Advent
“a time to prepare your heart and home for the celebration of Jesus birth at Christmas.”
Advent Ideas for Families
Make or purchase an advent wreath. Light the candle each Sunday. The first purple candle is for Hope. Continue to light this candle each week at dinner. Talk about the hope we have in Jesus. On the second Sunday, light 2 purple candles. The second candle is for Peace. Again, continue to light the candles at dinner and talk about the Prince of Peace.
The third Sunday light the pink candle. This is for Joy. Each night at dinner when you light the candles, celebrate with great joy. The fourth Sunday light the last purple candle. This is for love. At dinner this week, talk about how you can show the love of Jesus to others. The white candle is the Christ candle. Light this on Christmas Eve and tell your children about when Christ came into the world and when Christ came into your life.
Read the account of the Christmas Story from Luke as you put up your Nativity. Have the children add each piece as they are mentioned in the reading.
Make an Advent Wreath
Supplies:
· Buy or make a circular base. It must be made out of nonflammable materials, such as wire. The circle is eternal like God’s love for you.
· Securely attach 4 nonflammable candle cups or inserts to the base. Candlelight represents Christ, the light of the world.
· Attach artificial (nonflammable) evergreen branches to the base. Evergreens stand for everlasting life and hope.
· Add artificial (nonflammable) decorations.
· Insert 4 nondrip candles into the base. People often use three purple candles and one rose colored candle. Purple represents preparation. Rose stands for joy.
· Light 1 candle on the 1st Sunday of advent, 2 on the 2nd etc. Light the rose candle on the 3rd Sunday. As the candles’ light grows brighter each week, so will your longing to celebrate the coming of Jesus!
No-Bake Spiced Dough Ornaments
Ingredients:
1 cup ground cinnamon
1 tbs ground clove
1 tbs ground ginger
1 tbs ground nutmeg
1 cup applesauce
2 tbs white craft glue
food coloring (optional)
a few tbs of all-purpose flour
Directions:
· Combine the spices in a mixing bowl.
· Add the applesauce and glue
· Work the ingredients with your hands until it they are mixed thoroughly.
· If desired, divide into portions and mix in a few drops of food coloring.
· Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to approx. ¼ inch thick.
· Cut the dough with cookie cutters into various shapes.
· Use a drinking straw to bore a hole in the top of the ornament.
· Lay the ornaments out to dry at room temperature for 3-5 days, turning over often. (to speed up the
process, put in a 200 degree oven for 1 hour)
· When they are completely dry, thread a ribbon or string through the hole in the ornament.
Edible Christmas Tree
Ingredients:
Ice cream cones
Green cake frosting
Miniature M&Ms
Directions:
Spread the green frosting over the cone. Turn the cone upside down and decorate it with your M&Ms!
Crayon Candles
Jesus is the Light of the World and has overcome the darkness in the world.
Supplies:
Quart size milk carton (empty)
Old crayons
Taper candle or wick
Crushed ice
Directions:
· Cut the top of the milk carton so you have a box with one end open
· Unwrap paper from the crayons and place them in a freezer bag.
· Place the bag in a pan of boiling water to melt the crayons.
· Place the tapered candle or wick in the center of the mild carton and surround with crushed ice; fill to the top of the carton.
· Pour the melted crayon mixture into the carton, filling to the top.
· Let it sit until the wax is hardened and the ice has melted.
· Transfer your candle carefully into a candle holder or dish and light in a safe place.
