Advent Begins...

Our house is decked out for advent. Our little tree is for advent...the kids put one ornament on for each day. I'm cross-stitching some neat ones for next year...so this year they are just using tiny balls.

Here are our candles and wreath. Hope, Peace, Joy, Love...Christ!

Here is our new nativity (an early Christmas present)--each year we will be adding some pieces. This year it is Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the shepherds and the animals. That still gives a LOT to talk about with Emma...and Caleb!

Here is the schedule we are following....in case you're interested....

First Sunday of advent : Hope

light one purple candle to symbolize Hope

Prayer

Read Isaiah 60:2-3

Extinguish the flame

Second Sunday : Peace

Light two purple candles - Hope and Peace

Prayer

Read Mark 1:4

Extinguish the flames

Third Sunday : Joy

Light two purple candles (Hope and Peace)

and one rose to symbolize Joy

Prayer

Read Isaiah 35:10

Extinguish the flames

Fourth Sunday: Love

light all four candles - Hope, Peace, Joy and Love

Prayer

Read Isaiah 9:6-7

Extinguish the flames

Christmas Eve

After Sunset...Light all four candles

and add the fifth white candle(the light of Christ)

Prayer

Read Luke 1:68-79 and Luke 2:1-20

Keep the candles lit a bit longer, or safely throughout the evening.