In years past we’ve used a Jesse Tree and devotions during the Christmas season. This year, as I was pinning some of my favorite Christmas crafts I came across a picture of some beautifully crafted glass ornaments with the names of Jesus on them. I repinned the post and read later (like most of us do when we are short on time). I really liked this idea, because I ADORE anything that reminds me of all of the names of my precious Jesus. I also liked the idea that each of my children could make their own set of ornaments to celebrate the advent season. Not only could they use them to decorate their own trees in their rooms, but they could also keep them over the years and share them with their children.
Anyway, after Thanksgiving I began preparing for us to begin making this craft so we could utilize the ornaments beginning on December 1st. There was an awesome link to the post I repinned here, but after looking it over I felt like I wanted something a little more in depth for my children since they are ages 9-16.
I began researching and found an awesome Names of Jesus unit study here from the Easy Fun School website. It teaches 24 names of Jesus, scripture, handwriting pages, word searches, and activities for each subject which are tied to the lesson. The study actually includes a list of all of the names of Jesus so you can study even more.
To create our Names of Jesus ornaments and Bible study, I went to my craft closet and gathered all of my supply bins. I visited my favorite store, Hobby Lobby and purchased sets of fillable glass ornaments for each child (and one for myself). I would get extra in case some break. You can also purchase acrylic ornaments, but they are more costly.
We then utilized paint pens in black, gold and silver to write the names of Jesus and the scripture reference on the outside of the ornaments. Have your children write their own if they can, but if they need help be sure to read the names and verses with them as you write them. I noticed as my blessings were writing on the ornaments they were memorizing the scripture references! What a plus!
I then began reviewing the scripture references and names so I could come up with ideas on decorating the ornaments. You could paint or fill the insides of the ornaments with anything, but we thought it would be even more fun to try to utilize craft materials for the theme of the ornaments. To paint the inside of the ornaments, squirt small amounts of paint inside and shake. You can swirl more than one color inside as well. Then be sure to turn upside down and drain into an empty egg carton for a day or two.
Here are some crafty ideas:
1. Alpha & Omega–fill with cutouts of the Alpha & Omega symbol.
2. Wonderful Counselor–fill with paint or glitter or beads.
3. Mighty God–fill with cutouts of barbels.
4. Everlasting Father–fill with cutouts of wreaths or paint green for evergreens.
5. Prince of Peace–fill with cutouts of doves and/or crowns.
6. The Firstborn of Every Creature–fill with cutouts of animals (we had animal shaped sequins).
7. The Unspeakable Gift–we made cutouts of gifts using small construction paper rectangles and drew a bow on top.
8. Lamb of God–fill with cotton.
9. The Good Shepherd-fill with cutouts of shepherd staffs.
10. Bright & Morning Star-fill with star shaped sequins.
11. Messiah–I filled this one with paint as I couldn’t come up with anything. Any ideas?
12. Immanuel–another filled with paint, glitter, sequins, or beads.
13. Holy–I painted this one yellow/gold.
14. Light of the World–fill with small birthday candle if the ornament is big enough, or a cutout candle and earth.
15. Dayspring–I filled this one with gold, pink, orange paint to represent the colors of a sunrise.
16. The Word–In small font, I printed John 1:1 on paper, cut out, and put inside ornament.
17. Servant–I printed a small picture of Jesus washing the disciples feet and put inside ornament.
18. King–Fill with jewels or crowns.
19. Rose of Sharon–Fill with real or silk rose petals.
20. Lily of the Valley–Fill with silk lily petals.
21. Friend–Fill with paint, glitter, sequins or beads.
22. Savior–Fill with cutout crosses.
23. Shiloh–Fill with paint, glitter, sequins or beads.
24. Ancient of Days–Fill with paint, glitter, sequins or beads.
When your ornaments are all dry you can store them in their box or put them in a bowl, etc. You can begin utilizing them in whatever fashion works for your family. We started on December 1st and will follow the study daily for 24 days as a family during our night time devotions, but this is a unit study so you could actually use it during your homeschool day. During our devotions, we study the name and verse. We have chosen activities from each day to do together as a family. Then we close in prayer and each of us puts our ornament of the day on the tree. I actually chose to keep mine in the glass bowl on our bar dividing the kitchen and family room. I want to be able to reflect on the names each time I pass through or as I’m cooking, etc. If they are on my tree, they will be all spread out and difficult to find. Besides, they are the perfect decoration for my bar which I have trouble decorating every year. Another problem solved!
I pray your Advent season is filled with love, laughter, fun, teachable moments, and the spirit of Christ our Lord!