December 12, 2006 - Advent Season: Bartholomew's Passage
For the past several years, we have really tried to focus on Christ during the Christmas Season. We tried Advent readings as something new to our family traditions and we found that we just love them. Our girls sooo look forward to our special times when we do Advent readings.
Worship time sometimes can be a struggle, finding the right mix of materials for several ages. I am thankful for the series of Advent books by Arnold Ytreeide. They are wonderful warm loving books that appeal to our entire family... well minus the little one...but she is enraptured by the lit candle that she remains still usually for the entire reading.
We have read the books, Jotham's Journey and Tabitha's Travels. This year we were looking for Bartholomew's Passage when we learned that it is out of print. I searched for nearly a month on ebay, half.com, and Amazon and finally found one. It arrived a week before the Advent was to start. We are really enjoying this third book.
Someone told me that there is plans for republishing the books, that the author is currently looking for another publisher and there are new plans for another book. My girls hooted when they heard. So, if you haven't already tried Advent Readings and you want to give them a try, I thoroughly suggest any of the above books.
You can also look online for Advent readings, crafts and activities to fit the ages of all your young ones during this season. Also are several web pages devoted to Advent fun, having new pictures or puzzles daily to solve, some with even songs to sing.
We love this time of year, it gives us time to slow down and reflect over the past year and the Advent books help us focus on Christ. And the kids are not ever complaining... what more could you ask for when it comes to having a warm, family worship time?
Warmly, ~Melissa
