A New Thing: Advent: Days 2, 3, and 4

The end of last week and this weekend was filled with a Christmas parade, driving around seeing Christmas lights, getting out some more of our decorations, shopping for Christmas sweaters for a party we have coming up, church, and family time--but we still had Advent time each day!

On Friday, day 2, our clue was "Kingdom".

We read the same passage in Isaiah as we had on day 1, but this time we focused on God's kingdom and what kind of kingdom is was. We decided it was fair, safe, peaceful, and would last forever. We talked about what kind of King Jesus was--Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. I told them that even though God's kingdom wasn't set up on earth (yet), Jesus was still the king of our hearts and our lives.

On Day 3, our clue was "Zechariah".

We read the story of the angel Gabriel coming to Zechariah in the temple and telling him that, at his and Elizabeth's old age, they would have a son who would be very special and they would name him John. However, Zechariah was in disbelief at this news and Gabriel told him that because he doubted, he would not be able to speak until John's birth. We talked about how important it is to believe that what God says is true, even if it sounds unbelievable! God can do anything!

I had them draw an X over Zechariah's mouth to represent his mouth being shut because he didn't believe.

`Notice Luke is still in his pajamas. He would stay in them all day if I would let him!

On day 4, we had our Advent time after church while Daddy was making lunch for us all! The clue was "Gabriel".

We read the story of Gabriel visiting Mary and telling her, a teenager, that she would be having a baby. We talked about what crazy news that would be and how Mary responded. She didn't say, "Nope! I don't think so! Not doing that!" She said, "It will be as the Lord has says." What an obedient response!

We also read several other passages that described the other jobs angels having besides being messengers. They deliver us from dangerous situations if we fear the Lord, protect us, and minister to us.

Kade especially is really getting involved in these conversations and enjoying what we're doing. It's hard to get Luke to sit still for longer than 2 minutes, but he adds some stuff here and there. I love this study so far!

Here are a few other pictures from our Christmas-y weekend!