As announced, I am trying something different this year. Instead of posting weekly devotions, I will post Advent activities for each day in December up to, and including, Christmas. Each activity illustrates a particular aspect of the Christmas story and is designed to help you and your children think about this precious story in a (perhaps) new and different way. Most activities require almost no advance preparation; a few do require some prep time, and these are clearly marked. If it works better for your family to do different activities on different days, feel free to do so. Or, if you think of your own activity that would be more meaningful to you and your family, I hope you will use yours instead of mine.
My prayer is that God will use these activities to bring you and your children closer to our Savior. May He grant you a new appreciation for the tremendous gift He gave us in sending His Son, and may the peace of that Baby born in a stable rule your hearts this Christmas, and always.
December 22—In Greek, the verb phrase that is usually translated “wrapped him in swaddling cloths” is better translated “swaddled him”. Have your children swaddle a baby doll (or a real baby, if you have one, and if your child is old enough) and lay it in a bed. Ask your children what they think Mary would have had to do to take care of her baby. Encourage your children to pick up the baby (you could pretend it was crying), sing it a song, or simply pat its little head. Remind your children that you took care of them that way when they were little, and Mary had to take care of Jesus the same way. End tonight’s activity by showing your child pictures of him- or herself all swaddled up as a newborn. Talk about how you laid your child in a crib, and Mary laid Jesus in a manger.
December 23—Have your child tell you the Christmas story. If it’s at all possible, record this or take notes. (It’ll be sweet and funny to look back on later.) Your child can physically act out all the characters if he or she is so inclined. If your child is unclear about any part of the story, you can gently re-explain the parts he or she has missed. This activity will not only help them review their knowledge, but also bless your heart.
December 24—Consider letting your children open one gift each on this day. Before they open it, explain to them that every good and perfect gift that comes to them is ultimately from God (James 1:17). Tell them that God gave them the gift they are about to receive. After they have opened it, remind them to thank God directly.
December 25—(Note: advance preparation needed!) Have a birthday party for Jesus. Decorate for His party, sing “Happy Birthday”, and have cake (or another snack). Give Him presents. This will consist of offering Him the gifts you have prepared beforehand. You might make things to donate to the needy; you might collect food; you might think of a way to minister to someone in your own home. Remind your children that Jesus said that whatever we do for someone else, we do for Him, so giving to others is one way we can show Him that we love Him.