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. 

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. 

Advent 2011: Day 12

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”)/ Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

DAY 12: Immanuel (Matthew 1:23 and Isaiah 7:14) 

Read and discuss. What are the implications of God With Us? What does it mean? How do we know God is with us? 

Art: Draw or paint a picture of God With Us? 

Music: Learn "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" This is a great Christmas hymn and if you can get all the verses, it is full of names of Jesus. 

Advent 2011: Day 11

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, "You're are the Messiah."

DAY 11: The Christ/Annointed One/Messiah (Mark 8:29) 

Read and Discuss the name(s)/title(s). What does it mean to be "annointed"? What are some examples of "annointing" in the Bible? Bible for older children: Read the prophecies of Daniel (Ch. 9) What do they say about the Messiah? 

Social Studies: Jewish people who believe in Jesus are called Messianic Jews or Completed Jews. What does this mean? Why do you think Jewish people do not accept Jesus as the Messiah? What are they looking for in the Messiah? How can we share the Messiah with Jewish friends? 

Writing: Penmanship practice: Write Mark 8:29 in your best handwriting. Put it in your journal. 

Advent 2011: Day 10

“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a sceptor will rise out of Isreal./ I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star”

DAY 10: Star (Numbers 24:17) Bright and Morning Star (Revelation 22:16)

Read and discuss. These are challenging verses. 

Activity: Make star cookies. 

Bible: What important star do we talk about at Christmas? Jesus is even brighter than that star. Wise men followed the star. If we follow the star--Jesus--where will it lead us? 

Activity: Decorate your home with stars for Christmas. 

Language Arts: Make a word poem from STAR: S is for_________ T is for ____________ and so on. 

Be sure all of this is being kept in your Christmas journal. (Even include your Christmas cookie recipe) 

Advent 2011: Day 9

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

DAY 9: Good Shepherd (John 10:11) 

Read and Discuss. Note that this is another "red-letter" title. Jesus gives the title to himself.

Bible: Read John 10:1-21 for more full understanding. 

Language Arts: Compare/Contrast how Christ can be the lamb and the shepherd. 

Activity: Begin to set up a nativity scene. Put in Mary, Joseph, shepherds and lambs thus far. 

Music: Learn "While Shepherds watched Their Flocks by night." 

Advent 2011: Day 8

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

DAY 8: Lamb of God (John 1:29) 

Read and Discuss this name. 

Bible: Do some research into the sacrificial lambs. Be sure your children understand the passover and its significance. 

Bible: Who made this statement? Was it prophetic? What is a prophecy? 

Art: Make lambs out of cotton and cardboard. Set them in a little display to remind yourselves of the Lamb of God. 

Social Studies: Study lambs/sheep. They are mammals. They live in herds. What can you find out about them. Write a report about sheep and or sheep farming. 

Language Arts: Read some poetry about sheep. Have your children write a poem about a lamb or sheep. 

Home Economics: What are some products we get from sheep? Wool, lanolin. Try locating some raw wool to card or spin. 

Advent 2011: Day 7

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

DAY 7: Unspeakable Gift (2 Corinthians 9:15) 

Read and Discuss the verse. Look it up in other translations to get more meaning of "unspeakable." 

Discuss: At Christmas we give gifts. Christ was God's gift to us. Think of a really special gift you have received. Describe how you felt? 

Language Arts: Listmaking/Adjectives: Make a list of words that describe love. Put it in your journal. Read the list. Does it cover everything about love? 

Activity: Wrap up a box to decorate your home. Call it your box of love to remind the family that God's gift of Jesus is a gift of love. Indescribable. 

Language Arts: Writing: Write a Thank-you note to God for his gift of Jesus. Be sure to use the correct form for writing Thank-you notes. 

Art: Design some Thank-you notes you can use to write thank-yous for Christmas gifts you may receive.