so the cook said: A Simple Christmas Countdown

In order to keep my focus Christ-centered this December, I decided to make a little advent calendar. Advent simply means anticipating the arrival of a notable person, thing or event. In the hustle and bustle of the season, I need a daily reminder that JESUS is the reason we celebrate.

At the beginning, I thought I would make something super creative and super involved. However, in the end, I made a simple project with envelopes and paper. All I need is a gentle reminder to get in the Word each day.

There are a number of advent reading lists out there. I combined a few - here is what I am using.

Even if you are simply reading a verse or two of the Christmas story in Luke 2, I challenge you to find a way to Count Down to Christmas.

Using plain white envelopes and some colorful tape, I simply wrote the date out 25 times.

I then wrote the reference on a plain paper tag tied with baker's twine to put in each envelope. I left myself lots of room, because I want to journal a thought or even just a sentence as I complete each reading.

Using a random slotted wooden box that I had on hand, I arranged the envelopes in a Christmas tree formation.

To even up the lines, I actually had to put 26 envelopes into the slots. Maybe I can put my overall thoughts on the project in that envelope.

I thought it would also be easy to add each journaled tag to a Christmas tree, as well.

I am so excited each day to read the assigned passage. And since the passages are short, I am able to really focus on one important aspect pertaining to the coming of Christ.