I don’t know about you, but in my opinion, Advent calendars have gotten way out of hand! When I was young, one looked forward to opening a door with a tiny Christmas picture and a corresponding Bible passage waiting on the other side. My sister and I each had one. The sister whose picture was better would always have bragging rights the rest of the morning. (Cute angels always trumped pictures of “decrees.”) Nowadays though, you can find Advent calendars filled with stuffed animals, bottles of perfumes, fancy cheeses, books and jewelry. One essentially gets 24 days of Christmas instead of 24 days of Advent! Our society loves to have everything here and now so I imagine over the top Advent calendars will be around for a while.
A Time for Waiting
There is something to be said for a season of waiting and preparation. It gives our hearts time to reflect on what is coming, to still the chatter of our busy lives and listen for the words God has to say to us. God loves to teach his people to wait on his timing. He taught the people of Israel to trust his timing, and he teaches that same lesson to us today. Advent is a great time to teach your students to wait and trust the One who has everything in his hands.
Sketch Notes Lesson
Do your middle schoolers need a lesson on the season of waiting? Explore Advent with your sixth, seventh or eighth graders using this page of sketch notes. It is a great format that promotes discussion and creativity. The pictures and note boxes are inviting. Plus, you can bring out the markers and colored pencils which make all lessons more memorable. Add it to your lesson plans today!
If you are looking for this ready-to-use resource for your students, check it out in my store.
Looking for related articles? Check out:
The Best Present Ever Is for You! – Teach by Faith
This Little Baby Means Business – Teach by Faith
Is Your Heart a Manger? – Teach by Faith
Looking for more related articles from other authors? Check out:
13 Ideas For Celebrating Advent As A Family
