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Here’s an activity to explore a well known part of the Christmas Bible story. Read Luke 1:26-38, preferably from a read-aloud-family-friendly Bible such as the Contemporary English Version. (It sounds like a lot to read, but it’s only really 3 paragraphs.) You might like to try this Bible idea for helping everyone concentrate: Invent an … Read more
Title: Iola: The Joy issue Created and published by: Abi Louise Price: £12 Best bit: It’s hard to pinpoint one thing, but the quality of this bookazine* is gorgeous, it’s fab to hold, the pages are thick and beautifully designed, there are no adverts and the images and articles are perfect for a relaxing, soul-soothing read. … Read more
Title: Advent Journal for All ages Author: Nick and Becky Drake from Worship for Everyone Illustrator: Connie Buck Published by: Worship for everyone and Gas Street Church Price: £7.99 each, two for £15, or 3 for £20 Good for: Anyone wanting a quick but real way to connect with God during Advent, especially those who would like four themed songs … Read more
Title: Camp survival Written by: Olly Goldenberg Published by: Children Can Price: £6.99 Useful for: children age 7-11 years old Best bit: Really funny story weaving age-appropriate Christian life choices for children into a choose your own adventure book! Worst bit: The cover image is fab and I was hoping for more similar pictures in the … Read more
I run a group for families which meets every other and week. We meet outside and explore nature together in fun ways for an hour or two, before the children play in the playground and the Mums stand and chat. For Christmas, I’m planning an outdoor party, something which follows the same format as our … Read more
Title: The Christmas Mystery Written by: Jostein Gaarder (author of Sophie’s World) Published by: Orion Children’s Books Useful for: parents of children aged 7–11 years old Best bit: The story is clever and beautiful, mysterious and fascinating, a treat for adults and children alike, with 24 chapters exploring the birth of Jesus, making it perfect … Read more
I’m sure you’ve worked out by now that you can add a sticker a day to your Sticker Advent Calendar. You will see the different parts of the story appear as you do so. What you might not have decided yet is how you will use the Bible story mini book with it. Now, you are … Read more
I’ve been exploring J O Y in the Bible as part of my creation of a GodVenture Joy Box, and I thought I’d share some of the things I’ve discovered. COMPLETE JOY There’s quite a bit of talk about joy being complete, first in Deuteronomy 16:15, where the people are commanded to celebrate the seven Feast … Read more
Wrap up 24 Christmas-y books then unwrap and read one a day during Advent. All you need to do is collect* and wrap up 24 Christmas books and number them 1—24. Open one a day and share together. I found seven Christmas books for £5.80 in three of my local charity/ secondhand book shops, so … Read more
If like me you love candles, but struggle to find a safe-ish way to use them during Advent and other seasons, you will like this genius idea from my friend, Flora. She just fills a lovely ceramic flower pot with sand then pushes the candles into it! Da-dah! Candles are ready! I realise for some … Read more
I found these little wooden crowns in The Range where they are £1 for 12. I thought they would make nice Christmas cards, since Christmas is celebrating the birthday of the king of Kings! Here are a few ideas: Cut out squares of paper in ever decreasing sizes. Glue them onto the card, largest first, … Read more
Read the story from Matthew 2 or listen to it being read by David Suchet. Invite everyone to chat or think about the impact the star had on the wise men, what impact did it have in their lives? The sorts of things they might say include that: it guided them when they saw it, … Read more