When I laid my eyes on this wooden beauty and the craft store, I just knew I had to get my hands on it and make a Christmas advent calendar that would last the test of time. After many trips to craft/scrapbook store, painting, embellishing, and toiling away at each little square drawer... it is finally complete (and hey, I'm only 6 days into December... not a total wash this year:)! So far, it's a big hit with Tatum.
I filled each drawer with candy, but also with the following scripture references (found via here).
Story, Reference, Characteristic of Christ
1 Jarius’ Daughter raised, Luke 8:41-56, Was compassionate
2 Sinful woman forgiven, Luke 7:36-50, Was forgiving
3 Nobleman’s son healed, John 4:46-53, Had power to heal
4 Temple cleansed, John 2:13-17, Was reverent and opposed to evil
5 Storm calmed, Mark 4:35-41, Had power over elements
6 Children blessed, Mark 10:13-16, Loved children
7 Savior dined with Mary & Martha Luke, 10:38-42, Made people happy
8 Savior suffered in Garden of Gethsemane, Luke 22:41-45, Was Submissive
9 Apostles’ feet washed, John 13:3-17, Was humble
10 Apostles chosen, Luke 6:12-13, Was prayerful
11 Christ’s wisdom advanced, Luke 2:51-52, Obeyed parents
12 Christ baptized, Matthew 3:13-17, Obeyed God’s law
13 Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:2-16, Gave counsel
14 Christ in the temple, Luke 2:42-49, Taught when twelve years old
15 The Lord’s prayer, Matthew 6:9-13, Taught proper way to pray
16 Parable of the Sower, Luke 8:5-16,Taught with stories
17 Parable of the Lost Sheep, Luke 15:4-7, Helped sinners
18 Story of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:29-36, Was kind
19 Promised the Comforter, John 14:26-27, Promised the Holy Ghost
20 Fishes and loaves shared, Matthew 14:15-21, Performed miracles
21 Story of Lazarus, John 11:40-44, Raised the dead
22 Mary’s visitation, Luke 1:26-33, Is the Son of the Highest
23 Christ’s Birth, Luke 2:1-11, Fulfilled prophesy
24 Shepherds visited & Wisemen brought gifts, Matthew 2:9-13 & Luke 2:12-16, Was worshipped as Savior
We planned several family activities too throughout the month and placed the activity in specific drawers. A few on our list: movie night, gingerbread houses, ice skating, temple square lights, gift-exchange shopping, visit grandparents, and a game night!
Supplies: wood tree calendar (Bennion Crafts) : paper/embellishments ("All Is Bright" line by My Mind's Eye) : white-wash paint, string, paper doilies, mod podge, glitter glue, sponge brush, glue dots, sand paper, and lots and lots of time!
