Advent Has Begun and JOY Is Here!

 

Advent is a new thing for me.  I never really understood it until this year.  I love the idea of taking a moment every day to prepare your heart for the birth of Christ.  Every year, the hustle and bustle take over the real reason for all the lights, gifts, decorations, and holiday festivities.  I want to fight that in our home, and make Christ the center of this Holy Day. 

Here's our Advent candles.  We light a candle each night at dinner and read Scripture.  The kids enjoying watching the flame burn and blowing out the candle after they listen to the Bible lesson.

 The other big thing we are doing this year is having an angel come visit us to help us prepare for Christmas.  I know many people who do Elf on the Shelf.  That's such a cute idea.  But I wanted something that would help us focus on the spiritual aspects, too.  So I came up with a messenger angel.  Her name is Joy, and she comes every morning with a note, gift, or special assignment for the kids.

Day 1: We found Joy under the tree with a letter to the kids.  She also came with Advent Calendar candies and lights and ornaments for the tree.  She was tangled up in the lights and needed our help to finish the job!

Day 2: Joy talked to us about how Jesus washes away our sins.  She brought bubble bath and bath toys.

Day 3: She talked to the boys about the Fruit of the Spirit.  She had a coloring sheet and fruit prepared for our breakfast.

The boys really love Joy.   Clark writes her letters during the day.  And they talk about her like she is one of the family.  I just hope they listen to her words as she guides them to enjoy the real reason for the season.