Advent ~ Daily Plans

to see all of my Advent posts click on the banner:

2012's Advent Planning page is here; I will be updating for 2013 soon.

On the mornings we are home we will gather in the family room, light the Advent candle(s) for that week, sing a verse of O Come, O Come Emmanuel, read a scripture passage, and pray the following prayer:

Advent Prayer to Jesus

You are our eternal salvation,
 The unfailing light of the world.
Light everlasting,
You are truly our redemption.
Grieving that the human race was perishing
through the tempter's power,
without leaving the heights
You came to the depths in your loving kindness.
Readily taking our humanity by Your gracious will,
You saved all earthly creatures, long since lost,
Restoring joy to the world.
Redeem our souls and bodies, O Christ,
and so possess us as Your shining dwellings.
By Your first coming, make us righteous;
At your second coming, set us free:
So that, when the world is filled with light
and you judge all things,
We may be clad in spotless robes
and follow in Your steps, O King,
Into the heavenly hall.
Unknown Author, 10th century

(I found the prayer here - the same site we are taking our Advent wreath prayers and scripture from this year.  I  will print out a copy for each child - now that I have ink.)

Then, the children will take turns reading a poem from Come to the Stable and opening the Advent box (a small papier mache box, which I painted purple last year).  The box will contain a chocolate treat, a mini ornament to put on a small Advent tree, and a note about a special activity for that day.