A New Tradition - Dec. 26th through Jan 1st
The week between Christmas and New Year's is always a bit strange. We are still sort of in vacation/holiday mode, but we don't really have any traditional activities to participate in. This year, I thought we'd try something new.
We won't be placing the wisemen at our nativity this Advent season (they weren't actually there at Christ's birth anyway). Instead, I am planning to keep them tucked away until Dec. 26th when they will begin travelling around our house on their way to see Jesus.
Elf on the Shelf has become a popular tradition for those with young kids, and while I don't know all the details of what that entails, I imagine this new tradition might have a similar feel. Each morning from Dec. 26th through Jan. 1st, the kids will wake up and begin their search for the three wisemen. When they find them we will kneel down together for a brief, and hopefully meaningful, moment of worship which consists of a Scripture passage and a prayer. (I have listed Scripture references and written out corresponding prayers for all 7 days, and you can find and print those here.)
Here is an example:
Dec. 27th
Proverbs 9:10 - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Heavenly Father, these wise men we search for each morning remind us that true wisdom begins with reverent awe of You. We bend our knees and humble ourselves before You, our Maker and our King, and ask that You might help us to be ever mindful that You are God and we are not. You must increase; we must decrease this day and always. We ask for Your help in remembering this truth in Jesus’ Name, and for His sake. Amen.
This entire process will probably take a mere five minutes a day, but I'm hopeful this simple routine will help to extend our Christmas celebration as well as prepare our hearts and minds to seek the Lord in the coming year.
Want to give it a try? You can print the Scriptures and prayers here.
Wise men still seek Him.
You May Also Enjoy: