Description
Giant Advent Calendar
We have lots of families who pop into our church over the Christmas season and we wanted a way to encourage them to engage more with the Christmas story. This giant advent calendar was displayed in the church and the person unlocking the church each day would open the relevant window. Families could then have a go at the activities in the window whenever they were passing. They are suitable for a range of ages. At the crib service on Christmas eve the final door was opened and the baby Jesus was placed in the manger. Every child was then given an animal biscuit to eat.
You will need:
Shoeboxes or gift boxes piled into a pyramid, with the lid facing outwards so it can be opened.
I suggest stapling the boxes together on all sides for extra stability.
Print the bible verses and instructions on the inside of each lid. Write the number on the outside. Open one door each day when you unlock the church.
Plus, in window order:
Children’s Bible
CD/MP3 player with worship songs.
Baths bombs, felt pens and a tupperware filled with water.
Book of baby names.
Map of your town
Paper and pens
Blank postcards
Paper strips for paper chains
Timer
Church christmas cards/flyers
Sand in a small tupperware box or tray.
Red pen
Cotton wool balls and sticky eyes
Printout from http://whereisjesus.com/
Star stickers
Chocolate coins
Bubbles
Baby oil/olive oil
Tealights
Nativity tableau on hay or rafia for the final box. You could add some animal biscuits to share.
1. This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about (Matthew 1:18)
Can you find the Christmas Story in this Children’s Bible?
2. His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
(Matthew 1:19) And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour" (Luke 1:46-47)
Have a listen to these songs of praise. Which is your favourite?
Continues with a further 22 windows ...