Advent

This time of year, our family remembers Christ's advent 2,000 years ago, as well as looks forward to His second advent in the future. We use a "Jesse Tree," made for use by our dear friend Julie.
Every night, another part of God's redemption of mankind through His only son, Jesus Christ, is told. A new ornament representing a particular part of the story is placed on the "Jesse Tree" by one of the kids. We've learned that each child must have a turn, otherwise the cries of "It's not fair, she got to put one on last night!" ring through the house--not exactly the makings of that warm Christmasy feeling.
We also use an advent wreath every year. Each Sunday in advent, we light one of the candles. On Christmas Eve we light all four of the candles as well as the big white pillar in the middle of the wreath. Then we light the candles on the cake and sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. It makes the kids pause for about 3 minutes before the "it's all about me" gift unwrapping mahem. When I was putting the new candles in the wreath this year, Lydia asked, "What's that for, Mommy?" I replied, "It's for Jesus' birthday." "No," she said, "MY birthday!" She has shown signs of progress, though. Now the conversation goes like this, "What's that for, Mommy?" "That's for Jesus' birthday." *SIGH* "Oookaaay."