• Derived from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming”

• Days of preparation– For the celebration of Christmas– Of our hearts for the coming of Christ

Goals in celebrating advent

• Keep it simple

• Make it something you will actually do

• Keep it Christ centered

Ways to celebrate advent

• Calendar

Ways to celebrate advent

• calendar• Paper chain• Candy rope• Scripture memorization• Cleaning

Ways to celebrate advent

• calendar• Paper chain• Scripture memorization• Cleaning• wreath

Candles

• Week 1-Prophecy or Hope-thank God for the hope we have in Jesus (Isa. 9:1-7)

• Week 2- Bethlehem or Peace-in Bethlehem the Prince of Peace was born so that we sinners could be at peace with our holy God. (Luke 1:1-56)

• Week 3-Shepherd or Joy-celebrates the good tidings of great joy that is for all people: Christ is born! (Luke 2:8-20)

• Week 4-Angel or Love. Joining with the heavenly hosts that first Christmas night, we say, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).

• Christmas Eve-Christ candle (white) Love entered our world through the birth of Jesus, born as a baby who came to die on a cross as punishment for our sins. Amazing love! (John 1:1-18)

Books• The Adventure of Christmas (Lisa Whelchel)

• Children Around the World Celebrate Christmas! (Susan Titus Osborn)

• Handel's Messiah Family Advent Reader (Frances Lenzo)

• Jotham's Journey/Tabitha's Travels/Bartholomew's Passage (Arnold Ytreeide)

• ebook: The Glorious Coming  http://www.lulu.com/content/413823

• http://www.hubbardscupboard.org/christmas.html#OtherIdeas

Jesse tree

Advent re-cap

• We’re anticipating the coming of the Lord!

• Christ centered

• Simple

• Celebrate!

• Let kids be kids—enjoy them.

• The joy of the Lord is my strength……