Getting Crafty For Advent 2016

I’ve been neglecting a few hobbies and responsibilities the last week or so in order to get crafty. I am only allotted a small amount of time each day after the boys go to bed in order get things done like pay bills, spend time with my husband, and pursue hobbies I enjoy (among countless other things). Since advent was approaching, I really wanted to make an advent calendar for both my nephew, James, and my son, Caleb.

If you have been a long time fan of the smithfam blog you may remember that every year around this time I get on my soap box about advent. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas (not December 1st). This means advent can be anywhere from 22 to 28 days depending on what day of the week Christmas falls. You cannot find an advent calendar anywhere…even in Christian stores…that has anything different than 24 (or maybe 25) days. So I decided when Elias was little to make my own. It’s become a tradition.

You can see Elias’ here, and Simon’s here.

This year I wanted to make one for both Caleb and James. However, it took a lot longer than I expected, and James took priority. Caleb is a bit young anyway, so he will have to wait.

My inspiration this year came from Luke 2:8-14

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

I was reminded recently at my Bible Study how much of Jesus’ birth story speaks to us about social justice. This passage really brings it home for me.

So I went about designing an advent calendar to depict this passage. I embroidered the numbers on the pockets, and cut out the little felt shepherds, sheep, and angels, and then sewed them on by hand. It was a lot of fun thinking about my precious nephew with each stitch.

As usual, my mediocre sewing skills did not do my imagination justice. However, I was proud enough of the work to present it to my nephew, James, earlier this afternoon.

20161126_222456Hopefully he can enjoy it for years to come, and it can help him prepare for the advent of our Lord.

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