Your king is coming to you; He is just and having salvation” Zechariah 9:9
I love advent. I love the excitement and anticipation that grows as Christmas draws closer… And I love using that anticipation to draw my children into THE Christmas story. The story that began way, way back in the book of Genesis when, after God had sent Adam and Eve out of paradise for having disobeyed him, he promised them a Savior; a seed from the woman who would come and crush the serpent’s head. (Genesis 3:15) This year we’ve been searching the Old Testament for stories and scriptures that foreshadow this promised redeemer. It is riddled with them! And we’ve been contemplating the anticipation that the Jewish nation must have had (well, actually, still has, I guess) as they awaited this Messiah King. Astounding.
And of course, we point our children towards the ultimate fulfillment of these Old Testament promises: The second coming of the man Jesus Christ…who was born in a stable and laid in a manger and was visited by shepherds and wise men. But he also grew up, obeyed his heavenly Father in every way, even onto death, and now sits on a throne at His Father’s right hand. And he is eagerly awaiting the day that he will stand triumphantly on this earth with his Bride, the Church.
Exciting stuff, right? Who needs Santa? (As a side note, I do want to apologize in advance for my children telling your children that Santa isn’t real. Sorry! Just “keepin’ it real!”)
We are using The Family Book of Advent by Carol Garborg (If you get your hands on one, look for a shout-out to the Horsman kids in the acknowledgements!) and The Jesus Storybook Bible as resources, as well as our own imaginations. There are also many resources on line. It’s not too late to start your own advent. 
Still not sure about it? Well, if we can do it, anyone can! Check out our first night of advent. (One thing is for sure, I will never struggle with the sin of pride so long as I am a parent. Ha!)
