Advent Tree

At the end of November, my friend Korri posted on her blog about a tradition they were starting in their home called an Advent Tree.  I loved the idea so much that I went to Hobby Lobby and got started on making one for our home so we could do this every year.

I finally downloaded the pictures from December off of our camera so here's how this project looked at our house:



25 ornaments with names of God on them

About halfway through December

 

 

Each night we had one of the kids pick the ornament out of the storage container.  Interestingly enough, on the night of the tragedy in Newtown, CT my daughter picked "Prince of Peace".  This was my Facebook status that night,

Tonight as I hugged both my babies and we did the Advent Tree we've done every night in December where we spend time each night reading a name of God and looking up references in the Bible, the youngest of my children selected "Prince of Peace" for tonight's time of study and reflection.

Father, please be our Prince of Peace tonight and give all of Newtown, CT a peace that transcends all understanding, especially those Mommies and Daddies who would do anything to be able to tuck their precious babes in tonight, kiss them on the cheek and say "I love you" one more time . .

Many nights my 6 year old son and 4 year old daughter would get a bit squirmy during this time while I was reading and they sat with Daddy so I don't recommend it with children younger than them, but this was special time that I looked forward to each night. Because of our kids' ages we just read the verses and didn't follow it up with much discussion, unless they asked a question, but that will change as they get older. This is definitely a tradition we are going to continue for many years and I'm excited to see how God is going to use it in all of our lives as we prepare for the greatest birthday party ever each December!