Monday, December 8, 2008

Advent Calendar

Stacey has been VERY interested in our advent calendar this year. He will ask me every morning if we can "open the little door now." A few years ago, Debbie and Cassie (Stacey's Mom and Aunt) gave these to all the kids for Christmas complete with all the "fixings." This year more than ever I am appreciating this little treasure!!

Each day has a bible verse and a small toy or figurine that goes along with the bible story. For example, behind today's door was a lion and the verse/story was from Daniel 6 and read "Daniel was a good man who wound up in the lions den. That's because he chose to pray to God, and not to men. But Daniel was kept safe and sound. He did what was right and God sent down his angel to shut the lions' mouths." Stacey is especially fond of the "and he SHUT THEIR MOUTHS!" part which we say enthusiastically.

What a great opportunity each day to talk with Stacey about the truths in these stories. Daniel obeyed God, just like we are called to obey God. God is our protector and he honors our faith and trust in him etc. And it is a fun countdown to Jesus' birthday as well. On a separate note, III was very curious/confused about how old Jesus is going to be on his birthday this year.

Stacey: Mommy how old is Jesus going to be on his birthday?
Me: Well, we are celebrating the day he was born. God sent Jesus to the earth as a baby and we're celebrating that.
Stacey: But how old is he going to be?
Me: Jesus already lived his life and he died on the cross for our sins, remember? So at Christmas we are celebrating the day he was born.
Stacey: So is he going to be 1 like Wyatt's 1?

Got to love those wheels turning.

8 comments:

The Junods said...

eww...I especially love this advent calendar. I don't have one yet. Will get one when I'm home. Great pictures and I love the birthday questions. Thanks for great time with you on the phone. Miss you and love you. See you soon!

shannonmichaelis said...

where did they get that advent calendar? what brand is it? i want one but don't know where to get one...

Caryn said...

The advent calendar came from Restoration Hardware, they added the "stuff" and as I said it was from 2 years ago so not sure if they still have them.

Chrys and Mike said...

that's great!

love the first pic!

Team Leslie said...

Such a neat idea....a very thoughtful gift too. Did they create/come up with the "stuff" inside, or did they have a "how to" list from somewhere. The poem about Daniel is really neat.

Woodbury Family said...

Stacey's interest is so fun this year! We have ours out too and I let Brylie hold the lion while I read the verse...she is still too young (trying to eat the lion), but wanted to start the tradition! :)

angie said...

So sweet. I love how excited he is on that picture:) We are ready to see out cousin AND friend.

Sarah said...

so fun!! i have been opening mine everyday and i love it :) i especially love getting to see stacey III really enjoy it now!!