Advent is the season prior to Christmas when followers of Jesus expectantly await His return and celebrate His birth. From early on, my husband, J.C., and I wanted special family traditions to prepare our hearts and home to focus on the meaning and magnitude of Christmas.
Before we open the first box of decorations, our kids set up their little Fisher Price Nativity set. We talk about the reason we decorate, throw parties and give gifts is all to celebrate in a really big way the most incredible news in the world. Christ has come to bring life, hope and love! We read from The Jesus Storybook Bible about the night Jesus was born. It is a joy to hear the kids read and talk about what Christmas means to them.
A few years ago, we started another tradition that my kids love that is a version of the Jesse Tree. Each day leading up to Christmas, we decorate a small tree with an ornament that depicts a story from scripture. Each one reminds us of our deep need for a Savior and how God prepares a way for us to be redeemed throughout the Bible. We are by no means perfect and days get skipped, but overall, it is such a blessing to spend a few minutes in the morning reading and hanging an ornament that tells of our Savior coming to redeem His people.
Merry Christmas to all!
