One thing that caught my attention was the idea of a Jesse Tree. It's basically a journey through Jesus' family tree, leading up to His birth. Through it all, we learn why we need a Savior and why this beautiful miracle is the hope of the world. There are a million ways to do a Jesse Tree, so on this blog I'll share how we are doing ours. Bear with me- this is our first year.
Step one: I have a tree. It's not set up yet, so I'll post a pic as soon as possible. This is just a small tree that we can hang ornaments on. I got ours at Hobby Lobby for $10 on sale (WOOT!).
Step two: I looked and looked online until I finally found this website: Our Jesse Tree. I am using their Scripture references and ornament suggestions, but instead of their literature choices I'm using our Bible and the Egermeier's Story Bible (because it's the one I have- nothing against their choice of literature).
Step 3: I made ornaments out of flour, salt & water. I painted them with paint pens and sprayed them with a high gloss lacquer spray paint.
Step 4: Enter Lammy Pajammy. The kids haven't seen him. He's sneaky. He's lovable. He's a little lamb who wears pajamas. He loves Jesus and leaves us a gift each night (the ornaments), but often gets into trouble while he's here. His job is to put a little fun into the Advent season by getting the kids curious about learning why we celebrate Jesus. So far, after two days, the kids are SUPER excited about it all.
I'll post the first two days here, then I'll update as I can throughout the month so you can keep up with our mischievous little lamb and our journey to learning why Jesus came to save us.
December 1:
Tree Ornament
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Isaiah 11: 1,10
We discussed who Jesse was and what a family tree is so the kids could understand why we call it a "Jesse Tree".
Lammy left us a sweet note... but he ate our cookies and left a mess on the counter!
"I'm a very little lamb, my fleece is white as snow.
And there's a special something that I think you ought to know.
Christmas is a special time- it's full of cheer and joy,
When we celebrate the birthday of one special baby boy!
So every night I'll visit, and I'll leave a little prize.
Your job is to find it- it will help you realize
The truth behind the magic, and the Joy and 'Peace on Earth'
is all revealed in Jesus and the story of His birth!
Love, Lammy Pajammy.
P.S. Thanks for the cookies!!"
December 2
Sun Ornament
Genesis 1 (We read the creation account from the Egermeier's Story Bible)
John 1:1-5
We discussed God's creation- that He made everything perfect and that He made each of us.
Lammy wrote all over the bathroom mirror! "Lammy wuz here"- "God made you!"- "Jesus <3' s you"- "Sheep are Sweet" and a self portrait. Courtney found it when she went in to brush her hair for school and was SO excited!
Those are days 1 & 2. I can't wait for the surprise Lammy is leaving tomorrow- it's going to be EPIC (at least, for my kiddos, anyway!).
Kristy, this is so awesome! How wonderful it would be if more people would do this with their children. God uses you in such wonderful ways and you show such joy in serving him. You are an inspiration to all. Thank you and God Bless you and your family. ~Aunt Charlene~l
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