Advent at Home

Co-Minister for Family and Children’s Ministry at Disciples Home Missions, Rev. Dr. Olivia Bryan Updegrove recently shared on the 'Disciples Care for Children Facebook Page, "Current studies all show that faith is taught and lived out through what children experience in the home more than any place else." Here are a few of her simple, yet terrific ideas to share the joy of the season while teaching faith at home.

Advent Calendar with Food and Toys: This idea could be done a couple different ways. If your kids are older, have them go to the grocery and buy 25 different food items that could be donated to a local food bank. Then have them wrap them, but don’t let them know which item is which. (If your kids are younger, buy the food on your own). When you unwrap them each day, talk about that item, what is healthy about it, what scripture might go with it, where did the food come from, how did Jesus get food, why some people don’t have food, etc. There are lots of ways to use this act of service, and counting down, to really help kids prepare for Jesus and what his message really meant. This could also be done during Lent when many food banks are struggling more for food than the winter holidays.

Advent Wreath: The Advent wreath represents hope, peace, joy, love, and Christ. 
1. Have an Advent Wreath in your home.
a. Fire is still dangerous for small children – There are felt wreaths, coloring activities, or battery operated candles. 
b. Talk about the candles at mealtimes and prayers times. Take time to talk about hope, peace, joy, love, and Jesus Christ. Maybe focus on one each week and write down the thoughts. Use those little pieces of paper and put them in an ornament to hang on the tree. This way, your tree represents the faith journey of your family. 

Christmas Card Prayers: When receiving a Christmas card, wait to open it until your family is gathered together. When you open it, your family takes time to pray and celebrate those who sent you the card. 

Elf on a Shelf: If you are an “Elf on the Shelf” person, here are some ways to help that elf follow Jesus.
1. The elf hangs out with different nativity characters.
2. The elf has a Bible verse to share each day or has the Bible open to a different verse. 
3. The elf may be “watching” you for Santa, but loves you no matter what – like God. 
4. Pray or teach the elf to pray. 

 

Enjoy the Advent Season with your family! Please feel free to share your own ideas with us for next week's edition.

Blessings,
Tracy