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Monday, November 30, 2009

Advent



We are trying something different for Advent this year. (In the past I've used this little Advent reader and cabinet full of treasures.) Beginning tomorrow, we will be reading the 24 stories in Geraldine McCaughrean's The Jesse Tree. I am using the images linked here to print and have the boys color for our Jesse Tree. (I also like the free printable ornaments here.) We have never done this activity, so I'm really looking forward to it!



As a family, we have also started reading through The Handel's Messiah Family Advent Reader, which I already adore. Each day's reading begins with a passage from Handel's Messiah (with Biblical reference), then goes on to tell a story (we learn about shepherds, refining gold, the history of the Messiah, swaddling babies, O. Henry's 'The Gift of the Magi', the story of 'Silent Night,' and more). Each story includes a work of art (Rembrant, John Singer Sargent, Dazario, and others) or a photograph. The book holds a CD with corresponding portions of Handel's Messiah to listen to after the day's reading, beginning and ending with the 'Hallelujah Chorus.' A section at the end of the book also provides extra details and information, Bible passages to read, and additional activities such as reading or listening for those who would like an expanded Advent experience. I may incorporate those as the boys get older.


While we're on the subject of Handel, the boys are also listening to Hallelujah Handel.
And our favorite Christmas CD, A Classical Kids Christmas, is gracing our day.

8 comments:

Shell in your Pocket said...

I am posting about my Jesse Tree tomorrow...I have never seen that book! Oh...how I love doing the Jesse Tree...

sandy toe

Heasleye said...

I love your recommendations!

cheryl said...

My kids are dying to get the Jesse Tree started tomorrow...one of our most treasured family traditions. I love the color page link which will be extra fun for my 6 yr old twins. Thanks a bunch. Amazon is currently out of the book but I will be searching for it for sure.

Karen said...

We are starting our tree for the first time too. I actually bought a kit years ago and have never seen one since like it. It is a quilt on the wall with coloured buttons for each ornament that is made of felt and stuffed- super cute!
I added a carol, colouring sheet, and devotion to go with it- can't wait!

Karen said...

We are starting our tree for the first time too. I actually bought a kit years ago and have never seen one since like it. It is a quilt on the wall with coloured buttons for each ornament that is made of felt and stuffed- super cute!
I added a carol, colouring sheet, and devotion to go with it- can't wait!

Molly Anne said...

This is the first year I've ever heard of a Jesse Tree and I read about it earlier over at Life in Grace and I've been asking everyone I know and so far no one has heard about it so I don't feel so bad.
That Handel's Messiah advent book looks and sounds amazing!

carole said...

THANK you for posting the Jesse Tree book by Geraldine McC..........

I ordered Ann Voskamp's book which is lovely and reflective and way too vague and strange for the boys. So we got the Jesse Tree book that you recommended out of the library! And we are using the ornaments from Ann's book.

I love the concept of the Jesse Tree - just learning about it ourselves this year as well.

Unknown said...

We use those coloring pages for my little one, the others make their own ornaments each day as we read a passage.