Today in Sunday School we talked about how we are in the advent season on the "circle of the church year" calendar. We read the story of Mary's cousin Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah and how they had a son, John. We also talked a bit about Mary and Joseph and Jesus' birth in reference to John's birth. It was nice to focus on something other than what the children already know. Clearly, so much of advent is about the birth of Jesus, but I also like hearing the "back stories." I loved the look on the kid's faces when I said, "Can you imagine if your dad couldn't talk the whole time your mom was pregnant with you?" My husband, who was helping in class today, had to stifle a comment and a laugh. Besides a quick detour of "Santa's not real," we had wonderful comments and responses this morning. (What prompted that comment, I can't recall and I quickly sidestepped that issue - that's for God and you to deal with!!)
For our craft, we made paper chains as a sort of advent calendar. Every day the children are supposed to tear off one of the links so that on December 25 they will end up at the star representing the birth of Jesus. What we did not discuss (and I meant to!) was how each day they tear off a piece of the chain, they could think of something for which they are thankful. I know everyone is busy, so I thought this would be a simple way of being more thoughtful during this advent season. (I emailed this to the parents, so hopefully they will try this at home.)
A friend of mine takes this advent chain a step further. She and her two (older) kids write down on each strip of paper some way to give back for each day during the advent season as they create their paper chains. Then, as they go through advent, they have a daily activity that helps them focus on being more giving and caring. It can be monetary, as in donating food to a shelter, but it usually is not. For example, the other day my daughter Ellie and I took an elderly woman's shopping cart back from her car to the store's entrance. An older sibling could watch a younger sibling while a parent cooks dinner. You can be much more creative than I! I have not ever done this kind of chain with my own children, but my goal is to someday try it. I hope you find the idea interesting as well.
Of course, the children's paper chains can also just be decoration! :) We had a lot of fun making them (and figuring out that tape worked MUCH better than glue!). Plus, we got to use stickers at the end of the craft and really, there is no better way to celebrate the birth of Christ than with glittery stickers of Christmas symbols. May all your days during advent glitter and glow!
