Advent

Our advent calendar features 25 banners embroidered to represent each part of the Christmas story. Fill back pockets with small treats, encouraging notes, holiday activities, or kind "deeds" to accomplish.

We encourage you to read the Christmas story and discuss the meaning behind each banner. We can't wait to see how you use it to bring the Christmas season to life.

Below is the basic meaning behind each banner:

1- The first Noel: celebrating the birth of Jesus and the first Christmas

2- Represents the angel Gabriel who appeared to Mary to tell her that she will carry the son of God

3- Luke 1:28-31 “The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.’”

4- 5  At first, Mary and Joseph were scared and confused by her pregnancy. Angels brought them peace with news of the impending birth of Jesus

 6- A census was issued ordering people back to their homes in order to be counted

7- Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem for census

8-  The journey to Bethlehem was hard and tiresome

9- Mary & Joseph had faith that God was in control. They had no proof that things would work out but they believed.

10- Luke 2:7 “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”

11- Angels appeared to the shepherds watching their flocks, exclaiming the upcoming birth of Jesus

12- 13- Luke 2:13-14 “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’”

14- The shepherds believe and travel to meet Jesus

15- Jesus, the Hope of the world, is found wrapped in swaddling cloths in a manger

16- 21 The wisemen saw the brightest star and followed it to the newborn king with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh

22- Joy of the world- Jesus will bring joy to all of the world

23- The star sat over the manger where Jesus was born- and the wisemen came to worship him 

24- Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”

25- Christmas Day- the nativity!