God With Us: A Family Advent Celebration, Paperback/Catherine Pawlak

"God With Us" is designed to make the celebration of Advent simple, memorable, and gospel-focused for the entire family. Daily readings corresponding with twenty-five symbols from the Old and New Testaments, short prayers, and extension activities provide a flexible and engaging approach to celebrating Advent for children ages 4-14, and the adults who love them. The Jesse Tree is a Christmas tradition that traditionally takes place during the Advent season. In the days leading up to Christmas, a tree, banner, or branch is decorated with ornaments depicting symbols from stories in the Bible that point ahead to the lineage and birth of Christ, the long-awaited Messiah. This book uses the Jesse Tree format to celebrate God's enduring faithfulness to His people through the sending of His Son to earth that first Christmas night. Simple yet beautiful images of hand embroidered felt ornaments accompany each day's reading, drawing in children and adults alike to the story of God's love as shown in the birth of Jesus. Appendices at the back of the book list the verses referenced for each reading in full, as well as images of each day's ornament or symbol that can be photocopied and made into ornaments. Gather your family to recount what God has done, who He has been, and who He still is to His people. As one generation "commends your works to another" (Ps. 145:4), you will find your attention rightly focused on God's magnificent gift to His people at Christmas - Jesus Christ, God with us.