A Family Faith: Catch-Up Event - Trinity Baptist Church

3. Starting to Catch-Up
Several families asked whether we were going to do Advent and
Christmas as a ‘Take it Home’ event this year again –the event where
we give resources to families to help them grow faith in the home. The
problem is there are lots of great topics that we still want to cover. So
we decided to offer our ‘Catch-Up’ events with the whole ketchup
bottle as a logo and everything. As we receive feedback from the ‘Take
it Home’ Events many of you said that we don’t need to buy the
resources for you – just let you know what they are. That’s the idea
with the Catch-Up event then – we’ll catch you up with what’s available
for resources and what looks good. You can decide what you need in
your home. We’d love to hear what you decide to do and how you do
it!
Catching up with Advent and Christmas
For me, it always feels strange when you walk through a store in
September and see Christmas trees and decorations. Sometimes we
feel that Christmas is overdone and drawn out sapping the wonder and
excitement of the season. But what if we need to catch-up with the big
box stores rather than wish they would slow down to our schedule?
Stores need to plan months ahead to make Christmas a success for
them. Perhaps spiritually we as families need to be planning ahead on
how we can make Advent and Christmas a success. Trying to figure out
the details at the last minute, or on-the-fly amidst a busy schedule is
difficult and like shopping for gifts last minute, leaves you with little
choices for what you can do. The idea of this pamphlet is to give you
some ideas to help you ‘catch-up’ on how you celebrate your faith
through the seasons of the church year particularly through Advent and
Christmas.
Realistically there are three chances to focus on ‘Christmas’ on the
church calendar - Advent, Christmas day, and the 12 days of Christmas
that lead up to Epiphany (January 6). Advent is a time of expectation.

4. Christmas Day we celebrate Christ’s birth and the 12 days of Christmas
build on that until Epiphany – traditionally a day that celebrates the
coming of the Wise men and Jesus being made known to the whole
world. The point of sharing this is that as a family you don’t have to do
everything all on one day. What we hope though is that you will be
intentional, balanced and try to figure out what works for you.
Some families find Christmas day so busy – gifts being opened, visiting
with families, cooking, and eating. Here is how some families have
found ways to balance and integrate a focus on faith with all the
activities which celebrate Christmas. One family makes Christmas Eve a
primary focus on the birth of Christ including a full birthday party for
Jesus with a cake and everything so on Christmas day they’re not trying
to force more into the schedule. This allows them to be intentional and
take the time they need for what they want to do. Another family
shared how they start with stockings and some gifts and then in the
middle to calm down and refocus make hot chocolate and read the
Christmas story before opening the rest of the gifts. Some families
every year spend time on Sunday night lighting the Advent wreath. The
point is that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to celebrate faith
throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons, but it helps to be
intentional. Just like we plan out our special meals, shop for the
perfect gift, and schedule our parties-- I hope that as families we plan
out how to have a focus on faith throughout the seasons of Advent and
Christmas.
One of the best ways of being intentional – is to establish a tradition.
Something that you do each and every year – though there may be
variations on it – it is consistent and reinforces the truth while
establishing itself among the other traditions you may already have. By
working to establish traditions – you are teaching your children
consistently and in an ongoing way how to celebrate faith in the home.
A tradition started in your home could well be a tradition in the home of
your child, and the home of your children’s children. You see the
potential to impact your family for the long term, not just a few minutes
this year. How you celebrate any holiday or event will impact you and
your child and makes memories that are treasured. How you celebrate

5. also makes an impression on your child. An impression of your
relationship, an impression of the role of faith, and an impression of
how we celebrate.
To help you out – we’ve listed a variety of ideas and resources that are
available for you and your family to use. We hope you find them helpful
and meaningful.
Thank you for the continued priviledge and gift of partnering with you
as families to help grow faith in your homes and to help lead your
children towards Christ.
May the Lord bless you and keep you in the coming months.
Mike Engbers
Associate Pastor – Children and Families

6. Advent Wreath
At church each Advent we set up a wreath with 5 candles – 3 purple, 1
pink, and 1 white. Each Sunday over Advent a candle is lit to remind us
of the expectation of Christ. There are different themes that can be
used to follow in lighting the advent candles. Here are two general sets
of themes for each of the candles. The two themes are traditional
themes that are connected. The connection is in italics. Some of the
advent resources listed will contain ideas of family friendly readings
with the advent wreath, as well searching for advent wreath on the
internet can link you to resources as well.
Week 1 Hope the Prophets
Christ is our Hope, the prophesied Messiah
Read Isaiah 60:2-3
Week 2 Peace Bethlehem
The Prince of Peace was born in Bethlehem
Read Matthew 2:1-6
Week 3 Joy Shepherd
Celebrate, like the Shepherds, the good tidings of Great Joy for all the
people. This is the Pink Candle.
Read Isaiah 35:10
Week 4 Love Angel
Celebrate the Love of God shown through us and the message of Good
news proclaimed by the angels.
Read Isaiah 9:6-7
Christmas Christ Christ
This is the white candle representing that through Christ’s forgiveness
our sins are washed away. Celebrate the birth of the Christ Child.
Read Luke 1:68-79; Luke 2:1-20

7. Advent Calendar
The idea of using a calendar to count down to Christmas is very popular
in our culture. A walk through Walmart or any other store will show
you any number of different Advent calendars filled with chocolate for
Advent. Consider finding one with a Christian theme at a Christian book
store. Another option is to make your own Advent calendar.
Technically these calendars are not ‘true’ advent calendars. They count
down from December 1st, while Advent starts four Sundays prior to
Christmas.
Nativity Set
So often these are provided as decoration – a do not touch for children.
Consider buying a nativity set for your children. There are nativity sets
from VeggieTales, Little People, there are cute nativity sets, plush and
soft sets, pretty and delicate, or rough and tumble style sets. Children
need to engage scripture by playing with it—that can mean any number
of things but when it comes to a nativity set they can play out the story
of the Nativity. Help them understand what each of the pieces is for –
imagine what it would have been like. Have fun. Imagine. Dream.
Celebrate what the Christmas story is not just in words but in play.
Jesse Tree
This practice is not as well known but has roots historically going back to
the middle ages. There are a variety of ways to set up this tradition –
but in it’s most basic form is a series of ornaments with pictures
reflecting parts of the story of Christmas going all the way back to
Creation. Each day a new ornament is added working your way up the
tree. This could be done as a way to add decorations onto an existing
tree already, or to use a smaller table top tree. You can find resources
online by searching for ‘Jesse Tree’.
Explore traditions and practices
Many of our traditions either have roots, or have had legends created
that tie them to the birth of Jesus. There are books out there with
legends of the candy cane, stockings and Christmas tree. These are
some examples of how you can tie regular Christmas items with Christ.
Please keep in mind just because it’s in a book it isn’t always true.

8. Just have Family Time
Read stories about Christmas, play games, do activities, do some baking.
Just have some informal time together celebrating. At the end is a list
of resources of story books, videos and cd’s in the church library. These
are there for the benefit of you as a family.
Use Previous Resources
Not every Christmas has to be new – use the same resources year to
year. The story doesn’t change and with a year passed by something
familiar is a great way to refocus on the birth of Christ. Here are the
three resources given away in our Family Faith: Take it Home event.
Getting Ready for Christmas
A daily advent prayer and activity book for the
family. This is great for young children – each day
is a short verse, prayer and activity.
ISBN 0758608608
Before and After Christmas
Daily activities and ideas for advent, Christmas all
the way through to Epiphany. A great resource to
help broaden and expand a family’s
understanding of Christmas.
ISBN 0806641568
The 25 Days of Christmas
A series of family readings, scriptures, and
activities for the Advent Season. Suitable for
older children. Each day has a story, a prayer and
an activity for the family to do.
ISBN 0849918359

9. Other Advent Resources and Idea Books:
The ADVENTure of Christmas: Finding Jesus in
Our Holiday Traditions
Your kids know that Christmas means the birth of
Jesus- and they want to celebrate. Join the author
on a 24-day expedition to discover the Savior in
the center of all things holiday-shopping, baking,
decorating; and even the candy cane, the pear-
tree partridge, the Santa suit, and the meaning of
the mistletoe kiss.
ISBN 1590520890
What God Wants for Christmas
This kid-friendly, interactive nativity - with seven
gift boxes, a colorful pop-up, and an illustrated
poem - contains a surprise ending that will open a
child’s heart to Jesus. Use this hands-on lesson in
Sunday schools, outreach events, or family
devotions, over multiple days or all at once. It’s
simple, easy to use, and fun for all ages! Share the
good news this Christmas season with those who
need to hear!
Waiting for Christmas
A story about the Advent Calendar. Included in it
are a list of activities and ideas that you can do
throughout advent, including providing you with
an advent calendar. A great way to introduce the
idea of Advent to your children. It teaches
children that they must wait patiently as we
prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Ages 4-8
ISBN 0310710154

10. Family Nights for Advent and Christmas
A book with weekly themes and events for
Advent, Christmas all the way through Epiphany.
Very age appropriate for children and easy to
adapt for a family. Includes activities for each
week, family time, snack ideas, and prayers.
Would require some preparation each week by
the family.
ISBN 0870292722
Just 25 Days ‘Til Christmas: An Advent
Celebration for the Entire Family
This interactive Christmas book aims tohelp you
and your family get the most out of the Christmas
season. Includes daily devotionals, practical ideas
for incorporating children into your planning, fun
activities, and a Christmas checklist for holiday
preparations.
ISBN 1591855675
Bringing God Home: family Devotions for the
Christian Year
This guide to family worship, which follows the
Christian calendar, aims to help establish a family
tradition of worship and Bible study through a
systematic reading of the Bible and a practical
setting for home worship. Each of the entries
includes a Scripture passage and worship activity
such as an object lesson or hand craft. This book
targets children of all ages with concise, hands - on
approach to worship and study.
ISBN 1573120146

11. Christmas Books, DVD’s and CD’s from the ‘Book Patch’
The Book Patch is our Church Library off the foyer – come check out the
resources we have for you and your family.
Books for Children ages 0 – 6 Christmas with Night-Light
Lingo, Susan
Angel's story, An
Lucado, Max Crippled Lamb, The
Lucado, Max
Animals First Christmas Board
Book, The Clopper, the Christmas donkey
Goldsack, Gaby King, Emily
Annika's secret wish Do you see what I see?
Lewis, Beverly Mead, Arden
Away in a Manger Board Book Emma’s gift
Idle, Molly Schaar
Baby Boy, Bundle of Joy
Taylor, Damon J. Erik's Christmas gift exchange
Taylor, Jeannie St. John
Baby Jesus is born
Gigi, God's little princess: the
Christmas candle, The perfect Christmas gift
Evans, Riard Paul Walsh, Sheila
Christmas is…for me! God gave us Christmas
Tangvald, Christine Bergren, Lisa Tawn
Christmas miracle of Jonathan Greatest Shepherd of all
Toomey, The Gerth, Holley
Wojcieowski, Susan
Have you seen Christmas?
Christmas rhymes & carols Howie, Vicki
Rock, Lois
Huron Carol, The
Christmas troll, The De Brebeuf, Jean
Peterson, Eugene H.
J is for Jesus, The
Zonderkidz

12. Legend of the candy cane Story of Christmas for Children,
Walburg, Lori The
Legend of the Christmas tree Story of the Nativity, The
Osborne, Rick Winthrop, Elizabeth
Mommy, Was Santa Claus Born Clopper and the Night Travelers
on Christmas Too? King, Emily
Knoll, Barbara
The Legend of St. Nicholas A
My Christmas stocking Christmas A Story of Giving
Bowman, Crystal Dandi Daley Mackall
Pinetree parable, The Nate the Great and the Crunchy
Higgs, Liz Curtis Christmas
Sharmat, Marjorie
Prairie Christmas
Van Steenwyk, Elizabeth The Very First Christmas
Paul L. Maier
Santa, are you for real?
Myra, Harold Lawrence
The Shepherd Boy's Story
Board Book
Goldsack, Gaby
Solomon and friends learn about
Christmas
Hawkins, Jonny
Star for Jesus, A
Bowman, Crystal
Star of Christmas, The
Cindy Kenney
Story of Christmas, The
Fehlner, Paul

13. Books for Children ages 7 – 12 Candle: A Story of Love and
Faith
Best Christmas pageant ever, Smith, Sally Ann
The
Robinson, Barbara Shepherd's Christmas Story,
The
The Crazy Christmas angel Dandi Daley Mackall
mystery Story of Christmas: A Biblical
Lewis, Beverly Account of the Christmas Story
Jeffs, Stephanie
The Last Christmas
Bibee, John What Nick and Holly Found in
Grandpa's Attic
Mandie and the unwanted gift Carlson, Melody
Leppard, Lois Gladys
Shane (Young believer on tour ;
My life as reindeer road kill bk. 5)
(bk. 9) Arterburn, Stephen
Myers, Bill

14. Children’s Media
Adventures in Odyssey: electric Christmas (Adventures in Odyssey ; no.
7) (VHS)
Baby Faith: God made Christmas (DVD)
C hristmas at home: 20 kids’ favorites (CD)
Christmas Carols: 15 classic Christmas carols for children (CD)
Hermie and Friends Series #5: A Fruitcake Christmas (DVD)
The Incredible Singing Christmas Tree (CD)
KidSing! Christmas: 17 Carols & Hymns (CD)
KidzBop Christmas (CD)
Little Drummer boy, The (VHS)
Little troll prince, The,: a Christmas parable (VHS)
Rock-a-bye Christmas (DVD)
Songs kids love to sing: 25 Christmas songs (CD)
VeggieTales: the star of Christmas (VHS)
VeggieTales: the toy that saved Christmas
Worship JAMZ Christmas (CD)