Getting Ready for Advent 2012-2013!

“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Through Father’s gift of Jesus, we no longer live under the law but are freed up to live a grace-filled life of “rest” (Isaiah 11:10). So, in these weeks of Advent, we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ and begin this next year in the foundation of our story. We have been bought with a price. We no longer live in our self-sufficiency; there is a greater story and a better way. His name is Jesus, and he reaches out his hand to all of us. -from the Plan for Year 2012-2013

The Season of Advent – December 2-December 24
1. December 2-8 – Prophecy – Isaiah 9:2-7
God Card Christmas – I believe Father God is a generous giver of great gifts.

2. December 9-15 – Bethlehem – Micah 5:2-5
God Card Muscle – I believe Father God is strong for me.

3. December 16-22 – Shepherds and Angels – Luke 2:8-20
God Card Shepherd – I believe Father God is a shepherd.

4. December 23-24 – Wise Men – Mathew 2:1-2
God Card Eraser – I believe Father God erases my sin.

The Season of Christmas – December 25-January 5
5. December 25-January 5 – Christ’s Candle – Luke 2:1-7
God Card Extravagant – I believe Father God is extravagant.

So, this week we are all about getting ready. Usually, we put up the Christmas decorations and just talk about how it is part of our Advent celebration. Thanksgiving is behind us, and we are ready to welcome Christmas – some of us more than others. This first conversation is a simple time of saying the words and giving an overview. Here is what we did.

1. We found 5 candles in our house and put them on our kitchen table. Call it a scavenger hunt!
2. We then talked about the word – Advent. What does it mean? When does it happen? Why? You can read out loud what I wrote above or just have some fun looking into it as a family. I actually have the kids “lean in” as though they are anticipating/looking for something. This is a cool visual to use throughout the season – “are you leaning in?”
3. We talk about the 5 candles and their importance and what we are going to do with them (light one each week and keep lighting them until Christmas). They help us remember the focus for each week. See the schedule above. The God card mentioned just adds to the discussion and offers additional verses.
4. Everyone also wrote one of these weeks on a piece of paper and as we study we are going to add details to the paper. For now, they just wrote somewhere on their paper – “Advent – Week 1 – 1st candle – Prophecy” and so on for each week. We put these up on the family board. When we were done, we have 5 pieces of paper on our family board for each week of Advent.
5. We still had their attention, so we each read the verses for each week from their Bible – taking the time to figure out where it is, put their fingers on it and highlight some words.
6. I read to the family my blog – “In this Mess I will Remember” and just shared my own heart about the season. I think we all went around and shared what we were looking forward to.
7. Last, we spent some moments praying together.