Now that my birthday has come and gone I’m ready to think about the holidays.
Truth be-told, I think about them all the time – I’m one of those year-long Christmas shoppers. (I don’t the like pressured last minute dash or the strain on the bank account of leaving it all until December.) But even though I do my shopping year-round, I try not to think too much about the parties and traditions and celebration aspect of it all until closer to Thanksgiving.
Before Thanksgiving I usually set some plans in place (like how to de-clutter the house before Christmas), but it’s not until after our Day of Thanks that I love to get the tree up, the house “decked”, pull out the Christmas story and songbooks, and begin to blast the Christmas music in full force.
Although we have an Advent “calendar” that I’ve done for several years already (need 150+ Advent activity ideas?), I’ve mostly used it for fun family activities and little chocolates. I will do the same this year, but now that Levi is nearly three I’m also excited to introduce more of a purposeful ‘spiritual’ focus as well. (I say ‘spiritual’ because it’s also my belief that fun is spiritual! But you know what I mean, right?)
I want the lead-up to Christmas to be full of parties and merriment and festivities, but also have a quiet and reflective element to it as well. There is certainly joy and worship in both approaches, so I hope to find a blend that works well for our family.
This year we’re going to use the Jesus Storybook Bible:
Have you read it? It’s seriously inspiring. The stories are so beautifully written and the illustrations are simply gorgeous. I love reading it as much as our littles do.
Really, really I do.
I recently learned from this blog (God bless her!!) that there are twenty-one stories it in from the Old Testament—each ending with a paragraph that ties in to the imminent birth of Jesus—and then three stories from the New Testament leading up to (and surrounding) the birth story of Jesus.
I wonder if the book’s authors planned this perfect 24-day reading plan for December leading up to Christmas? (Whether that was purposeful or not, no doubt Someone inspired their imaginations as they wrote. Love it.)
For our advent activity, the kids will get to visit the “calendar” twice: In the morning will be a note with a family activity for the day (as we’ve been doing in year’s past) and at night will be a note that says, “The story we get to read tonight is…”
Here is the Jesus Storybook Bible “reading plan” that we’ll be following for Advent:
Download: Jesus Storybook Bible printable reading plan for Advent
Dear friends, do you observe Advent with your littles? What do you do?
P.S. And to those of you who still need a great idea for a Christmas present, support Project Baby Bilum by purchasing this or this gorgeous sling and give a gift with some heart – that will bless a mama in your life and one in the developing world! LOVE.
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Love this idea friend! It’s perfect!! And I love the Jesus Storybook Bible too!!
Jessica W recently posted..On Begging God and Giving Thanks
This is a great idea. My kids love this Bible (and so do I). My oldest likes to listen to the book-on-cd version during her afternoon quiet time.
I’m glad to have a little outline to follow! Thanks.
Katherine recently posted..When You Wanted a ______, But You Got a _______
you’re welcome! we have it on cd too… but i actually haven’t every listened to it yet. need to get it in my itunes!!
Adriel Booker recently posted..Happy birthday to me (Am I a grown-up yet?)
The CDs are good but the DVD animation is even better.
MJ @ Creative Madness Mama recently posted..Joy Takes Flight into the Alaskan Skies!
love this and we absolutely ADORE the Jesus Storybook Bible. I was wondering what special things your “morning notes” will say. What’s your plan for the special things you will do each day as a family? would LOVE to know. thanks again for sharing the plan!
You’re welcome Meredith!
Here’s my post with more Advent activities than you’d ever be able to use.
http://adrielbooker.com/2012/11/family-advent-activities-christmas-countdown-fun/
-A
Adriel Booker recently posted..Celebrate Advent with your littles using the Jesus Storybook Bible
I LOVE this!! I’m absolutely using this reading plan. Thanks so much!!
Lindsy Griffis recently posted..i owe my gratitude
you’re welcome lindsy! x
Adriel Booker recently posted..Celebrate Advent with your littles using the Jesus Storybook Bible
Oh, this is PERFECT! We’ve done various things through the years for Advent, but I’ve not seen anything based on the Jesus Storybook Bible. It is my absolute FAVORITE. We are so doing this. Thank you, Adriel!
Megan at SortaCrunchy recently posted..Spirit-Led Parenting: Blog Book Club Discussion Tour!
yes, i’m so excited to use it this year too!
and you’re welcome! xx
Adriel Booker recently posted..The ultimate list of family Advent activities & Christmas countdown fun (including free printable)
Love it! What a great idea, A!
Sarah Bessey recently posted..In which I see a burning bush and say “Yes”
Well… it wasn’t MY idea, but I’m certainly happy to pass it on and see this amazing book used by families all over to celebrate Advent. Love it! x
Adriel Booker recently posted..Because He never stops giving. Ever.
I think this is a beautiful idea and I too LOVE the Jesus Storybook Bible. My oldest child is now 9, but before she was born, we were given the Advent Book. It is a beautifully illustrated book straight from scripture. The kids get to open a door each night and it has been fun to see them develop each year until now they can read it to us. So that is our favorite tradition! Hope your advent season is filled with JOY!!!
Becky Daye recently posted..Connecting with Other Ministry Wives
oh becky, that sounds absolutely wonderful! what a special tradition to look forward to each year. LOVE. x
Adriel Booker recently posted..The ultimate list of family Advent activities & Christmas countdown fun (including free printable)
Thank you so much for this reading plan. I wanted something simple that would highlight Jesus everyday. This is my answer!! Bless you!
I’m so glad! Hope your Christmas is so, so special!!
Adriel Booker recently posted..The ultimate list of family Advent activities & Christmas countdown fun (including free printable)
What a great idea! Can I ask for some examples of family activities? Are they services for others or just family time (making cookies)? Thanks
i have a whole crazy post on it laura, but only just posted it today.
it’s a combination of all sorts of activities – serving, family time, etc!! http://adrielbooker.com/2012/11/family-advent-activities-christmas-countdown-fun/
hope that helps! xx
Adriel Booker recently posted..The ultimate list of family Advent activities & Christmas countdown fun (including free printable)
This little Bible is my FAV!!! Thanks for sharing this. I just pinned it to use for Advent as well!
you’re welcome! hope it’s really fun and meaningful for you guys. x
Adriel Booker recently posted..does this sort of thing happen to you, too?
Love this! I have an advent storybook that I wrote– but it is the same thing. Stories from the Old Testament that foretell the birth of Christ and then the stories surrounding the birth.
Thanks for sharing- I will definitely pass this on to friends who have the Jesus Storybook!
Natasha Metzler recently posted..Our Favorite Things {giveaway!}
wow, that sounds amazing. good on you for writing your own!
Adriel Booker recently posted..The ultimate list of family Advent activities & Christmas countdown fun (including free printable)
I am so thankful for creative people like you who are willing to share with the rest of us who just need someone to give us a plan.
I loved reading how your family celebrates and your activity ideas and am excited to incorporate many of them in our home this year. Thank you so much! Blessings to you!
oh good! you’re so welcome.
Adriel Booker recently posted..The ultimate list of family Advent activities & Christmas countdown fun (including free printable)
Love this! My friend takes a break from regular Bible reading to read through the JSBB during December. I do something a bit different. I have a homemade Jesse Tree that we use with the JSBB.
Great printable…and of course, great resource in the JSBB!
love the jesse tree!
Adriel Booker recently posted..The ultimate list of family Advent activities & Christmas countdown fun (including free printable)
PS My link to my Jesse Tree in case you are interested.
http://www.thissimplehome.com/2012/11/homemade-jesse-tree.html
Annette {This Simple Mom} recently posted..Personalized Gifts Giveaway with Stuck on You {$50}
I’ve heard nothing but good things about this bible. Actually, it’s the bible that my church gives to each family when they dedicate their child at church.
Amy McCollister recently posted..Relabeled 2012 Wrap up
yes, it really is that good!
and wow, that’s really amazing! what a great gift for families and bubbas at dedication!!
Adriel Booker recently posted..does this sort of thing happen to you, too?
Love this, Adriel. I will definitely be adding this to our Advent activities this year. Hope you have a great Christmas!
Alia Joy recently posted..Love Came Down
thanks friend. you too! xxo
Adriel Booker recently posted..The ultimate list of family Advent activities & Christmas countdown fun (including free printable)
Thanks for passing this along—we purchased this resource for our son some time ago, and then earlier this year my wife picked up a “deluxe edition” for our daughter. This plan is now our reading for Advent 2012. Im curious—has anyone out there ever used this “children’s” bible as a platform for witnessing to an adult? I’d love to hear how that went!
Not sure about “witnessing” specifically Joshua, but I’ve certainly recommended it to MANY adults, especially those wanting to get an overview of the Bible and understand the Story more. I find it helps wet the appetite for getting into the “real” Bible – such beautiful illustrations and writing!
Adriel Booker recently posted..Because He never stops giving. Ever.
This little idea has gone viral. Hooray! I pray it is helpful to lots of people – big and little. I wonder if Sally Lloyd-Jones knows how much we all love the JSSB and how wonderful it is use to at Christmas time.
And guess what, my maiden name is Booker. How about that!
Merry Christmas.
Mx
Meredith recently posted..By the way…
Well, there you go! My maiden name is McIntosh so sometimes I’m still surprised by the fact that I AM a Booker.
Judging by the amount of merchandise and versions of the JSBB, I’d bet SLJ is at least a little bit aware of how much we love it.
My question for her is, was the 24 stories an “accident” or on purpose??! So genius.
Thank you again for your post when you originally discovered this a few years back. We are all so grateful and I know many (including me!) are now passing this idea onto their friends and family to enjoy as well!
Merry Christmas to you, too.
Adriel xx
Adriel Booker recently posted..Because He never stops giving. Ever.
Thanks for this idea! We have been reading from the bible each night and adding an ornament to the tree that goes along with the reading. So far, we have Jesus, Son of God, Savior, and Emmanuel. I am wondering if the ornaments could be combined with the book.
I haven’t looked into that Jill. I know several people who do a “Jesse tree” for advent. Surely there’s a way to combine the two!
Adriel Booker recently posted..Spirit-Led Parenting: The Importance of Connection
I’ve really been wanting to get my 2 year old “into” the Storybook Bible – It had still been a little old for him, he wouldn’t sit for long. When I saw this post I thought “what a GREAT idea”. I made an advent calendar with little pockets on it and printed out pictures from each of the stories (found them on google pics). I tied the pics with twine like scrolls and put them in the pockets on the calendar. Going to the chart and getting to unwrap a picture has really sparked my son’s interest (made it like a game). Today he was begging me all day long to read the “Bible Story” Thanks for posting!
Beth, that’s such an awesome idea!! I really love it – so much more fun than just a note with writing on it. Very creative. I’m sure that will set a precedent now for your little one – no doubt he’ll get hooked on the JSBB. How could he not? That is just SO fun!!! And of course it’s SUCH a great book with amazing illustrations. Thanks for sharing your idea here. Hopefully others will read the comments and see it too.
Also, I just clicked over to your website – WOW – I’ve never seen anything like those paintings before. I love them!! You are so creative!
Adriel Booker recently posted..Spirit-Led Parenting: The Importance of Connection
Thank you! I have not been able to make any in awhile. Once baby #2 came along there was no more extra time. I would love to get back into it though. I just need to focus some energy on advertising (haha). I’d love to send you a pic of the advent calendar I made. I could not figure out if I could post one on here. ~ Beth
I need to get this children’s bible! Everyone keeps talking about it. Thanks for all the helpful links – we needed some more advent ideas!
Bethany recently posted..Favorite Crock Pot Meals
it’s worth it bethany! put it on your christmas wish list.
Adriel Booker recently posted..Because He never stops giving. Ever.
This is a great idea, I am so excited to get started! Do you know if there is a difference between the regular Jesus Storybook Bible and the Deluxe Edition? Is it the CD and DVD? Are they worth having? I just received the regular Bible from Amazon – so excited to start the Advent reading plan!
Hi Lisa! Sorry I’m just now responding to this. The holidays took me by storm this year.
I’m not sure of the differences actually. We have the CD but I honestly haven’t listened to it yet! The disk drive on my laptop is broken so I haven’t been able to download it into my itunes. Arg!
Hope you had a beautiful Christmas! x
Adriel Booker recently posted..Because He never stops giving. Ever.
thank you for sharing! we’ve been doing this and loving it! i shared and link to it on my blog today.
love recently posted..out [and about].
you’re welcome! glad you’re passing it on. what a great thing for families to do together – especially this time of year!
Adriel Booker recently posted..DIY on a dime: How to make a toddler loft bed out of an old crib in 10 simple steps
i am so so thankful i found this. i’ve been looking for the perfect advent activity and we have this bible at home… now time to play catch up! thank you!
hope you had a lovely december! x
Adriel Booker recently posted..Spirit-Led Parenting: The Importance of Connection
We love the Jesus the story book Bible! What a great advent reading plan. thank you for sharing!!
Alaina recently posted..Zambiza Dump Christmas Party
you’re most welcome! hope it worked well for you.
Adriel Booker recently posted..Because He never stops giving. Ever.