Concerts, shopping trips, gatherings, and other tasks often take up a lot of our time during the season of Advent. None of these activities are inherently bad, but they can take our attention away from the real reason to celebrate Advent—the birth of our Savior, Jesus. We’ve assembled a list of five activities that busy families can use this Advent to intentionally focus on Christ.
1. Christmas - Water Reveal Activity Book
Do you have a little artist in the family? This water reveal activity book lets children reveal the Christmas account by applying water to the pages with the included brush. Let the retelling of the birth of Jesus unfold by reading the left page. Then reveal the beautiful illustration on the right page! Each page includes a “paint and find” object or character for children to search for in the picture. There are also questions to help kids engage further, like, “How many mice can you paint and count?”
This is one of four water reveal activity books families can use to explore Bible stories by reading and “painting” together. Parents love that these activity books share Bible truths in a fun way, over and over again, without any mess! See how they work in the video below.
2. Nativity Set and Christmas Arch® Books
Another great choice for tactile learners is the new Nativity Set and Christmas Arch Books. This unique bundle includes a 12-piece punch-out nativity scene and three best-selling children’s Arch Books. Simply punch out the sturdy cardboard figures, assemble their stands by following the included instructions, and display the nativity set in your home! This is a great way to start conversations about what happened during the birth of Jesus over 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem, both as you assemble the nativity scene and as you reflect on Christ’s birth all season long.
Don’t forget the included Arch Books: The Shepherds Shook in Their Shoes, My Merry Christmas, and Wise Men Seek the Savior. Read them as a family as you assemble the nativity set, at bedtime, and as a part of your devotions. Or pack them into your church busy bag! After Epiphany, pack them away until you’re ready to have more fun with them next year. Preview the set below!
3. Jesse Tree: Family Activity Kit
Are you in search of an Advent journey the whole family can get involved in? Give the Jesse Tree: Family Activity Kit a look.
The Jesse Tree is filled with symbols that tell about Jesus from creation to His second coming. We are part of His family! This fun kit explores this theme with a devotional for adults, a children’s Arch Book, 26 Christmas ornaments that can be made throughout Advent, and a tree to display the ornaments.
Each day in Advent, your family can read the day’s devotion and create one of the 26 ornaments—each of which have a unique symbol. (These symbols are also featured in the children’s book, allowing young ones to see how each piece ties together!) When you’re finished, you will have a fully decorated tabletop tree with your own special ornaments.
4. Wise Men Seek the Savior: Family Advent Activity Kit
For another family activity kit option, consider Wise Men Seek the Savior. It’s full of object lessons and fun activities that teach children to look for God in the world around them! The kit includes an Advent Treasure Hunt Book with daily activities, conversation-starting questions, and prayers to help families pass down the significance of Advent. Bible Verse Stars to help families reflect on what Advent means and an Arch Book, Wise Men Seek the Savior, are also included. View the kit unboxing video below!
5. The Story of Christmas Coloring and Activity Book
Are you looking for something that can encourage children to have quiet time while instilling biblical literacy in them? Try this 96-page coloring book, The Story of Christmas Coloring and Activity Book. It has coloring pages, mazes, word puzzles, and more. Each activity is focused on the Christmas account. Tuck it in your church busy bag, gift it as a stocking stuffer, or keep it in your children’s rooms for quiet time fun.
Keep these suggestions in mind as you look for fun ways to keep your children, grandchildren, or students occupied and focused on the true reason for the season with Christ-centered resources all Advent long. Have a blessed time together!
Explore these activities and more Christmas books your family will enjoy!
