I’m doing a little re-post for this Christmas craft because I haven’t actually been crafting for Christmas this year. Yup. I’ll wait while you pick yourself up from your chairs and stop gasping in horror. Did I completely go anti-holiday mental this year? Not really. It’s just with the craft fair and a big trip overseas, I’m too busy trying to stuff my life into a suitcase to sit down and really make anything. Not that the never-ending Michaels ads don’t tempt me, because they do, but I’ve been really good about not going bonkers this year … sort of.
Anyways, here’s an advent calendar for you to get set up before December 1st, in case you’re like me and you’re not really into trying to find 25 little gifts for your bubbins to find and then lose and then re-find when you accidentally step on it. Ahh, the true joy of Christmas – the veritable toy explosion to be found in our living room, where dog toys and kid toys are all played with equal gusto, dirty tennis balls and all. So, to lessen that impending disaster, let’s take a moment to reflect on the real reason for this season, and create an advent calendar that teaches a lesson every day until our Savior is born
I used Tricia’s advent calendar as the source for 25 days worth of Bible verses, and created flashcards with the verse and a little picture to help illustrate the idea. I’ve made these flash cards available for free so you can make your own! I only ask that you keep these for personal use and not sell the cards or the finished product. You can download them HERE (Scribd) or HERE (Google Docs).
Print out the flashcards, and cut on the black line. If you have a corner punch to make your life easier, then go for it!
I had found red library card pockets at my neighborhood parent/teacher store for $0.10 each, and I did a little dance at my good fortune. If you can’t find any near you, there are plenty to be had on Etsy, in a variety of colors. My cards were sized to fit normal commercial card pockets, just FYI.
Stamp the number for each day on each of the library card pockets. Alternatively, you can write it out or embellish the pockets any way you want; just remember to put the number somewhere on there!
Pop each card into its own pocket.
Now you have to decide how you want to display it? On a tree? Around the house? Hang them up and down the stairs?
I went the easy route and strung them on my upstairs hallway with some contrasting ribbon and clothespins. It adds a splash of color to my otherwise boring (and dirty) walls!
I wanted to really use it last year, but I think Josh was a bit young. This year, though, I hope to stop by our little display every day and share a verse with him, as well to take a moment for myself to appreciate the holiday season!
Oh..this is amazing!! LOVE!!
Great idea!
Oh, this is fantastic! I think the best advent calendar yet – keeping it focused on the reason for the season!
I’d love for you to come link up to my Show & Tell party. http://www.gingerlymade.com/2012/11/show-and-tell-3.html
These are great! I’m so excited to use them! I tried to print from Google (since I’m not a scribd member) but it says there’s an error. Is there something you can do to fix it or should I just try back again later? Thanks again!
Ah-ha! I signed into google to pot my comment and now it will let me print them. That’s the ticket! Have a great day!
These are amazing! Thanks so much for sharing!! I’ve been searching for something simple and meaningful to do this month – this definitely is it! 🙂
Oh I love it! Pinning to remember!
Thanks for sharing at Show & Share, featuring this tomorrow!
This is incredible! I have been looking to create something like this and you saved me hours of work, which we know as mama’s that time is the most valuable thing! I plan on pairing each scripture with an ornament and after reading and talking about it then hanging the ornament on the tree. Can’t wait to start this tradition with my two year old. Thank-you for all of your hard work to create this!
Thank you! I think it’s a great idea to pair each day with an ornament, I can see each day’s Scripture having a little more meaning to a two-year old when there’s something physical involved. I hope your new tradition is successful!
Brilliant! Thank you for sharing!!
I love your idea! Is there any way to get a copy of these cards with just the picture and not the Scripture? I thought it would be a good idea to make a set for my niece and nephew to help them with the real meaning of Christmas. My brother spent many years overseas and is now retired but still in the reserves and I’m hoping to help encourage not only a close relationship with God but with each other as a family. I started to put something similar together but I was going to put the Scripture card on the outside and on the inside I was going to have a “To Do” for everyday. Ex. 1. Write a letter to Jesus. 2. Go for a ride and look at Christmas lights, take pictures so you can remember your night. 3. Go see a live Nativity 4. Family Movie Night – Watch a movie as a family 5. Family Game night- Play a game with the family
I thought it would be really nice to match up the outside picture with the one on the inside. If not, that is okay. I just thought it may be helpful for my niece as she has medical issues I think it is Aspengers and she likes routine and things to be organized even if she isn’t.
Hi Cindy,
I only have the readable PDFs available. However, if you don’t want the Scripture, maybe you can get white adhesive paper and tape over the words with your “To Do” list?
Thanks for these! Even though we’re only on day 2, my daughter is loving them!
I’m so thrilled to have found your post!! Thank you so much for offering an endearing advent for FREE! I love that it focuses on the TRUTH of Christmas !!!!!!! Well Done and Thank you!!
You’re welcome!
Thanks for doing this! After seeing Tricia’s advent calendar, I was thinking how I could simplify it with having pictures only and then I found your version! 🙂
You’re so welcome Agnes! I didn’t want to have to buy little items and add to the clutter in my house, and I figure a picture will do just as well, right? Enjoy!
I love these Scripture Advent Calendar flashcards!!! Any chance you will be making something similar for Easter–using the pictures and scriptures??????? What a way to get the little ones attention. Beautifully done!!!
Thanks June! I don’t think I’ll be doing this for Easter, but thanks for asking!
Thank you for the cards.
I know you posted this 3 years ago but I just wanted to take a minute and thank you. These cards are perfect. Simple but still have the scriptures. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thanks a million! I just printed these and my little one rolled each one into a scroll and tied with a ribbon for our advent calendar box. One scroll per drawer 🙂 perfect!
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Thanks so much!
Thank you so much for your kindness in sharing.
Bless you! 🙂
Thank you for these Advent cards!!