Sarah and Dan Meoli
Sarah and Alison have been friends for a really long time. Sarah’s written up some thoughts on how they celebrate Advent at home with kids. Thanks Sarah!
Who is in your family?
My husband Dan, and three kids: Rachel (3), Isaac (2) and Elijah (4 months)
How do you celebrate Advent in your home?
For the last few years i have been reading through one of John Piper’s Advent ebooks: either Good News of Great Joy or The Dawning of Indestructible Joy.
I have found this personally really helpful, however I’ve also really enjoyed doing Advent with my kids, and seeing them learn and be excited about Christmas. For the last 2 years I have been going through the ebook ‘Truth in the Tinsel‘ with the kids. Each day has a passage to read, a craft (which can become an ornament to hang on your tree if you so desire), some things to talk about and some suggestions for an extra activities. There are also alternative schedules if a craft a day is too much! The kit also contains a printable paper chain and small picture clue for each day to use in your advent calendar if you choose. You can even buy printable ornaments to colour in if craft is not your thing or you are time poor.
Playing with Mary and Elizabeth
The thing I have absolutely loved about this is that it is so interactive and Rachel has not only loved doing the craft, but also playing with them once they are made. It also gives me an opportunity each day to go over the Christmas story and keep the whole focus of Christmas on Jesus.
When the toddler makes the stable.
Something else I have done with the kids was to make a birthday cake for Jesus. The kids love birthdays and it just reinforces that Christmas is not about us (or presents or Santa) but is about Jesus. Rachel was very excited to choose a cake. Last year she chose a caterpillar cake for Jesus because he made caterpillars.
What do you hope to teach your children as Christmas approaches?
I am hoping that this year they will understand that Christmas is all about Jesus coming to earth as a baby, but that he didn’t stay a baby. He grew up to die on the cross so we can be friends with God. This might be a bit ambitious, but I also want to make sure they know that Jesus is alive and our King.
An angel
The Advent Project 