CCC Gainesville | Blog
If you are looking for something to do with your little children this Advent, you might want to check out this little burlap bag sitting on the Advent Resource Table near the children’s Welcome Station. 
We have adapted this little family activity from a French Christmas tradition. On the first day of Advent your family can “build” the manger (pieces and directions included), and then each day through out the rest of Advent leading up to the birth of Christ, children can add a piece of straw to the manger. They are preparing the manger for Jesus to be born. On Christmas day when you celebrate the birth of Christ your children may add Jesus. The point of this tradition is to allow children to play a part in preparing for the birth of Christ.
In the French tradition the children add the straw each time they do their Advent prayers or kind deeds through out the season. The point of this activity is to give children a concrete way to see that Advent is about waiting and preparing. Waiting for our Savior to come. Preparing our hearts for his arrival. So if you are interested in adding this to your family tradition, each time you sit together and read your Advent meditations, scriptures and prayers, your children can take part in preparing for Jesus’ birthday.
Advent starts this Sunday, so if you want to stop by the Welcome Station and pick one up, please do. We are asking for a $3 donation. If you want more than one, as a gift for a friend that’s fine, extras cost $3.
If you do not do regular bible time or devotions with your children, Advent is a great time to get the ball rolling as there are so many resources out there for families. We have provided copies of the Jesse Tree Advent devotional for your family if you do not already have one. Stop by and pick up your copy this Sunday.
Spread the word!
