Advent Manger and Baby Jesus Activity

I have seen quite a few Advent crafts where children prepare for Jesus' coming by softening Jesus' manger with materials when they perform a good deed or refrain from a bad habit they once exhibited. What a great way for kids to participate in Advent by preparing themselves for Jesus' coming! However, I did not want to purchase the materials for my CCD class of nine children; It would get too expensive. So, I made my own manger and baby Jesus out of card-stock and I cut up some yellow tissue paper I had in the house to make the "hay" that softens the manger. After completing the activity, it hit me that it would be even nicer for the kids if they could write the good deeds they did on the paper being put in the manger. So, next year, I will cut strips of paper to use as the softening material so the kids can write on them and review all they did  to prepare for Jesus' coming on Christmas day. As, you can see below, I was able to fit two mangers on one printing page. Enjoy my frugal friends!

Joyfully Caring for My Sick Child

I kept my son home from school today since he was up a few times last night due to pain from an ear infection. During the night, I got up and gave him medication, got him a heating pad, and let him sleep next to me for comfort. In the morning, I ran with him down the stairs and rubbed his back as he was throwing up. Then, I made sure he was comfortable on the couch with a heating pad, more pain relief medicine, and a blanket. I tended to his needs for the rest of the day trying to make him feel as comfortable as possible. I did this all joyfully. I was happy to be home for him and to be available to him at his time of need. I hope one day he will look back and remember what his mom did for him when he was sick. I'm sure he will; I remember my sick days and what my mom did for me.

Advent-Preparing for Jesus' Coming

     I have to say that teaching religious education has been such a learning experience for me. While reviewing the colors of the candles in the advent wreath and their meanings for a craft I was making for my kindergartners, I began to understand that the first three weeks of advent are meant to prepare us for Christ's coming. Never before had I realized that this time is meant for reflection and for making the necessary changes in our lives so that our lives are in line with God's will. I thought this was done during lent only. However, I understand it. I agree that I could use a semi-annual check-up of my life instead of just an annual check-up.
      I am pleased that I finished my Christmas shopping before advent so that I can have this time to focus on my personal preparation for Christ's coming since this is what this time is all about. I did not plan it this way this year but I certainly will next year. Inspired by a story I found for my kindergartners on St. Nicholas, I may put even less of an emphasis on Christmas shopping next year and more emphasis on "giving in Jesus' name" all year long. Here's the story at http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/echo-story/. Enjoy!