The twenty third day of Advent

We found Cat in the hat in the boys tent.  We had just set it up for the kids to play in yesterday and the Cat thought that this looked like a cozy place to take a nap.  Little N thought that today was the only day where the Cat in the Hat had behaved himself.  

 We are now getting into our busy time of the Christmas season where you are doing so many activities and you could lose sight of the true meaning and the reason why we celebrate Christmas.

 The fourth Sunday of of Advent.  

 We had all the Sunday School kids sing Christmas songs during the VEF service. Little N & Little M's class sang two songs - Away in a Manger and Are you ready? They were so cute and singing and doing all the motions.  I loved watching all the kids perform.  We also had the older Sunday School kids sing and then had a gospel choir sing songs also. It was so inspiring to just watch everyone sing and be involved in sharing the gospel and telling the good news that Jesus was born.

 

 After our English service we brought the kids up to Chinese Sunday School where they got ready for their Christmas program.  Both Little N & Little M were asked to be Sheep they practiced their song during the SUnday School time and then we picked them up and had McDonald's then sent them down so that they could get their hats on and get ready for the performance.  They did such a good job, they went up with their group, singing and dancing.  Little M just stood there and played with his hat but you could tell the difference in Little N (what a year does) because he was singing the songs and doing the motions with the rest of the little kids.  It was SO much fun to watch my kids share the Christmas message and just be salt and light.  I was so very proud of them.  

Here are my Christmas cuties.  All dressed up for Christmas.  Little N dressed himself and was very proud of his Christmas tie.  Little H just looked adorable in her little Christmas dress from Great Grandma. 

 We had a little bit of a break in the afternoon until 7 pm.  We were asked to do a Christmas program in our community.  We had no idea what to expect but we had asked for help from people from VEF - we had people who helped make cookies, who found and put together the candy gift that we gave to the kids and then we had people who came to help sing and talk with people.  We had lots of fun.  We sang Christmas songs, John was able to give a Christmas message about why we celebrate Christmas. Then we had some from our church dressed up as Santa Claus and posed with the kids so parents could get pictures.  We weren't sure how many people to expect and it was a very chilly night but we probably were able to share with 150 to 200 people.  It was pretty amazing.

 The boys were very excited to see Santa Claus. They also got their candy cane which they of course ate right away which was our activity for the 23rd day of Advent. 

 Our amazing volunteers who helped sing songs and visit with people.  So thankful for them taking the time to share the wonderful Christmas message.

Our Scripture verse for today was found in Matthew 1:21 – She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.