At our "Family Activity Session" this month we read the story of THE SPARKLE BOX. If your family missed this session... see what this story was all about and how your family can be involved and have your own "Sparkle Box"... or to get more ideas on how to start the Sparkle Box tradition in your family click here
The symbol of the Christmas tree. As you decorate your tree, think about what each decoration means. The tree itself is evergreen, even in winter. This reminds us that Jesus’ love for the world will never die or get old; it is eternal. The lights symbolize Christ, the Light of the World. He is there to light even our darkest despair. Is there snow under your tree? God makes every snowflake different just as every person is different. Each person is special to God. The angel ornament is like the angels who visited the shepherds to tell them about Jesus in the manger. The star at the top of the tree is the star that showed the Magi the way to the stable. All the colors on the tree make it beautiful. God made the world beautiful by creating people of all races and cultures. The tree says a lot of things about the season. For more info and family advent ideas go to http://www.loyolapress.com/assets/fg_comp/pdf_210724.pdf
What is a Jesse Tree? A Jesse Tree is an advent project. Each day you color an ornament that represents a bit of the lineage of Christ. The tree begins with creation and stretches through the Old and New Testaments until we reach the wonderful story of the birth of Jesus. The tree gets its name from Jesse, the father of David. The first day’s scripture is Isaiah 11:1-2 - “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord.” This branch came in the form of a babe, and through the scriptures for each ornament, you can see God weaving the stories into place to ready the world for the coming Messiah. To learn more and how to make one. You can download the ornaments to cut out, color and decorate your family Jesse tree.CLICK HERE
Speaking of "trees"....
Watch the video (right) about Charlie Brown's Christmas tree. Then have a discussion with your child about the 'meaning of Christmas' in this video. Some ideas... Why did Charlie Brown choose this tree? Why did the others make fun of Charlie Brown? If you were there...what would you have done or said to Charlie Brown about his tree? What did Charlie mean about 'commercialism' at Christmas time (and during Advent) ? Does your family get "caught up in commercialism"? If so what can you do about it this year? |
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Download and make your own Advent Calendar click here (optional)
ADVENT CHALLENGE: Watch the video (right) and brainstorm as a family...who can you "RACK" during Advent ? Then share one thing that your family or child did to "RACK" someone in the comment section. Learn more at http://www.adventconspiracy.org/ For more ideas about how to really celebrate ADVENT (on Pinterest) click here
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Ask the question...What happens if we just do everything as fast as possible during Advent, instead of taking the time to slow down and wait for Christmas?. We need to take the time to really be ready for Jesus' birthday...what does that mean to you and your family?
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This is a heartwarming story of why God sent his son to be with us...and a little reflection on 'God's plan'. This is all done by children and may help your child understand the Christmas story a little deeper. This video is sure to make you smile! Ask your child(ren)...what is something they learned from this video?
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This is the story of the angle announcing to Mary that God would like her to be the mother of Jesus. The girl that is in the video really looks like she could be the age of Mary at that time. In this video (from the movie: Mary of Nazareth) notice how grace-filled Mary looks.
Ask your children if they have heard that word "ANNUNCIATION" before? |
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As you watch this video with your child(ren)...explain why Mary had to ride on a donkey (because she and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem for the cencus).
Other questions: What happened when they got there? Where did they sleep? What happened that night? How can your family "Make room for Jesus" ? |
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Maybe your family could watch the videos below on Christmas Eve or Christmas day...or anytime during the week of Christmas. Remember... be sure to observe Advent... then CELEBRATE Christmas.
Merry Christmas from your parish community!
Merry Christmas from your parish community!
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Below is a 'little different' way to tell the story.
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Parents...(optional)
if you would like more Advent or Christmas activities or videos click here
if you would like more Advent or Christmas activities or videos click here
Session 3 Questions (Please post answers on the comment page and remember to use your number or last name when you comment)
1) Something that my 'spoke' to my child(ren) or our family about one of the videos above was.....(please note which video and feel free to comment about more than one thing or video)
2) Something that my child(ren) learned about Advent or the Christmas story is...(this may include something from a video or the Advent Game.
3) Please share how your family or child "RACKED" someone during Advent.
4) Three things that my child(ren) learned from the take home lessons were...(please take something from each one).
1) Something that my 'spoke' to my child(ren) or our family about one of the videos above was.....(please note which video and feel free to comment about more than one thing or video)
2) Something that my child(ren) learned about Advent or the Christmas story is...(this may include something from a video or the Advent Game.
3) Please share how your family or child "RACKED" someone during Advent.
4) Three things that my child(ren) learned from the take home lessons were...(please take something from each one).