Advent Calendars

Advent calendars aree special publications that help count down the days of Advent from Dec. 1 until Christmas Eve. Each day a numbered window is opened or an item is taken from a numbered pocket.These calendars are designed in varied styles and themes. Some are quite whimsical, while others are more in keeping with the theme of the Savior’s birth. No matter what the design, in the case of children’s Advent calendars, there is often a treat for each day, such as a tiny toy.

The calendar I used in 2007 and 2008 is a vintage Advent calendar printed in West Germany. The first slot reveals a Messianic prophecy "The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light." Is. 9:2. This made me smile and think, “Yes, thank you, Jesus; may we always walk in your light!"

Next is a children’s calendar from Oriental Trading Co. I found it at a local thrift store last week. The special was your choice of a bag-full of Christmas things for $2.00; so this only cost me about a dime.
This felt calendar had numbered pockets with one figure for the nativity scene to be taken out each day and placed in or around the stable – Shepherds, Wise Men, animals, and the Holy Family.


The Baby Jesus figure is in the last pocket, December 24th.

The calendar I am using this season is a new one from Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. It features the town of Bethlehem and has 24 windows scattered across the scene.
Each window reveals a Bible text and a color illustration:
A fold-out section at the front forms the town wall and gate.

A fourth calendar, one I received as a gift, has The Nutcracker as its theme.

Each day a mini book numbered for that day, tells one segment of the story of the Nutcracker, until it culminates on December 24 with the Magic Sleigh.

This calendar was published in 1993 by Workman Publishing Co. The story is retold by Mary Packard and illustrated by Nan Brooks.

The custom of using an Advent calendar to look forward to the coming of the Baby Jesus is a nice way to mark the family's anticipation of Christmas Eve.

Thank you for stopping by today.

May you be blessed this Christmas season and into the New Year!

This post is linked to Three or More Tuesday which is sponsored by Tam at The Gypsy's Corner.

Please visit her for more participating posts.

My felt Advent calendar qualifies for Second-Time Around Tuesday which Diane hosts at A Picture Is Worth 1000 Words. See more participants at her blog.