Truth in the Tinsel: Days Six through Ten

Our Truth in the Tinsel experience continues.  Today's post covers days six through ten.  (Not sure what Truth in the Tinsel is all about?  See my previous post here.)

 December 6th:  Mary Visits Elizabeth
The kids listened with great interest as I read to them how Mary went to visit her cousin Elisabeth. They especially liked the part when little baby John leaped up in his mother's womb at the presence of his Savior.  Since Little Sprout was born just last year, they clearly remember her jumping and kicking in my belly; so they understood and delighted in this account of the baby John's reaction to Mary's pregnancy.
I helped the kids cut out these paper dolls representing the pregnant ladies Mary and Elisabeth, and then the kids set about gloriously splashing them with their watercolors.  A preference for greens, blacks, and browns certainly make their dolls look like they were in the throes of morning sickness. :)

 December 7th:  Mary Sings a Song of Worship
We read the story of Mary visiting Elisabeth again today and focused on the beautiful song of praise that Mary sang to God after Elisabeth spoke words of blessing on her baby.  "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.  For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden; for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed..."  These are amazing words of peace and joy from a young woman who had to have been nervous and uncertain of her future.
The kids chose various marbles and glued them to an old CD to help remind us of Mary's beautiful song.  Poor Beast stressed about putting his marbles in a perfect circle, which probably got in the way of him really learning from the truth today.  Oh well.

 December 8th:  Jesus is the Rising Sun
We learned that Elisabeth did indeed give birth to a son that they named John.  Zachariah was finally able to speak, and when he did, the words of praise and prophecy just poured forth.  He spoke of how his child would lead the way and direct people to Jesus Christ.  He described Jesus as "the rising sun" that will "shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." 
So we made bright orange paper suns and glued brilliant little sequins all over them as we talked about our Savior, the rising sun.

 December 9th:  Joseph Was a Righteous Man
I shared with the kids about another man in our story, a man named Joseph.  He was described as a just and righteous man.  When he found out about Mary's pregnancy, he felt the right thing to do woul be to put her away, but privately so she would not be shamed.  The kids and I talked about what a godly man he was - determined to do right.  I asked the kids if they could think of other righteous men in their lives and was pleased to hear them immediately answer with 'Daddy, and Grandpa, and Pop." 
The kids designed their clothespin Josephs similar to the Mary clothespin dolls they had made. 

December 10th:  Joseph Has a Dream
It was very interesting to talk to the kids about dreams today.  Gabi in particular was eager to share some dreams she had had recently.  I explained that back in Bible times, sometimes God spoke to his faithful followers in a dream.  Then we read about Joseph's dream in which the angel of the Lord told him not to be afraid to marry Mary. 
The kids chose fabric out of my stash and put together this little pillows to represent Joseph's dream.  While they worked on their pillows, I reminded them that God always reassures us and makes His presence known when we are doing right.

Truth in the Tinsel: Days One through Five

December brings a host of activities and events to our family.  This year, I am trying to be more purposeful in the things we choose to do this holiday season.  I don't want to do things just for the sake of "doing them."  So when I heard of Truth in the Tinsel, I thought, "That might be just the thing to do with the kids this year."  It would be purposeful - the intent being that the kids (and me!) would have some time together every day to focus on Jesus and the amazing gift that came to us at Christmas.  However, I was hesitant to commit to it.  I didn't want to start something and then get so caught up in all the busyness of life that I never finished it. 

Finally, I decided to purchase the book, and we would just have to see how it would go.

 

What's Truth in the Tinsel?  A mom and teacher at Oh Amanda came up with this program to help her kids understand the true meaning of Christmas.  It's a great way to celebrate Advent.  Each day, you read some Scripture verses to your kids.  Then you talk about what happened in those verses and apply it.  The best part is making an ornament together to represent what you just talked about. 

We have had such a great time doing them so far that I am no longer worried about not finishing it. 

 

So, this post is about the first five days of our Truth in the Tinsel adventures.  I will do five posts in all to share what we have learned together on this journey.

 December 1st:  Jesus is the Light of the World

We read together in Isaiah 9 how the people who were in darkness had seen a great light.  David said, "Mom, I don't like it when it's dark.  That's why I need a night light."  This was a great lead-in to our talk - how the whole world was dark with sin and despair.  It needed a Light desperately, and God planned on sending that Light.  The prophet Isaiah predicted His coming. 

The kids enthusiastically glued their tissue paper to the candle silhouettes while we held a discussion on what things can make our hearts dark. 

 December 2nd:  Jesus is Our King

We read in Isaiah 9 again and focused on verses 6-7.  He is our Prince of Peace!  He will establish His kingdom forever.  "How can He be Prince AND King?" Gabi wondered.  And so the conversation began.  We looked at all the names of Jesus - Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, and so on.  He is the only king that can guarantee true peace.

The kids chose their paint colors and intently decorated their crowns with sparkly sequins.  Mikey said that he wanted to be a king when he grew up. 

 December 3rd:  The Angel Gabriel Visits Zachariah

This day, we went to Luke 1 for our reading.  Gabi helped me read the story of how the priest Zachariah was visited by the angel Gabriel.  We talked about how scary it must have been for Zachariah to have an angel appear to him in the temple.  And even though the angel was bringing good news to him, it was easy to understand why Zachariah didn't believe him. 

The offspring glued macaroni and googly eyes to their yogurt lids and chose different yarn hair styles for their Zachariah ornaments.  Their favorite part was attaching the bubble wrap mouth and then popping it, symbolizing how God struck Zachariah dumb for his unbelief. 

 December 4th: Gabriel is God's Messenger

Today, we followed up yesterday's story of Gabriel and Zachariah with Gabriel's visit to another person, Mary.  Gabriel was God's messenger.  We discussed his name, which means "God is my might."  Gabi has the feminine version of his name; she was excited to learn that her name also means "God is my might."  Gabriel willingly carried God's messages to people, whether it be a priest or a young girl. 

The kids looked through my stash of Christmas cards, and each chose one to fold into Gabriel's robe.  With Momma on glue gun duty, we added ribbons, glittery pipe cleaners, and jingle bells to make our angels. 

December 5th:  Mary Listens to Gabriel

We read yesterday's passage in Luke 1:26-38 again.  This time we focused on Mary.  She was a young girl, obviously troubled when she was approached by the angel.  Still, she listened, and although she had questions, she was willing to do what God wanted her to do.  She offered herself as the Lord's handmaiden.

As the kids carefully glued felt dresses and tiny buttons on their clothespin Marys, we talked about how we could be like Mary.  We could be willing to do what God wants, too.  Mikey said that he would pick up his toys, because that's "what God would want." :)



A Child's Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for this day and thank you for my family. I pray for Grandma and Grandpa and Grammy and Pop. Pray for those peoples in Japan, cuz in case you didn't know, they had an earthquake. An earthquake is pretty bad. It's really serious. Anyway, I pray for our governor too but I don't know his name. Oh, and that I will win when I play Angry Birds again. And please let Mommy and Daddy let me stay up later tonight. and I pray Mommy makes something different for dinner tomorrow. I love you!

In Jesus' name, Amen

- the Drama Queen

Identity

To two very special people in my life, I am "Daughter." For many years I fulfilled this role by doing my best to obey them and spending time with them. Now, I still am "Daughter", although the role has changed to long phone calls and pictures of grandkids.

To four more people scattered across this nation (and Canada!), I am "Sister." I tackled this identity with great gusto, balancing being a fun playmate and being the most annoying pest ever as well as I could. I suppose not much has changed in that arena. I still am "Sister" through phone calls, Facebook messages, and text messages.

To one amazing man, I am "Wife." I took on this position almost seven years ago, not realizing what an incredible blessing and crazy journey being a wife would be. As long as God gives us life, I will be my Nerd's wife and partner in crime.

To three adorable children, I am "Mom." Daily, I change diapers, wipe noses, clean up spilled juice, teach ABC's, buckle car seats, potty train, entertain, coax to nap, and encourage the littles. I also have the great privilege of sharing God with them every day, through verses, songs, and prayer. I sense this role changing all the time as the kids grow. I will always be glad to hold the title "Mom."

To many wonderful people, I am "Friend." I take this position seriously and rejoice in each friendship with which God has blessed me. I am thankful for the long chats, on-the-spot babysitting, care, and prayers that this title has afforded me.

To thirteen crazy junior-highers, I am "Teacher." To my family, I am "Housekeeper." I could continue to list the many titles or identities that I possess. Each are a part of my identity, but one title completely sums up my entire identity:

I am "His."

He is my source of life. Acts 17:28 tells me that I live and move and have my being in Him.

He knows me. He understands my frailty (Psalm 103:14) and knows what it's like to be tempted. (Hebrews 4:15).

He cares about me. "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." I Peter 5:7

He represents me. He "ever liveth to make intercession"(Hebrews 7:25) before my Heavenly Father, and he defends me against Satan. (Revelation 12:10).

Because I am His, I am His heir. He is preparing a place for me right now (John 14:2), and I will get to experience eternal fellowship with Him - "so shall we ever be with the Lord." (I Thessalonians 4:17)

Knowing your identity is what controls your life. Live your life solely as a mom, and other relationships will suffer. Live your life as self, and chaos and destruction are sure to follow.

But, when I get to live my life being His, it colors every other part of my identity and helps me be a better wife, a more patient mom, a more compassionate friend, and so on. This is what it means to belong to Christ. No identity crisis here!

He Cares About the "Little" Things

A few days ago, I was once again tackling the dishes that had started to pile up in the kitchen sink. The children were playing somewhat harmoniously in the living room with a "train" made of several chairs pushed together and "landscape" adorned with various afghans and quilts.

As I washed the endless stack of sippy cups, I heard a loud thump and a pause before the Spud started wailing. I could tell by his cry that it was nothing serious - he just needed a little TLC. I called out to my daughter, "What happened to your little brother?"
"Oh, he just fell off the train," she answered nonchalantly.
"Well, could you please give him a hug and tell him it's okay, sweetie?" I asked her.
"Oh, okay, momma," she said with a sigh.

Moments later, I heard her tell the Spud that he would be okay.
"Let's pray, okay?" she reassured him. "Jesus always makes everything better. Dear Jesus, thank you for this day. Thank you for this food. Thank you for my family. And help him not hurt anymore. In Jesus' name, Amen. Okay, you're fine now." And she ran off.

I turned the faucet off and went in to give my Drama Queen a hug. "Thanks, honey, for doing that," I said. "It's always good to pray and ask Jesus to help us." Inwardly, I was thrilled. I have been trying hard to direct my kids to Jesus whenever they are going through something tough - whether it be a skinned knee, monsters under the bed, or disappointment at a missed privilege. Now, instead of me saying, "Let's pray about it," my daughter was initiating contact with the only One who can heal our pain.

It cracked me up during my migraines when the Drama Queen told me she was praying for my head to feel better. "Thank you, honey, " I said. "Well, are you feeling better right now? " she asked. "Cuz I prayed for you, so your head shouldn't be hurting anymore." :) Maybe if more of us had this strong child-like faith, God would heal our hurts a little faster...