This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a commission at no extra charge to you. For more info, check my full Disclosure statement.
Thanksgiving is over, and with Black Friday, the mad rush of shopping and decorating for Christmas has begun! I’ve been on that rollercoaster more often than I can count, and too many times I’m sorry I didn’t slow down to fully appreciate and enjoy the true Christmas season. The Birth of Jesus. The time of ADVENT gives us a wonderful opportunity to pause and reflect on WHO the story is all about, WHY He came, and WHAT is our response. So LET’S CELEBRATE ADVENT! I found lots of items that can help, and here are all of them together in one place! Check it out!
But if you have arrived here – and it’s after Advent, HERE are all my favorite Christian resources good for ALL YEAR!
LET’S CELEBRATE ADVENT
I’ll post only a sampling below of all the great items I was able to find and pull together. To check out everything I found to help you and your family celebrate Advent – check HERE There are devotional books for adults, great children’s books, Advent calendars, Christmas cards, Nativity Sets, decorations, and fun t-shirts!
Advent Devotionals for Adults
Let’s start with wonderful books by some of my favorite authors.
The Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren
Awaiting the Already by Magrey deVega
God’s Blessings of Christmas by Billy Graham
Christmas and Advent Books for Children
“Each day has a Scripture quote from the Sunday gospel readings, a brief reflection, and an action to complete.”
One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham
“A snowy night, a warm cabin, and a boy who hears the Christmas story told for the first time―beginning with Creation and ending with the Resurrection”
Jesus Calling: The Story of Christmas
“Teach your children the story of Christmas . . . starting from creation! In Jesus Calling®: The Story of Christmas, children will discover that God always had a plan for Christmas.”
The Beginner’s Bible: Let’s Meet Jesus My kids absolutely loved The Beginner’s Bible series
“Come and meet baby Jesus in this delightful story of Jesus’ early life. Little ones will love to see how Jesus was once a child just like them! Featuring brand-new art from the beloved The Beginner’s Bible and a die-cut format, this board book is perfect for parents to share with their children.”
“This inviting, full-color, illustrated picture book tells a story of forest animals preparing for a big and exciting event. Each page provides another clue to young readers that somewhere in the forest, one special animal knows the true meaning of Christmas and wants to share it with the rest of his forest friends. By the final page of the story, kids will better understand that the greatest joy of the Christmas season is in celebrating the life of Jesus with their family and community.”
Taking a few minutes a day to reflect upon the coming of Jesus can bring peace and rest to our hearts. Let’s celebrate Advent with a few simple ways:
- Turn on Christmas Hymns and pause to think about the words. “O Come Let Us Adore Him” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” “O Come O Come Emmanuel” and so many others.
- Starting December 1, read one full chapter of the book of Luke each evening. There are 24 chapters. You will finish by Christmas Eve – what a fun tradition to start!
- Make a gratitude list. Even though it is after “Thanksgiving”, a monthly list of all the things we are grateful for can calm us, and put our circumstances in perspective. Just like that Christmas-wrapped man in the video (at the start of this article)!
A church in North Carolina made the perfect video to illustrate the joy of gratitude. It starts with a man waking up wrapped in Christmas paper. He tears it open to declare “I’m alive.” He finds his wife and children wrapped in paper and joyfully opens his gifts. Each and every item in his house is wrapped and he appreciates the blessings of running water, fresh coffee….everything that can so easily be taken for granted. Enjoy watching!
Set up your Nativity Sets for Advent
There are so many to choose from! I picked mostly fun ones that invite children to explore and play with. It was always my children’s favorite and provides great opportunities to elaborate on the Christmas story as they pick up each figure!
Melissa & Doug Classic Wooden Christmas Nativity Set With 4-Piece Stable and 11 Wooden Figures
Fun Express Mini Christmas Nativity Set Stable with Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Wisemen – 9 Pieces
Olive Wood Children’s Nativity Set (12 Pieces Set)
Christmas Nativity Set – Interactive Fabric Nativity Scene Wall Hanging with Plush Moveable Figures
They even have several different types of paper Nativity Sticker sets that would be perfect for your Sunday School or scout classes. Here’s just one pictured below:
12 pk of Make a Nativity, Nativity Stickers with Backgrounds
T-Shirts
Advent Wreath T-Shirt for Kids and Adults
Unto You Is Born A Savior T-Shirt
Advent Calendars
Advent Coloring Calendar with Scriptures
Tidings of Joy Fabric Advent Calendar
Adoring Animals Religious Advent Calendar
I love finding great deals and crafts to save on our family budget - AND have plenty to share. Join me in finding JOY through the PURPOSE of helping others, and have lots of fun along the way!