, and one Christmas message (see note at the end) printed 4 to a page on white or off-white paper, one paper cutter, 1 invitation size envelope per card (see note at the end for link.) Cut apart Christmas messages and trim edges about 1/8 inch all around with a paper cutter. Fold all the cardstock in half. Put the paint in the pie tin. Have your children dip the cookie cutter star into the paint and then press it onto the front of each card one or more times. A container that is only just slightly wider than the cutter, filled at least halfway with paint works best. After the cards are dry, come back and glue the Christmas message to the inside of the card, stuff envelopes, and mail. {Experiment with the first card to get the look you want; and then repeat that with each subsequent card. You can allow the children to make multiple imprints or just one, place the star on either side if you have older children; etc...)These will fit in the invitation size envelopes available in bulk at your local office supply store. A possible Christmas message might read: "May the light of His grace shine upon you during this Christmas season. Merry Christmas! The _________ Family. Be generous with the amount of paint in your container as the deeper the cutter will "dip" in the better the impression will be. Smaller cutters often create a bubble effect that fills the center of the shape on your card. Larger cutters will present an outline.} Alternate Christmas Card Activity: For this version, you will need glue, cardstock, envelopes, and old Christmas cards. You will use a cardstock base as described above. Take your collection of old Christmas cards, and have your children cut out the pictures, and glue them to the front of the card. Then use your preprinted message for the inside. Have each family member able to do so sign the original insert, then scan it in and print enough copies for all your cards. Change the message to: "May the depth of God's Amazing Love warm your hearts and bless your home throughout the year. Merry Christmas from The Blevins Family."
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 8 - December 9, 2007
The Second Sunday of Advent
The Birth Of Christ
December 9, 2007
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-7 Song: O Little Town of Bethlehem Activity: Illustrate The Nativity. Draw a picture to illustrate the birth of Jesus and share your pictures with each other. Make available pencils, crayons, markers, water colors, and colored pencils. Tell us the story in your picture; and why you chose to complete it the way you did.
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 9 - December 10, 2007
A Savior and Deliverer
December 10, 2007
Scripture: Isaiah 19:19-25 Song: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus Activity: Angel Tree Gifts: Choose and Buy Angel Tree gifts, or another local Christmas charity. Drop off at appropriate location. Simple Treat: Sweet and Salty Snack Mix - Purchase one bag of microwave popcorn, and purchase one bag of green and red m&m's, and one bag of white chocolate chips. Pop popcorn and place in large mixing bowl. Melt chocolate chips 10-15 seconds at a time in the microwave; stirring between each time. (They do not lose their shape when mostly melted unless they are stirred.) When they are melted, stir into the bowl of popcorn. Add m&m's and stir again. Dry on wax paper. Serve!
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 10 - December 11, 2007
The Sovereign Lord Comes
December 11, 2007
Scripture: Isaiah 40:9-11 Song: Joy To The World Activity: Sing Christmas Carols. Need a carol book? Try one of these: Usborne Book of Christmas Carols, The Real Mother Goose Book of Christmas Carols by Scholastic, or Big Book of Christmas Songs by Hal Leonard Publishing Co. Use this day to practice for your later excursion to a local nursing home or your neighborhood. If you wish to go to a nursing home on a later date (this is scheduled on December 8th); please be sure to contact them now and ask permission!
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 11 - December 12, 2007
Behold My Chosen One
December 12, 2007 -
Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-4 Song: O Come Let Us Adore Him Activity:Caroling Friends Make these cute carolers. You will need 1 toilet paper tube, and 1 paper towel roll cut into two different lengths. You will need 3 baby socks or child's socks. You will need paint, construction paper, a black marker, a pink marker, and sheet music. Click on the picture and view the more detailed directions!
Alternate Carolers for Returning Users: These Pinecone Carolers are adorable!
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 13 - December 14, 2007
A Man of Sorrows
December 14, 2007
Scripture: Isaiah 53:1-12 Song: Tell Me the Story of Jesus Activity: Beaded Wreath Ornaments: Thread 3 or 4 green beads, and then 1 red bead onto the pipe cleaner. Repeat this until most of the pipe cleaner is covered. Form the beaded pipe cleaner into a circle, and then twist the ends of the pipe cleaner together to close. Add a loop of string on to hang as an ornament on your tree! Talk about how wreaths represent God's love and gift of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ; because they never end.
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 14 - December 15, 2007
God's Spirit is Upon Him
December 15, 2007
Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-3 Song: Fairest Lord Jesus Activity: Christmas Play - Plan and rehearse a Christmas play to be presented to your family on Christmas day. Come up with simple costumes and props using things you have around the house. Make sure everyone is happy with their role now; so that you will have no tears on Christmas day.
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 15 - December 16, 2007
Third Sunday of Advent
The Shepherds and the Angels
December 16, 2007
Scripture: Luke 2:8-20 Song: The First Noel Activity 1: Attend a Free Christmas concert as a family. Activity 2: Amazing List: Discuss what it means to be amazed. How is being amazed different from being afraid? Ask each person to list things he or she finds amazing. Share your ideas with each other. Take turns praising God until you have written your own Psalm of Praise as a family; or create a drawing to express praise to the Lord.
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 16 - December 17, 2007
A Righteous Branch
December 17, 2007
Scripture: Jeremiah 23:5-6 Song: O Come All Ye Faithful Activity: Polish Star Ornaments: Cut out a 4-inch cardboard circle. Using the cardboard as a template, trace and cut out 14 foil-paper circles. Fold one circle in half, in half again and in half once more. Unfold the circle and place it on a stack of as many circles as you can cut through. Cut along the fold lines, stopping about 1/2 inch from the center. Repeat until all the circles are cut. Form the eight segments of each circle into points by wrapping each one around the sharpened end of a pencil, as shown, and securing it with a dab of glue. Thread a needle with an 18-inch length of thread, and knot one end. Insert it through the centers of the circles -- from the foil side of the first seven and the wrong side of the rest. Gently pull on the thread, bunching the circles into a ball. Tie a knot, then form a hanging loop from the extra thread. Simple Treat: Festive Sugar Cookies. Purchase one or two bags of Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix in the bags and some red and green sugar. Mix according to package directions. (So Easy!) Roll into one inch balls. Dip in half green and half red sugar; making sure the sugar halves meet. Bake according to package directions. If you like soft cookies, be sure to take them out at the early end of the recommended time! Snickerdoodle Variation: If you prefer, this mix also makes great Snickerdoodles when dipped in a mix of cinnamon and sugar; and can be used for any cookie recipe that calls for a sugar cookie base!
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 17 - December 18, 2007
A Ruler Over Israel
December 18, 2007
Scripture: Micah 5:2-4 Song: O Come, O Come Emmanuel Activity: Bookmarks: Cut an old Christmas card to create a book mark design. Cut a piece of construction paper and glue to back of card. Have each child write a verse on the construction paper side back of bookmark. Punch hole at top and tie ribbon.
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 18 - December 19, 2007
Your King Is Coming
December 19, 2007
Scripture: Zechariah 9:9-10 Song: A Child of the King Activity: Glue Ornaments: Cut a sheet of wax paper. Make a star with the glue on the wax paper. Then sprinkle it with glitter. Let it dry on the wax paper for two days, then peel it off and put a ribbon through it and tie a bow. Now you have a simple decoration for the tree. Alternate Activity: Live Nativity: Find A Live Nativity in your area and attend as a family.
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 19 - December 20, 2007
The Messenger is Sent
December 20, 2007
Scripture: Malachi 3:1-6 Song: Go Tell It On The Mountain Activity: Sharing God's Gift: (Choose one or more:) 1. Take star-shaped Christmas cookies and tracts to neighbors or Christmas cards with a gospel message to neighbors. 2. Make Christmas cards that glorify God together for teachers, neighbors and friends who do not know Jesus and mail them. 3. Sing carols in your neighborhood. 4. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or shelter as a family. 5. Purchase Christmas foods for needy families and deliver them to your local food cupboard.
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 20 - December 21, 2007
The Birth of John is Foretold
December 21, 2007
Scripture: Luke 1:1-25 Song: One Small Child In A Land of a Thousand Activity: Birthday Gifts for Jesus Put lid on shoebox or close cracker box and place slit opening on top. Have each child wrap box and secure with tape (younger children will need help) or decorate box with materials of childs choosing. Adult should cut slit in top of box after wrapped and decorated. Explain to children that this is the box for Jesus's birthday gift. Each time they do something that Jesus would like, ask them to write it on a slip of paper or have an adult write it out (ex- sharing a favorite toy with a sibling, helping Mom..., etc). Tell them that this box should be opened 1st on Christmas morning and that all of the wonderful things that they did for Jesus should be read. Alternate Activity: Paper Stars. Instructions for folding paper to make these lovely stars are to complex to list here. Follow the link in red to complete this project, and hang the finished product on your tree, from your ceiling or around your home.
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 21 - December 22, 2007
Beautiful Feet Bring the Good News
December 22, 2007
Scripture: Isaiah 52:7-10 Song: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night Activity: Christmas Card Placemats: Use old Christmas Cards or wrapping paper to create a collage place mat. Cut and glue the cards on construction paper, and laminate using clear contact paper. (Cut the contact paper slightly larger then the construction paper, split the corners at an angle, and fold under. Add a second, smaller piece of contact paper to the back if desired.) Activity: Christmas Tree Poster: Trace the children's handprints onto green construction paper. Cut out and glue (palm section) to a poster board in the shape of a Christmas tree. (fingers facing down) Next, curl the fingers out a little to make it 3-D. Then, decorate with various shapes (stars, circles, bells, etc.) cut from construction paper. I plan to cut stars and write each child's name on one. Add a star to the top and your tree is complete!
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 22 - December 23, 2007
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Prepare for God's Arrival December 23, 2007
Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-5 Song: There's A Song In The Air Activity: Getting Ready: This activity is perfect to go with today's scripture. (Prepare ye the way of the Lord..., make stright your paths...) Clean your home together so that you are ready to enjoy Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Emphasize the ancient tradition of cleaning your home to make sure it is ready for Christ. Discuss spiritual purity and cleaning out our hearts with God's help. A clean home can symbolize a clean heart. Alternate Activity: 3-D Nativity Teamwork: Using Modeling Clay, work together to build a nativity scene--including the manger, the people and the animals. As the whole family becomes immersed in the construction details, what a scene you all will create! Take plenty of pictures as the project progresses. You can place your nativity scene on a cookie sheet or tray for display.
Nov. 30, 2007 - Journey To Bethlehem -- Advent Day 23 - December 24, 2007
Christmas Eve
Celebration of Christ's Birth
December 24, 2007
Scripture: Luke 1:68-69 Song: Hark The Herald Angels Sing Activity: Christmas Eve Service: Attend a Christmas Eve service as a family. Activity: Cookies: Bake Christmas Candy or Cookies according to your family traditions. Simple Treat: Christmas Drink: Fix non-alcoholic Egg Nog, Mulled Cider, or special Flavored Hot Chocolate according to package directions.
You're Invited to Join Us for our
Journey To Bethlehem
Celebrate Jesus - The Light of The World
For several years now; I have published and updated an "advent" schedule called Journey To Bethlehem. Over the next few days, I will be posting the instructions for each days readings; beginning with the last. When I am finished, you will be able to access the complete schedule along with extra resources by clicking on the Journey To Bethlehem category. My children and I have a wonderful time each year as we celebrate the first Advent of Christ as a babe, and anticipate His Second Advent as our Redeemer. This year we are inviting you to come along for the journey.
The bottom line is; We try not to insist on parent-led learning or gravitate toward child-led learning. We try instead to focus on God-led learning and ask for His input and perspective on every aspect of our home school. That way, when others fuss about what Dan and I are doing and make me second guess our decisions -- I can go back to our decision process and find God's fingerprints, reminding me that this is His way.
