As I think ahead to which books I will pull out, purchase, or order from the library this year, I asked each of my children to name a favorite.
Their shortlist was:
So, I will be making sure to include all of these in our Advent this year. In fact, one of the books will kick off our Works of Mercy Wisemen adventures this year.
On each day of Advent - or the days I manage to help the Wise Men journey - our Wise Men figurines stand in tableau with a book and, sometimes, a prompt and other times for my children to find.
This year, I am trying to decide books and prompts ahead of time and thought I'd share my first week's choices in case they inspire you.
I'd love to hear which books will be in your Advent book basket, too!
On each day of Advent - or the days I manage to help the Wise Men journey - our Wise Men figurines stand in tableau with a book and, sometimes, a prompt and other times for my children to find.
This year, I am trying to decide books and prompts ahead of time and thought I'd share my first week's choices in case they inspire you.
I'd love to hear which books will be in your Advent book basket, too!
November 28
First Day of Advent
(and the day we typically go for a nature walk to find a branch for our Jesse tree and greenery for our Advent wreath)
(and the day we typically go for a nature walk to find a branch for our Jesse tree and greenery for our Advent wreath)
Today, we begin reading about Jotham and his friends once more as we gather around our Advent wreath and hang our Jesse Tree ornaments. With each ornament, let's pray for the living by pausing to pray for the family that made the ornament for us.
November 29
(a birthday here)
(a birthday here)
Sacrifice, hope, determination, and love. All of these qualities are exemplified by the characters in this story. They are also exemplified by Daddy. Today, might we pray for the living and the dead by offering a special prayer for Daddy? Or, might we complete a secret service for him or in some other way encourage or honor him?
November 30
Feast of St. Andrew
(and a day when we start the St. Andrew Novena)
(and a day when we start the St. Andrew Novena)
Today is the feast of St. Andrew - a fisherman and fisher of men. He was the apostle who let Jesus know about the boy with five barley loaves and two fish before Jesus fed the multitudes through a miracle. In today's story, the lighthouse family receives a miracle of sorts through the Flying Santa. is there a "miracle" you could be a part of today? Perhaps one which would feed the hungry?
December 1
Jonathon Toomey, a lonely man, was transformed through his interaction with the boy and his mom. Is there someone especially lonely that we know?Might we visit the imprisoned (by loneliness) of comfort the afflicted in some way?
December 2
Feast Day of St. Bibiana
Feast Day of St. Bibiana
Today is St. Bibiana's feast day. Consider how she lost everything except for her faith. Think about the little matchstick girl. Do we know anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one, job, home, or health? Might we comfort the afflicted by writing an encouraging note? Or, could we clothe the naked by putting such things as hand warmers, gloves, hats, warm socks, etc. together to keep in the car to hand out to homeless people?
December 3
Feast of St. Francis Xavier
Feast of St. Francis Xavier
Today is the feast day of St. Francis Xavier, "Apostle of the Indies" and "Apostle of Japan", and this story shows someone giving selflessly without expectation of a return gift. Might we feed the hungry by making a Japanese- or Indian-inspired meal to share with someone who could use a lift?
December 4
Feast of St.John Damascus
Today is the feast day of John of Damascus or Damascene, who, among other things, eloquently defended the practice of venerating Christian images and, therefore, became known as the "Doctor of Christian Art." After browsing the images in today's beautiful book, might we use some beautiful Christian artwork in a craft project which can be part of a Work of Mercy? What and how?
We shall see if I am able to keep thinking ahead and shall also see how these prompts go over with my kids. In the meantime, I would love to hear what books are in your Advent book basket.
Find book and audio selections for all four weeks of Advent by clicking throgh each image below
We shall see if I am able to keep thinking ahead and shall also see how these prompts go over with my kids. In the meantime, I would love to hear what books are in your Advent book basket.
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Find book and audio selections for all four weeks of Advent by clicking throgh each image below
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