It was SO very much fun to create this project. I started with the idea that I wanted to make an advent calendar with a different activity each day. I knew the activities and the calendar itself had to be simple or I wouldn't follow through in making it, let alone completing the activities each day. At the same time I had in the back of my mind the idea of the Jesse Tree. I had come across a story about the Jesse Tree a few years ago and was intrigued. The idea of a Jesse tree comes from the Bible:
The Jesse Tree is named from Isaiah 11:1: "A shoot will spring forth from the stump of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots." It is a vehicle to tell the Story of God in the Old Testament, and to connect the Advent Season with the faithfulness of God across 4,000 years of history. . link
So...I decided to make a Jesse Tree Advent Calendar. I found a great example for choosing ornaments to hang each day as well as the corresponding Bible stories from Nate's children's Bible at this site. I used the outline that she created and then matched each day with an activity for Nate to do that would reinforce the Bible verse/lesson that we read that morning. So, on December 2, Nate will open the envelope with a 2 on it, find a sun ornament and a label telling him what the activity is for the day. We'll learn that today is 'Creation' and will read Genesis 1. Then we'll create something beautiful to share with others.
Oh, I am so beside myself with excitement to see how Nate receives this calendar. I love that it's more than a countdown to Christmas presents and that each day can serve as a reminder of God's love for us and our love for each other. That we will get to take time each day working on projects that will serve a greater purpose than just mere 'decorations' or 'holiday decorations.' Oh joy! It has truly begun.
1 comment:
Looks lovely. I hope Nate enjoys it.
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