The Shepherd Has Landed
Christmas is my favorite time of year. I know that sounds cliche but it is during this time where people are more joyful, spend more time with friends and family and enjoy plenty of good food. Christmas time is special because it brings out the child in all of us. For me, it also is a time of reflection, excitement and anticipation. I love to see children laughing and excited about gifts on Christmas Day. More importantly, I want to give them the opportunity to learn more about the true significance of the season — Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Last year I decided that I wanted to start observing the Advent season.
Advent (which comes from the Latin term “adventus,” meaning “arrival”) is marked by the four Sundays preceding Christmas. It is a season set aside to help Christians remember the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent prepares us not only to commemorate Jesus’ first, humble arrival in a manger, but also helps us more fully invite Christ into our present lives while anticipating His final, glorious coming. Christians of all backgrounds can benefit from preparing for Christmas through Advent.
The spiritual focus offers a meaningful way to navigate the hectic nature of the secular Christmas season as well as an opportunity to mature in our faith in Christ. As we move closer to the beginning of the Christmas season, there are varying options to celebrate Advent. Advent activities represent a fun side to this season of waiting. Coffee houses celebrate with special ornaments and coffee treats. Different authors release Advent calendars and devotionals. There are just so many different things to choose from.
This year, I wanted an activity for the entire family that we would find enjoyable while also reinforcing our faith. Insert – The Shepherd on the Search! It is a great fit for my family. My oldest son is 18 years old and LOVES Christmas. He enjoys counting down to Christmas Day, the story of Jesus’ birth, melodies filling the air and of course, the delicious baked goods. He has passed his love for these things on to his younger brothers. Not only does my oldest son and husband have fun hiding the shepherd from his younger brothers nightly, but we also do fun daily activities that are listed on the Shepherd On the Search micro site.
The Shepherd on the Search reinforces learning Scripture, giving, joy and so much more. It's a wonderful gift that reinforces our values. Share on XIt gives us great crafting ideas and also another way to help bring it all together for the little ones. There are plenty of printables and recipe cards for the crafts that you can find and they are EASY. I especially like that it reinforces memory verses, giving, joy and so much more. The shepherd has even found some cool places to hang out like the dining room chandelier, window sill, Christmas tree, staircase and a host of other places.
Most of all, I have enjoyed the way that the Shepherd on the Search has brought us together. The kids have enjoyed searching for the shepherd and the daily activities. It is reinforcing the meaning of Christmas to my eldest son. It’s also allowing him the opportunity to share God’s Word with his younger brothers. Having my youngest sons start to hide God’s Word in their hearts at such an early age is a blessing. The Shepherd on the Search has given us more than just “something to do” this Advent season. It’s given us each other. As a family, it has been a sweet and fun way for us to spend quality time with one another daily while sharing about the greatest gift of all – Jesus.
It is my heart's desire to see women walk in their true power and authority in Jesus Christ. I get the honor of walking that out in my writing, speaking and everyday life.
With a cold latte in hand and my latest read under my arm, I'm usually seen going over math facts, checking out a new STEM project and studying God's Word. In my spare time, you will catch me spending time with family and friends, at live music festivals and on the hunt for a new favorite dessert.
www.angelpenn.com
This looks like a great idea. I’ve not heard of this. This sounds like a delightful Advent adventure.
It’s been lots of fun Cheryl!