Family Advent 'To Go' Boxes - my most popular post & resource

*Update: This has become one of my most popular blog posts, and my most requested resource, which is awesome! I'm reposting, so more people can see.  I'm always happy to share. If you're looking for a great resource this Christmas (or any time) to help families grow in their faith together, this has been a fun and easy way to do that. 

One of my goals as a children's pastor is to empower parents to be spiritual leaders. God designed families as His number one plan for discipleship for kids. There are many parents who are doing a great job with this, but many parents also don't feel equipped to lead their kids spiritually. The church should be ONE avenue for kids to grow as disciples, but not the ONLY place. Leading kids spiritually doesn't have to be complicated- parents can weave faith conversations into every day life at any time!

I am always looking for ways to help bring tools and ideas to parents for teaching and leading their kids. One thing I did last Christmas season was send home Advent Devotional To Go boxes with every family at our church. I had never seen or heard of anything like that before, so I wasn't sure how they would go, but they were a hit! They were gone very quickly, and people even wanted some for friends and neighbors!

The goal of the boxes is to get families talking together in fun and easy ways, that engage kids at any age. Even my 3 year old nephew loved the one I sent him in the mail.

Each box contained 10 Devotional Cards and 10 small, simple objects:

• Play Dough
• Small Candle
• Small Bubbles
• Pipe Cleaner
• Clear Marble
• Jingle Bell
• Stone/rock
• Christmas Cookie Cutter
• Birthday Candle
• Small Star shape with sticky back

 
Each object corresponds with a devotional that the family goes through together. The devotional cards are labeled and in order, and the kids can take out the object while the family reads the instructions to see how it goes along with that day's devotional and Scripture. The idea was to get kids involved with hands-on devotionals using simple objects, and get families talking about Scriptures and praying together. It's not complicated, but it can be a powerful way for families to connect and grow together!

*They weren't super expensive to make. The boxes were from Oriental Trading, and I made the stickers and cards, and got the items from the Dollar Store or in bulk online. Planning ahead helps, because you can be collecting items for months before you make the boxes. This year, I'm thinking about making "Frozen" themed Advent To-Go boxes.

This is just one way I hope to empower, equip and partner with parents in the journey of raising kids who are strong and devoted disciples.

TO PURCHASE this resource, so you can make your own, CLICK HEREAdvent To Go Boxes.


Lynne Howard