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Christmas is right around the corner, and I know many of you are on the hunt for a good Advent Devotional. So I just jumped at the opportunity to review the Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book.
What is it?
The Jesus Storybook Bible has become a beloved resources in the homes of many Christian families. This resource is full of crafts, games, songs and more to help families build memories centered on Jesus. This guide provides ideas for all 24 stories leading up to the Christmas story. It also provides a summary of the story, scripture reference, and Jesse Tree ornaments that you can hang on a Christmas tree.
What I love?
This resource is made for families who love to pray n’ play. It’s packed full of ides for how families can really embrace the Biblical Narrative leading to Christ’s birth.
The quantity of ideas is fantastic. Each story contains about 3-4 ideas for how a family can play with the story. Some of my favorites are:
- Singing ‘Joy to the World’ for the Creation Story
- Stars in a Jar Night Light for Abraham
- Gingerbread Walls or Jericho
- Daniel and the Lions Charcuterie
- Sing ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’ for Operation ‘No More Tears’
- Happy Birthday Jesus Cake
I could name a lot more. The ideas range from easy to complicated throughout the stories, offer families the flexibility to choose what works for their busy schedules.
I also like that it notes in the front of the book that families can tailor their Advent experience to what works for them. Some are looking for activities for everyday. Others already have a busy holiday schedule and just need some ideas for family night.
This book I think is made to grow with your family. There are ideas better suited for older kids. Ones for the whole family. And I think ones that can be revisited year after year. You don’t have to do all of the activities in one year. And that’s the beauty of this book, it can be used again and again.
What my kids love:
As soon as I pulled this book out to review, my big kids both took turns sneaking it away to browse the pages. It was like a magnet. They were wrapped up in the inspiration and activities, immediately making requests to do some of the projects (we have a list started, and book marked some to try). In addition, they immediately recognized the Christmas carols on the pages they’re featured, and began singing then loud and proud throughout the house. I think this can definitely be a fun resources for families wanting a way to help their children begin to take ownership of their faith lives. Giving them a chance to explore scriptures in a way that sparks interest, and also share in leading one another to Jesus. We usually gift the English books we review to friends we think would enjoy them, as we try to keep a majority of Spanish media to reach our language goals. However, this one my kids specifically asked we keep, and I dare say it will be taking a spot on our bookshelf for a long time.
What may be helpful to consider:
Something to consider, as mentioned, this is a book to grow with your family. Most of the stories have activity ideas for both big kids and littles. However, a few of the stories only had ideas I felt my big kids would be able to participate in. Not necessarily a downside, but another reminder that this resource can be revisited year after year as kids grow. I would recommend most of the activities for ages 4+.
Click here to get your own copy of ‘The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book’
All in all this is a fantastic resource for families who want to pray n’ play together during the holidays.
Baby Devotions 