today’s project involved handprints and paper folding. ella was so happy.
you may copy and print out the note the advent goblins left us if you wish. the goblins wish it to be known that the first two paragraphs of their note came from thereform church of america’s page, jesse tree family devotions: advent 2010, and the fourth paragraph came from marietta community church’s page, awaiting our deliverer.
God had a special job for someone. God was looking for an earthly home for baby Jesus. Jesus was going to need a mother who loved and trusted God. He would need a mother who was smart and strong and loving. God chose Mary to be Jesus' mother.
God sent an angel to talk to Mary. Mary wasn't sure that she could be a good mother to Jesus, but the angel reminded Mary that God would be with her. Mary knew that being a mother is a difficult and important job, but she knew that God would guide her. She also knew that she loved God and wanted to do whatever she could to serve him. Mary said yes with a joyful heart.
She did not have to accept this task. She could have said no. But Mary trusted God and was willing to fulfill the role He had chosen for her.
We often think of Jesus' mother as "gentle Mary meek and mild." But the young woman in this passage is made of much stronger stuff. It took incredible courage to submit to becoming the mother of God's Son.
Read Luke 1: 26-38
Trace your hand onto white paper and cut it out. Gently roll your handprint at the wrist so it forms a cone and use tape, glue, or staples to hold it together. Then gently curl each finger outward to form flower petals.
Cut a short piece of yellow pipe cleaner and fold it in half. Curl the ends of the pipe cleaner to make the stamens of the flower.
Twist the end of a green pipe cleaner onto the center of the yellow pipe cleaner, making a stem. Gently insert the free end of the stem into the center of your handprint blossom. You've made a lily! This is the traditional symbol for Mary's pure heart.
Hang your flower on your Jesse Tree to help you remember that God brings new life to ordinary people who are opened to his invitation of love.
here are a few blurry pictures of how we made this ornament:
