Advent 2011: Day 25- Happy Birthday Jesus!

There was no actual lesson prepared on Easy Fun School for Christmas Day. I'm creating all the Advent posts tonight on December 1st and scheduling them out on the perspective dates through out  the month. Pro to blogger-scheduling ahead of time. Con- the pictures on about half of them flipped to vertical even though I shot them all horizontally. So, at this point, we plan to read Luke's account of Jesus' birth and make a birthday cake celebrating Christ's birth. This idea came from a Really Woolly ornament I picked up last year.



Oriental Trading Company has loads of Happy Birthday Jesus materials as well.  I'm ordering the Really Woolly Birthday Kit. You can find more details here. We'll exchange gifts from each other with Billy's parents who will be in from New Mexico. An order will be placed for several children's Christmas books centered around the theme of celebrating the birth of Christ in a way our children can relate to at their given ages. I prayer to continue to allow God to lead me to materials, supplies and resources that glorify Him first in all of our celebrations.

Deuteronomy 11:18-21
¹⁸ Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ¹⁹ Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ²⁰ Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, ²¹ so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.


Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Love the LORD Your God

 ¹ These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, ² so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. ³ Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you. ⁴ Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.^[a] 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.⁶ These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. ⁷Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸ Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ⁹ Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.



This picture is from this blog I came across and I really relate to this quote from Jeanne Winter's blog about throwing Jesus a birthday party:

"Our Christmas does not revolve around Santa. We're not fanatics about it –we don't banish all things red, fat and jolly from our holiday– we simply focus on Jesus' birthday. What little child doesn't understand and get excited about a birthday party? We read stacks of Christmas story books that all tell about Jesus' extraordinary birth in wonderfully unique ways. They get it and they love it!

A highlight of our family traditions in making our holiday all about Jesus is to make a Happy Birthday Jesus cake. It's our main Christmas dinner dessert ... because everybody gets a cake on their birthday, right?! We let the kids decide what kind of cake each year and they join in the party planning ... just as if Jesus were a part of our family. It's so precious to see my kids growing up grasping basic Biblical truths!"

I used the alternate they suggested of Jesus that Bible Story Printables had the ornament pre-made for.

We'll be reading Luke 2

Luke 2: 1-20

The Birth of Jesus

 ¹ In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.

 ⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

 ⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 ¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven, 

   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

 ¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

 ¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Advent 2011: Day 24

It's Christmas Eve!!

“As I looked, "thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat.  His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool.  His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.

DAY 24: Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9) 

Read and Discuss -- This may be too deep a concept for younger children. Make an alternate selection if need be. 

Bible: This term appears in Daniel 7: 9, 13, and 22. In 9 and 22 it refers to Christ. In 13, it refers to God. 

Math: Do review work with, or introduce clocks and calendars. Christ is the master of time. When He was born at Christmas, he divided time in two. 

Consider this: Everytime we write a date, we acknowledge that all else in human history is to be considered in relation to Jesus Christ. Time is subordinate to the Soverienty of Jesus. 

Alternate Names are:

 1.   God  John 20:28 

 2.   I Am  John 8:58 

 3. Son of David  Matthew 1:1

 4.   Branch  Isaiah 11:1 

 5.   Arm of the Lord   Isaiah 53:1 

 6.   Baby  Luke 2:12 

 7.   Jesus  Matthew 1:21 

 8.   Brother  Mark 6:3 

 9.   Son of Man  Matthew 20:28 

 10 . Rock   1 Corinthians 10:4  

Advent 2011: Day 23

The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the ovedience of the nations shall be his.

DAY 23: Shiloh (Genesis 49:10) 

Read and Discuss. This is part of the prophecy/blessing of Jacob to his son, Judah. What does Shiloh mean? (to rest) Why is this a good name for Jesus. Read the verse: "come to me ye who are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) 

History: Discuss the history of Shiloh in the U.S. It is known as a Civil War battlefield where 25,000 men lost their lives. These events are far-removed from the true meaning of Shiloh. 

Language Arts: Discuss the literary term "irony". It is irony that the Civil War was fought in a place called "rest." 

Illustrate your idea of "shiloh" Put the illustrations in your journal. 

Advent 2011: Day 22

They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

DAY 22: Savior (John 4:42) 

Read John 4:39-42. Discuss. Why is Jesus our Savior? Why do we need a savior? 

Art: Make an Easter (yes, Easter) banner showing the Cross. 

Language Arts: Think about this statement: "If there hadn't been and Easter, there wouldn't be a Christmas." Write an explanation of this statement. Present it as a speech. 

Advent 2011: Day 21

The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”

DAY 21: Friend (Matthew 11:19) 

Read and Discuss. There are other passages about Jesus being a friend but this one is more revealing. Why? 

Think of a good friend. Why are they your friend? What qualities do they have that make them a friend. 

Language Arts: Send a greeting card to a friend. 

Language Arts: Memorize a poem about friendship. 

Journal: If possible take a picture of family friends to put in your journal. 

Advent 2011: Day 20

I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.

DAY 20: Lily of the Valley (Song of Solomon 2:1) 

Read and Discuss. 

Science: Biology: What was/is Lily of the Valley? Some think it was a white amaryllis. This flower would be suggestive of Christ's character. How? Describe the flower. How is it symbolic of Christ. Music: Sing "Lily of the Valley" 

Art: Discuss the color "white." What does it symbolize? What does it symbolize in other cultures? 

Advent 2011: Day 19

I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.

DAY 19: Rose of Sharon (Song of Solomon 2:1) 

[Note: This concept may be too advanced for younger children. In that case, select an alternate name listed at the end of the unit*.] 

Read and Discuss. These names have become part of our devotional language. They are taken from this passage of love and are an expression of devotion in married love. 

Science: Biology: What does a Rose of Sharon look like? (It was probably a common, abundant plant like a crocus or narcissus. It has a delicate beauty and gentle fragrance. It speaks to us of the beauty and fragrance He brings to those who know and love him.) 

Language Arts: Parables. What is a parable in general? Read this Parable from the Persian Poet Saadi: The poet was given a bit of ordinary clay. The clay so vibrantly smelled of sweet perfume that its fragrance filled the room. 

"What are you, musk or ambergris?" he asked. 

"I am neither," it answered, "I am just a bit of common clay." 

"From where then do you have this rare perfume?" the poet asked. 

"I have been all summer in the company of the rose," it replied. 

Discuss how this relates to the Christian life. (We are just bits of clay but if we keep company with the Rose of Sharon, some of his fragrance will pass into us. Hopefully, then, we will be a fresh and sweet influence on the world around us.) 

Art: Make a flower bouquet to grace your home for Christmas.


Alternatives are:

 1.   God  John 20:28

 2.   I Am  John 8:58

 3.   Son of David  Matthew 1:1

 4.   Branch  Isaiah 11:1

 5.   Arm of the Lord   Isaiah 53:1

 6.   Baby  Luke 2:12

 7.   Jesus  Matthew 1:21

 8.   Brother  Mark 6:3

 9.   Son of Man  Matthew 20:28

 10 . Rock  1 Corinthians 10:4

Advent 2011: Day 18

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey

DAY 18: King (Zechariah 9:9) Read and Discuss. Who is the King in this story? Is this prophecy? Was it a prophecy that has been fulfilled? 

Language Arts: How can Jesus be a servant and a king? Learn the literary term "paradox." Have your children think of more examples of a paradox. 

Art: Make crowns. Older children can perhaps illustrate the combination of Jesus as servant and king. 

History: Talk about some Kings in the Old Testament or any other time period. Were they good kings or bad kings? why? 

Civics: Why doesn't the U.S. have a King? 

Advent 2011: Day 17

“Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.

DAY 17: Servant (Matthew 12:18) 

Read and Discuss. This passage calls Jesus a servant. What is a servant? 

Bible: Where are there actual examples of Jesus being a servant? How can we be a servant? 

Language Arts: Write a family story about a servant. One child writes the first paragraph, then the second child writes and so on until the whole story is finished. Type it, illustrate it, put it in your journal. 

Advent 2011: Day 16

He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God./ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Add caption

DAY 16: The Word (Revelation 19:13 and John 1:1) 

Read and Discuss. 

Bible: Read John 1:1-5and 1:14 How does it summarize much of what you've learned about Jesus. What names could be fit into this passage. 

Language Arts: Talk about words--written and spoken. Learn or review the 8 parts of speech. How is God's Word both written and spoken? How is Jesus, "the word"? 

Art: Make a collage--using words--that has Christmas as the theme. You could do this as a regular size page for notebook or turn it into a banner you can hang for the holidays. 

Advent 2011: Day 15

because of the tender mercy of our God, by wich the rising sun will come to us from heaven

DAY 15: Dayspring (Luke 1:78) 

Read Luke 1:67-80 for Zechariah's prophecy. Note all the other Names for Jesus in this passage. 

What does "dayspring" mean. How is it more commonly translated today? Art: Draw, paint, etc, a dayspring for your Christmas journal. 

Advent 2011: Day 14

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

DAY 14: Light of the World (John 8:12) 

Read and Discuss. Commit this verse to memory. 

Science: Discuss sources of light. Which ones are natural? Which ones are man-made? 

Project: Go into a dark closet with a match, and a flashlight. See how the slightest bit of light breaks the darkness. What is the practical application of this in Christian life? 

Just for fun: Take some Wintergreen lifesavers into a dark closet and bite them with your mouth open. What happens? 

Language Arts: Write a poem about light. 

Art: Look at some "religious" paintings in an encyclopedia. What do you notice about "light"? 

Activity: Light a candle at your dinner table during the Christmas season to remind yourselves that Jesus is the Light of the World. 

A Positive Explanation

One of the most thorough, positive and honoring explanations I've seen courtesy of Celebrating Holidays.  I'm copying the whole post so I have it for future reference with our children:

Published December 12, 2011 | By admin

For many Christians, Santa Claus is nothing but a secular distraction to the celebration of one of the greatest events in human history – the birth of Jesus Christ. But try as we might to disassociate Santa from Christmas, he is hard to ignore. His image is everywhere. So when the kids inevitably ask, “Who is Santa?” what do we say? As with any question from our children, we can use it as a teaching opportunity.

In this first part of a two part article, I will share some of the interesting history I found about the identity of Santa Claus. Part two will take a look at what we can “do” with Santa in regard to our family celebrations.

The name Santa Claus is the English form of the Dutch name for St. Nicholas Sinterklaas. Though the modern Santa Claus is associated with a world of fantasy, the historical St. Nicholas was a godly man known for his charity and generosity.

Nicholas was born in the 3rd century to wealthy Christian parents in Patara (a harbor city in modern day Turkey). It is probable that Nicholas and his parents could trace their spiritual heritage to the Apostle Paul, who stopped in Patara on his third missionary journey 200 years earlier.

It is said that Nicholas’ parents were devout believers who had long prayed for a child. When Nicholas was finally born, they devoted him to God. As an only child, he was raised with great affection and special attention. However, when Nicholas was still a young boy (likely a teenager), a plague struck his city, and both of his parents died. Though a loss like this might turn some away from God, it seems to have drawn Nicholas closer to him. The loss of his parent’s also seems to have made the boy’s heart tender to the suffering of others.

Nicholas was left with a large inheritance and decided that he would use it to honor God. He developed such a good reputation in his region that he was chosen as Archbishop of Myra (a harbor city just south and east of Patara) when he was in his early 20s, an indication that he must have demonstrated wisdom and maturity beyond his years.

During his service as Archbishop, a violent persecution of Christians began. Nicholas was almost certainly imprisoned during this time and was likely tortured for his faith. The persecution that began during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian was carried on by his successor, Galerius, for a total of eight long years.

Interestingly, following Emperor Galerius, Constantine, the first Christian Emperor, became the undisputed leader of the West. By 324 AD, Constantine claimed leadership of the entire empire and declared Christianity a legal religion. Once persecution ended and Christians gained new religious freedom, they started to face new challenges. Serious disagreements regarding doctrine began to erupt. Constantine recognized the need for unity among Christians, so in 325 AD he summoned bishops from all over the empire to meet in Nicea and discuss critical doctrinal issues. Nicholas of Myra is listed among the bishops in attendance at this meeting. Little could Nicholas have known that his name would one day be more recognized than any other in attendance at this council that developed the famous Nicene Creed.

There are a wealth of stories about Nicholas’ life — many of them emphasize his kindness and generosity. After his death on December 6, a tradition of gift giving was begun in his honor.

St. Nicholas Day is still observed on December 6 in many countries, but in others, America included, the practices associated with the day were combined with Christmas. It seemed natural to many Christians that a holiday celebrating giving would merge with the birth of Christ, the greatest gift ever given to the world. However, the merger happened to the dismay of many Christian leaders who thought that St. Nicholas started to draw too much attention away from Christ. In Germany, parents were encouraged to teach their children that the Christ Child was the gift-giver. The name Kriss Kringle is the English form of the German name for “Christ Child.” Ironically, in America the name Kriss Kringle came to be used synonymously with St. Nicholas, St. Nick, Santa Claus and even the English name Father Christmas.

In Middle Age art, St. Nicholas was typically depicted as a tall, thin, bearded cleric. So how did he evolve into the Santa that we know today in America? Santa’s white beard and red suit are actually quite similar to the bishop’s vestments worn by the Dutch Sinterklaas. But the “chubby and plump” appearance of America’s Santa Claus is generally traced to the 19th century poem “’Twas The Night Before Christmas” – an attempt to create a more friendly image of Santa and assure children that they had (in the words of the poem) “nothing to dread.”

Though the modern Santa Claus has devolved into a secularized figure surrounded by fantasy, his image can serve to help us remember the real St. Nicholas, a man who devoted his life to serving God and inspiring others to do the same. The purpose of all saints (all Christians) is to bring glory to God, not to detract from him.

At Christmas, we celebrate that God himself came in bodily form, in real flesh and blood, to earth. However, after he ascended to heaven and his physical presence was no longer on earth, Jesus entrusted believers to be his “body” (1 Corinthians 12:27). By all accounts, St. Nicholas lived a life that helped others to see the reality of Christ. How can we follow his example and help others to see Christ in us (in real flesh and blood) this Christmas?

Advent 2011: Day 13

“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

DAY 13: Holy One (Mark 1:24) 

Read Mark 1:21-28 to get the full understanding of the verse. Who is naming Jesus the "Holy One" in this verse? What does it mean to be holy? Can we be holy? 

Music: Sing "Holy, Holy, Holy" and "O, Holy Night." 

Language Arts: Write a definition of "holy" for your journal. List ways we can be holy. 

Language Arts: Homynyms: learn the difference between holy and wholly.