But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

Luke 18: 16

Trinity Kids provides spiritual guidance, education, & community for children from infancy through 5th grade. For Preschool through 5th grade, the “contemplative model”; of children’s ministry is used to provide the framework for learning about the stories of the Bible, with a focus back to the gospel & salvation of Jesus Christ. Lessons and discussions are hands-on, reflective, and open-ended. Please contact Julia Guy (julia@trinityanglicanmission.org) with any questions or to learn more about Godly Play and the contemplative model.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Advent & the Advent Jesse Tree

      The Advent season is a sacred time of preparation and anticipation as we near the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Each year, we celebrate through the telling of the Advent story, the lighting of Advent candles, and the retelling of traditional Christmas stories. This year, we will be adding a new tradition. Devotions connected with the tradition of the Advent Jesse Tree will be guiding us through various symbols that will encourage discussion and creativity in the telling of an old story. As described by Dean Meador Lambert, this tradition “seeks to tell the story of God’s redemptive plan for the world through 25 symbols from the Old and New Testament. The symbols trace the heritage of Jesus Christ from the beginning of creation. Each symbol [can be] explained with scriptures, devotions, questions, prayers, a memory verse, and songs.” We will be using Lambert’s book of devotionals to explore the Season of Advent through these symbols and the stories that they tell. In order to help your family prepare for the first six symbols (aligned with the first six days of Advent), they are: 
Day 1The Light of Creation (represented by a picture of the Earth); Genesis 1:1
Day 2The First Sin (represented by an apple and a snake); Isaiah 53:6
Day 3Inside the Ark (represented by an ark with a rainbow); Romans 6:23                                               
Day 4The Call to Abram (represented by a camel and a tent); Genesis 12:3b
Day 5Isaac and the Lamb (represented by a lamb); John 1:29b
Day 6Jacob's Ladder (represented by a ladder); Genesis 28:15a
      I will continue to write reflections and provide more information on the trinitykids blog throughout the Advent season, along with questions and reflections to complement each symbol so that you can continue to the conversation with your child at home. 

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