20 days to go

We have really enjoyed our advent object lessons, but this morning's was the most fun. Andy even came and joined in on the fun. The object was a birthday candle. We took our devotion into the walk-in closet. We read Matthew 5:14-16. We each lit our candle to see how the light illuminated the darkness. We talked about the analogy of our love for others (for their welfare and for their salvation) to be something that burns brightly. We discussed how we can't conjure that type of love up from ourselves, we have to keep our eyes and hearts focused on Christ. And Andy made a great point about the light being held high "on a lamp stand". He held his candle low and then high showing them how much more of the closet is illuminated when the candle is high. He challenged them to display and share their faith boldly and brightly like the light on the lamp stand.

This afternoon we celebrated St. Nicholas Day. We have never purposed to focus on "Santa Claus" in years past, although I am not opposed to this tradition. But when we are away from home there is too much emphasis on Santa. So this year we started a new tradition. We had a traditional St. Nicholas day celebration and tonight they will receive gold coins in their shoes, treats in their stockings and one surprise gift. After tomorrow, we can leave Santa behind and focus again on Advent. I enjoyed learning about the history of such a big holiday icon. According to the books we read, I really don't think St. Nicholas would like the attention that Santa has taken away from the birth of Christ during this special Christmas season. But he was an interesting, admirable person to learn about for a day.

An interesting attempt at cathedral door-shaped cheese with a cross in the middle.

Lydie being Lydie while she waited on her pizza

And the boys being themselves, too

Treats waiting for eager hands in the morning...