After posting about our advent calender, I got a few comments and emails asking for details. Let me point out that I was probably in the nursery when my mom made hers at whatever preschool group she belonged to. I have not researched the meanings behind any of this, I’m merely copying what my mom had. I don’t have any knowledge who came up with all of this. I DO know that you can do your advent calender however you like. I’ve seen this calender with glitter, with sequences, with different colors. My mom’s tree is stuffed with polyfill, and I decided to leave mine flat. There are no hard and fast rules here, but if you want to see what we do…even though I’m unsure of the origin, I’d be happy to share. I’m also unsure if our descriptions are from memory, or if my sister actually got a hold of our original readings when she typed them out for me. I add all of this ahead of time before the emails start flooding in saying “Actually, the real origin of the candy cane is…” or “Wreaths actually come from the pagan practice of…” I honestly have not researched it. It’s just a little fun activity to keep our minds on Christ during this season that has been in my family for years. Since you asked, here are the details of what we use:
Day 1: Trumpet
The trumpet is used to gather the people to proclaim a very important announcement from the King. The trumpet reminds us of the great announcement God our King made when He announced the birth of His Son.
Day 2: Candy Cane
The candy cane is red and white to remind us of Christ’s blood shed for us. His purity, and His gift of redemption so that our hearts may be pure as well.
Day 3: Candle
A candle is used to light the way. Jesus is the Light of the world, and when He comes into our hearts, His light shines in us.
Day 4: Cross
The cross represents the very reason Christ came to earth as a baby. He was born to die for us. This should cuase us to be very grateful.
Day 5: Circle
The circle represents something with no beginning and no end. God has no beginning and no end. He is truly sovereign.
Day 6: Blue Diamond
A diamond is a very precious gem. Even more precious is the baby in the manger who came that we might have life.
Day 7: Apple
The apple reminds us of Adam and Eve and their sin, which we are all born with. Thankfully, Christ came at Christmas to take away this sin.
Day 8: Snowman
The snowman reminds us of the purity of fresh new-fallen snow. Isaiah tells us that God promises to make our hearts as clean as snow if we just come to Him and reason together with Him.
Day 9: Blue Stocking
The stocking reminds us of gifts we receive at Christmas. The color blue reminds us of the vastness of the sky. God’s grace is vast and is greater than all our sin. This is the greatest gift of all.
Day 10: Wreath
The wreath reminds us of the crown of thorns that Jesus wore for us while He was nailed to the cross. It also reminds us of the crown of righteousness He will be wearing when we go to be with Him in heaven.
Day 11: Toy Soldier
The toy soldier reminds us that we are soldiers in God’s army. We need to make sure we are wearing the whole armor of God, so we can be prepared when Satan attacks us.
Day 12: Train
The train reminds us of the little engine that could. If we submit our will to God’s and persevere, we will have success.
Day 13: Red Stocking
The red stocking reminds us of the blood of Christ shed for us to give us everlasting life, the greatest gift of all.
Day 14: Bell
It is said that in England, bells are rung every time a King is born. This bell reminds us of the birth of Jesus, the King of Kings.
Day 15: Drum
The little drummer boy had nothing to offer the Christ-child except his gift of playing drums. This Christmas, our gift to Jesus should be ourselves, our talents, and our will.
Day 16: Teddy Bear
The teddy bear is a soft, cuddly, huggable toy. It represents the giving of love. Let us share the gift of love to those around us this Christmas.
Day 17: Gingerbread Man
The gingerbread man reminds us of the special goodies prepared at Christmas to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Let us not forget why we are celebrating this Christmas. Let us focus on His birth.
Day 18: Dove
The dove represents peace. Christ came to this world to bring peace on earth and good will toward men.
Day 19: Star
The star reminds us of the star of Bethlehem, shining over the stable, pointing the way for the shepherds to our Savior.
Day 20: Angel
The angel reminds us of the special messenger sent from God to announce the birth of our Lord. We need to be messengers of God as well to let the world know why Jesus was born.
Day 21: Heart
The heart reminds us that we need to search our own hearts and make sure they are yielded completely to Christ. It also reminds us of the great love flowing from God’s Heart to us.
Day 22: Lamb
The lamb reminds us of the sacrifice of the Lamb of God so that our sins could be washed away.
Day 23: Lion
The lion reminds us of the King of the Jungle. In The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, Aslan symbolized Christ, who was all-powerful, yet gentle and kind, willing to give up his life for his people.
Day 24: Church
The church represents God’s body of believers, His family, who will someday be gathered up with Him to live in heaven.
Day 25: Merry Christmas, Baby Jesus! (The little baby is put in the manger on this day. We use a miniature plastic doll.)
I hope this is somewhat inspiring for you to make your own advent calender for next year! Remember it doesn’t have to be just like this one…put your own mark on yours! (And yes, you did see the candy cane on top of our tree!)
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