Daily Advent Activity Calendar

DAY 1

A is for Angels
Place an Angel in front of each child or thru-out your home

 SCRIPTURES: Luke 2: 8-20 and Psalm 91: 1

STORY: "An Alphabet of ANGELS" by Nancy Willard
Summary: With wondrous photographs and an illuminating text, Nancy Willard escorts readers through an alphabet of common and uncommon angels. or "Alabaster's Story" by Max Lucado
Summary: The Angel Alabaster who takes a young boy on a tour of Bethlehem the night Jesus was born.
 SONG: "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" History | Video -w- LyricsCRAFT:
CRAFT: Make Angels. Here is a step by step instructions on Gold Doily Angels

 FUN TIME: "Christmas Shoes".
Summary: "Rob Lowe plays Robert Layton, an attorney whose marriage is on the brink of collapse. Enter a young boy (Max Morrow), who runs into him while Christmas shopping and teaches Layton the true meaning of the holidays." (quote tv guide)

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DAY 2

  B is for Baby Jesus

 SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:1-7

STORY: "The Story Of Baby Jesus" YouTube Story Animation
Summary: We all love Jesus and so we made you a beautiful story on Baby Jesus. How he was born and how the whole world was delighted with his birth. Jesus was born to a beautiful couple Mary and Joseph. One day, while Mary was at home cleaning her room, an angel suddenly appeared. Before Mary could say anything the angel told Mary that she was going to be blessed by God, and that God was with her.Then the angel disappeared, and Mary was waiting to tell Joseph the wonderful news.
SONG: "Go Tell It On A Mountain" History or YouTube Dolly Parton · 1990.

CRAFT: Have the children find a baby picture of themselves and make an ornament using the picture. You can use clear contact paper or you can find cute ornaments in the store that are made to hold pictures.

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DAY 3

C is for City Of Bethlehem

 SCRIPTURE: Micah 5:2 (Old Testament of the coming of the Messiah) Matthew 2:1-6

STORY: Just4Kids Magazine December Story "Traveling Back to Bethlehem"
Summary: About 4 children traveling back to the night Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

SONG: "O Little Town of Bethlehem" History

CRAFT: Try to find a picture with Bethlehem and add glitter or yarn around the edges.

DAY 4

D is for Donkey

 SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 8:4  "We should receive the gift of giving and the fellowship of serving one another."

STORY: Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey (1977)
Summary: An outcast donkey in Roman era Judea with overlong ears finds his destiny on the way to Bethlehem.

RANKIN/BASS Animation Special | Duration 24:24

SONG: "Nestor The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey" features Rankin Bass Animation Clip | 4:00 sung by Marty Robbins or also see for fun "Dominick The Italian Christmas Donkey" History, Lyrics Music Video

CRAFT: Cut out a donkey from a christmas card or from felt to make an ornament of a donkey.

FOR FUN: Play "Pin the tail on the donkey". Have fun tonight by giving your child or grandchildren a "donkey" ride on your back. ----------- ----------- -----------

DAY 5

E is for Evergreen Tree

SCRIPTURE: 1 John 4:9 "God showed how much He loved us by sending His only son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him."

STORY: "The Tale Of Three Trees" retold by Angela Elwell Hunt
Summary: The Legend of The Three Trees teaches children and adults alike the significance of their role in God's plan for the world.
Text , Read-A-Long| or Animation|
SONG: O' Christmas Tree

CRAFT: Make ornaments from pictures of previous Christmas', or frame your favorite Christmas pictures and display in a special place.

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DAY 4

The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

G is for Gift of Grace
H is for Heart
H is also for Holy Spirit

SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 9:14b,15 "...because of the surpassing Grace God has give you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable Gift." and Romans 5:5 "Hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our Hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us."

STORY: The Gift by R. Kent Hughes & illustrated by Ron DiCianni

SONG: Away In the Manger

CRAFT: Paint Heart ornaments for the tree, or cut out your favorite pictures in the shape of hearts and place on the christmas tree. We place clear contact paper on the front and back of the pictures before we cut them out. This protects the pictures for many years.

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DAY 5

The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

I is for Inn
J is for Joy

SCRIPTURE: 1 John 4:9

STORY: "Jacob's Gift" by Max Lucado

Jacob gave his beautful wood work as a gift to the baby Jesus because he needed a place to sleep. You can also share what you have with those less fortunate. We enjoy selecting a special gift for some child who's family cannot afford to buy them a gift. It brings our hearts JOY when we share with those in need.

SONG: "Joy To The World" Lyrics

CRAFT: Find Christmas card with the word "JOY" written on them. Examples: Make ornaments and write Joy on it. Painted wooden ornaments from the craft store that already had JOY printed on them.

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DAY 6

The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation. (Eggs represent new life)

K is for King of Kings
L is for Lamb

SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:15-17, 20

STORYTIME: "The Crippled Lamb" by Max Lucado
Summary: Tommy Nelson presents this animated musical retelling of the Christmas story as seen through the eyes of Joshua, the crippled lamb. Unable to do the things other lambs do because of his shortcomings, Joshua learns that God has something special in mind for him when he is left behind by the flock just before the birth of Jesus.
Read-Along | 7:12 or Animation | 24:52

SONG: What Child Is This?

CRAFT: Make lambs for the advent board or interaction (* see inspirations here)

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Credits: just4kidsmagazine | Lyrics | Videos

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Religious Holiday Playlist

Religious Christmas Songs for Your Holiday Playlist

Countdown Paper Chain Activity

This new Color Through the Christmas Story focuses on the Christmas story in the Bible, one verse at a time... The good news – if you want to use it, you can print today and be ready for Dec, 1 EASILY! Or if you find this after Dec. 1, it’s easy to catch up!

The basic idea:
Read one Bible verse {or 2 depending on the day}.
Color the word or picture on the master picture.
Discuss as desired.





Day 1. Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14


Day 2. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6


Day 3. In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. Luke 2: 1-3


Day 4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, Luke 2:4


Day 5. to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. Luke 2:5


Day 6. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. Luke 2:6


Day 7. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7


Day 8. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. Luke 2:8


Day 9. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. Luke 2:9


Day 10. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10


Day 11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11


Day 12. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. Luke 2:12


Day 13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:13-14


Day 14. When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” Luke 2:15


Day 15. And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. Luke 2:16


Day 16. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. Luke 2:17-18


Day 17. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. Luke 2:19


Day 18. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Luke 2:20


Day 19. And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. Luke 2:21


Day 20. Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1


Day 21. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Matthew 2:10


Day 22. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11-12


Day 23. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16


Day 24. And the word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14


Color Thru Christmas Activity printable PDF    -      Activity sugeestions from https://1plus1plus1equals1.net



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Standing Guard

Merry Christmas Soldier And God Bless
A United States soldier stands guard over us every minute of every day!

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near, But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

What are you doing?" I asked without fear, "Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!" For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night." "It's my duty to stand at the front of the line, That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December," Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers." My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ', And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while, But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile. Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The red, white, and blue... an American flag. I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another, Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.
Who stand at the front against any and all, To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

" So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright, Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least, "Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done, For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, "Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone, To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead, To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

PLEASE, would you do me the kind favor of sharing this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

source: LilesNet

Christmas Quote:

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A Prayer For Today

This is the beginning of a new day.

God has given me this day to use as I will.

I can waste it....or use it for good,

But what I do today is important,

Because I am exchanging a day of my life for it.

When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever,

Leaving in it's place something that I have traded for it.

I want it to be gain, and not loss,

Good and not evil,

Success and not failure,

In order that I shall not regret the price I have paid for it. 

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WELL KNOWN SAINTS - WHO IS YOURS?

The saints lived lives quite similar to ours! They are our ancestors, our teachers, our friends, our siblings. They are real, truly human. They are sinners; they are repentant children of God.

Knowing a saint personally is like having a special friend. Suddenly you don’t feel alone any more.

You can also have a special Saint Companion for life!

SAINTS MOST PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT

St. Mary, the Mother of God -- Considered the greatest saint as the Mother of Jesus.


St. Peter


St. Anthony of Padua - Patron saint of lost things, lost causes and most importantly lost souls.


St. Francis of Assisi - Patron saint of animals and the environment.

St. Joseph of Cupertino -- Patron saint to aviators, flying, studying, and those suffering mental handicaps.


St. Augustine - Patron saint of patron of brewers and of those who struggle with a vice or habit they wish to break


St. Joan of Arc - Patron saint of soldiers, prisoners, captives, the Woman’s Army Corps and France.


St. Catherine - Patron saint to philosophers, wheelwrights, mechanics, millers, scribes and preachers. She is considered a protector of young girls.


St. Louis IX


St. George


St. Christopher - Known to carry the weight of the the world on his shoulders. Patron saint of bachelors, transportation, traveling, storms, epilepsy, gardeners, holy death, and toothaches. Feastday: July 25


St. Quiteria - Patron saint against rabies; Feastday: May 22


St. Denis Patron saint of frenzy, strife, headaches and hydrophobia. Feastday: October 9


St. Bernadette - Patron saint of illness, people ridiculed for their piety, poverty, shepherds, shepherdesses. Feastday: April 16


St. Valentine - This patron saint of Love, Young People, Happy Marriages, beekeepers and epilepsy. Feastday: February 14

 
St. Patrick - This patron saint of Ireland has his feast day of March 17 celebrated around the world. Known for converting the tribal Irish to Christianity, using the shamrock to explain the Trinity. St. Patrick has been said to help those in interpreting dreams and in following divine guidance. Feastday: March 17

 
St. Nicholas - This patron saint of Bakers and Pawnbrokers. He is known widely in secular terms as Santa Claus. Feastday: December 6

 
Source: Patron Saints A-Z
 
Who is My Patron Saint? | Patron Saint Quiz
 

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Holy Wins NOT Halloween

All Saints Day

During the year the Church celebrates one by one the feasts of the saints.