Table Talk: Advent Season in our home

The Advent season is underway in our house and it has been such a precious time thus far. This year I bought a new advent calendar that has the nativity scene in the middle with magnetic pieces so the kids can put them on and move them around.  Each day we open a door and another piece is put on (and of course a little piece of candy).  However, before we open the door we read a story from Advent Storybook: 24 stories to share before Christmas By Antonie Schneider (Author), Maja Dusikova (Illustrator).

The book is really cute and it is written at a level that my three and a half year old can understand. She looks forward to the story just as much as opening the little door and there is a lesson to be learned after each story.

I was really challenged this year to make sure that during this season they know the true meaning of Christmas, which goes beyond the gifts under our tree. I don’t know about you but it is very easy to let the holiday season, with the hustle of the deals in the stores, turn your focus away from what’s important…our Saviour’s birth.   

Another wonderful book that I found that is full of activities, history and lessons to do during this season was The ADVENTure of Christmas: Helping Children Find Jesus in Our Holiday Traditions by Lisa Whelchel (Author), Jeannie Mooney (Illustrator).  Together we have done some activities and learned history, which has been fun. We are all lifelong learners and finding out new things is fun for me.

Ornaments we made together and painted.

Of course all these books are great resources but the greatest book that tells the most important story is the Bible. Each day we have a scripture that we read also and I do my best to explain to a three year old the meaning and importance of Jesus’ birth. I know at times she does not understand it all but I pray that the seeds my husband and I plant, and all the watering, will someday grow into their own acceptance of The Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour.

May this Advent Season be a time spent reflecting on the little one Born in Bethlehem for you and me, Jesus.

Luke 2:10-12

10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

Below I have included the descriptions of the books I mentioned and information on the Advent Calendar courtesy of http://www.amazon.com/

The ADVENTure of Christmas By Lisa Whelchel

The ADVENTure of Christmas is a guide for moms concerned that their children are losing sight of Jesus in the midst of the distractions the holiday season brings. Lisa Whelchel was such a mom, but instead of abandoning the traditions of Christmas she rediscovered their original meanings, which were intended to remind people of God’s unfathomable gift. Hanging lights on the house, wrapping gifts, and decorating the tree have become opportunities to teach her children about how they relate to Jesus’ birth. With The ADVENTure of Christmas, mothers can redeem what’s been lost from the very symbols that are gentle reminders of the true meaning of Christmas.

Have you discovered that Jesus sometimes gets lost in the middle of the hustle and bustle of His birthday party? Would you like to be able to keep your children's focus on Jesus and also join them in the wonder of the celebration?

For each of the twenty-four days preceding Christmas, The ADVENTure of Christmas serves as a fun and handy guide that describes the significance behind your favorite traditions. Hanging lights on the house, wrapping gifts, and decorating the tree will become opportunities to share how these customs relate to Jesus' birth. The ADVENTure of Christmas recaptures the true meaning of this beloved season, giving reasons to celebrate for years to come.

Story Behind the Book

Feeling like Jesus had gotten lost in the frenzy of the holiday season, I asked the Lord to show me what I could do to teach my children the true meaning of Christmas. I was caught off-guard when He simply replied, "Don’t do anything differently. Look in the middle of the celebration and you will find Me." He was right. There was no need to orchestrate moments to pontificate about "the commercialization of Christmas." Instead, Jesus is beckoning us to come to the party and bring the kids. In doing so, we run into Him at the mall, the movies, even at school. He hides in the lights, the carols, and the cards. He is there when we dress the evergreen tree, when Dad dresses up in a red suit, and even when we eat turkey and dressing!

Advent Storybook: 24 stories to share before Christmas By Antonie Schneider

Benjamin Bear is so impatient for Christmas to come. To help the time pass more quickly, his mother tells him that every day when he opens a door on his Advent calendar she'll tell him a story—twenty-four stories all about another little bear and his long, arduous journey to Bethlehem. The little bear, led by a glittering star, meets many others on his travels across hot deserts, snowy mountains, and through dark, lonely nights. His adventures, filled with acts of heroism and kindness and many small miracles, show him the path to the Christ Child. And by journey's end Benjamin Bear—and all youngsters who share the stories and their simple morals along with him—will understand and celebrate the true spirit of Christmas.

Kurt Adler Wooden Nativity Advent Calendar with 24 Magnetic Figures

by Kurt Adler

Table Talk: Luke 2

 Luke 2

 1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

 2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

 3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

 5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

 6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

 8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

 16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

 17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

 18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

 19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

 21And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

 22And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

 23(As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

 24And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

 25And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

 26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

 27And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

 28Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

 29Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

 30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

 31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

 32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

 33And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

 34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

 35(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

 36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

 37And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

 38And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

 39And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

 40And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

 41Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

 42And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

 43And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

 44But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

 45And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

 46And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

 47And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

 48And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

 49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

 50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

 51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

 52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.