A few years ago, after Kara received her terminal diagnosis, I created an Advent calendar for the Tippetts. We were all wondering if 2013 were going to be her last Christmas, and I had this idea in my mind to help them—even in my own small way—create their sweet holiday memories together. I used The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent reading plan to accompany the activities, wrapped books and activities, and delivered it all to their family with hope. Kara would send pictures of them doing the activities. I don’t know that they did it every day, but I hope it was a blessing when they did choose to do what was in that day’s envelope! And now that my babies are a little bit bigger, I am eager to observe Advent in this tangible way, creating space in each day to focus on Jesus and each other, and to create memories for our own little family. I’ve modified the calendar for our family (readings from TJSB are in italics), and am happy to share it with you.

What are your family’s traditions? How do you seek Jesus during Advent? What do you look forward to in this season?