Our ward Relief Society compiled some references for advent calendars for the Christmas season. I am never good at doing all 24 days, I even forget to eat the chocolate in the candy advent calendars. So I used an advent from the 1998 December Friend magazine and condensed it into 12 days. I added a song for each evening and simple "activity". Since I went to all the work of putting it together I thought I would post it for anyone else who needs a shorter commitment like I did.
#1: Read a Christmas book: (An Idea Jacobs Gift by Max Lucado). Discuss that the birth of Christ is the reason we celebrate Christmas. Sing: Your favorite Christ centered Christmas song. So probably not "Frosty the Snowman" :)
#2: Read Luke 1:26-33. Who told Mary she was going to have a baby? Sing: “Hark the Harold Angels Sing”. Be an angel and do something nice for your brother and/or sister.
#3: Read Matt. 1:18-21 & 24. Who is Jesus’ father? Who raised Jesus here on earth? Sing: “When Joseph went to Bethlehem”. Remember to say your prayers to your Father in Heaven, and do something special to show your dad gratitude for taking care of you.
#4: Read: Luke 2:6-7. What was used as a bed for the baby Jesus? Sing: “Away in a Manger”. How can make sure we have room for Jesus in our hearts.
#5: Read: Luke 2:8-17. Whom did the angel tell about Jesus’ birth? What did the shepherds do after the angels left? Sing: “Stars Were Gleaming”. Quickly obey your mom and dad to keep the spirit in your home.
#6: Read: Matt. 2:1-10. Whom did the wise men ask for directions? What else did the wise men follow to find the baby Jesus? Sing: “I am like a star”. Make a star to hang on the tree.
#7: Read Matt. 2:11-12. How were the wise men warned not to return to Harold. Sing: “The Holy Ghost” What can we do to make sure we can hear the Holy Ghost when it speaks to us?
#8: Read Matt: 2:13-16 & 19-21.What did Herod do when he realized that the wise men were not returning? Why? After Herod died where did Jesus’ family go to live? Sing: “I believe in Christ”. Have a family testimony meeting.
#9: Read the 1st presidency Message in the December Friend. Make a treat and take it to a neighbor. Sing: “Have a Very Merry Christmas”.
#10: Read: Helaman 14: 1-9 & 12-13. Sing: “Samuel tells of Baby Jesus”. Write a letter (email) to a missionary.
#11: Read: The prophet Joseph Smith’s testimony of the Savior D&C 76: 19-23 & 40-42. Sing: “He Sent His Son”. Think of a gift you can give the Savior in honor of his birthday, write it down and put it where you can see it often.
#12: Using visual aids (such as a nativity, flannel board pieces, or draw your own pictures) as someone reads the Christmas Story from the scriptures. Sing “Joy to the World”.
