31 Days to Christmas Day 7: The Advent Calendar

There is no way that I could list on one or two hands the number of things I have going on between now and Christmas day.  They are too numerous to count and I know that I am not alone in my business.  It seems that around this time of year, we pack our calendars as tight as they can go. 

In all the hustle and bustle, I’ve found that a great way to stop and remember the reason for the season is to have an advent calendar.  Here are some good examples of ones I’ve found. 

This one is really neat.  It has a beautiful picture on the outside and then
really pretty pictures on the inside and scriptures with each one.  

This one is neat because you could talk about each of the characters as you took them out of the pockets.
 It'd be a great one for children.  (As long as you didn't let them wanderoff with the pieces!)

Here's another cute one with all the animals and Baby Jesus.  

These can also be homemade.  Here are a couple of cute ideas for those. 

This one is great!  It has little trinkets in each box and a guide to teach childrenthe true meaning of Christmas.  

I think this idea is SO cute!  It's not necessarily a Christian-based
advent calendar, but you could make it into one.
And it's an adorable Christmas decoration as well!
This site has lots of other cute ideas too.  

No matter what you choose to do, remember each day to take some time to remember what we’re waiting for. 

When I think of waiting for the birth of Jesus, I am reminded of a man who waited a long time to meet the Lord.  Simeon had been promised that he would not see death until he had “seen the Lord’s Christ.”  When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to present him to the Lord, Simeon was overcome with the Spirit , took Jesus in his arms, and praised God for allowing him to see his salvation. 

What a blessing for an old man.  And the best news is that Jesus can be that same blessing to us.  As the song in the video linked to below says, “Now’s the time to take Him in your arms.  Your life will never come to an end.  He’s the only way that you’ll find peace.  He’ll give you salvation, He’s the light of the Gentiles, and the glory of His people Israel”.  Praise that Lord this season as you wait for the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus for sending this child to be your salvation. 

John 2:28-33

Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.  And Joseph, and Mary, marveled at those things which were spoken of the child.

This video wouldn't let me embed it here.  Please go watch it at this link.  You'll be glad you did...it's one of my favorites!