Advent Calendar

This advent calendar is an attempt to help my family focus on Christ during the Christmas season.  Each day, we turn over a number (starting at 24), and read the scripture that goes along with the picture on the back.

By Christmas Eve, the whole tree is covered with pictures from the life of Christ.

To make this, print the pictures you want to use. I made them wallet size, then cut them out. Print each scripture reference as well. Go here to get the pictures with corresponding scriptures.   

Here is the list of the scriptures and pictures I used, with the day listed first:

24 Luke 1:26–38 annunciation

23 Luke 2:1–5 Joseph and Mary travel

22 Luke 2:1–16 Jesus’ birth

21 Luke 2:8–20 shepherds

20 Luke 2:22–39 Simeon

19 Luke 2:40, 51–52; Jesus with Mary

18 Luke 2:41–52 boy Jesus in temple

17 2 Ne. 31:4–13 baptism

16 John 4:3–30, 39–42 Samaritan woman

15 Matt. 4:18–22 calling apostles

14 Matt. 5–7 sermon on the mount

13 Matt. 8:23–27 calming the storm

12 Mark 5:22–24, 35–43 Jairus’ daughter

11 John 5:1–9 healing the sick

10 Matt. 14:22–33 walking on water

9 Mark 10:13–16 children

8 Mark 11:1–11 triumphal entry

7 Matt. 26:17–30 last supper

6 John 13:4–15 washing feet

5 Matt. 26:36–45; Luke 22:39–46; Alma 7:11–13 gethsemane

4 Luke 23:33–46; crucifixion

3 John 19:38–42 burial

2 John 20:10–18, Luke 24:33–43 resurrection

1 Rev. 3:20 Jesus at the door

Buy some wooden rectangles like these I found at Hobby Lobby (4/99cents).

Paint with colors of your choosing (I did half red and half gold).

Sand the edges so they are smooth and a little distressed.

Paint numbers 1-24, using a stencil.

Be sure you look at the picture that will go on the back so you paint the number the right direction (horizontal or vertical, depending on the picture).

My wooden rectangles had pre-drilled holes, so I just threaded string through for a hanger.

You can also hot glue a hanger on if you don't have holes.

Spread mod podge on the back of each ornament.

Position the picture on the wood and smooth out air bubbles.  Spread mod podge over entire picture. 

 Add scripture reference, and mod podge over that as well.  It will dry clear.

Hang number side up on a small Christmas tree (mine is 3 feet).

Turn one over each night and study the Savior's life through the month of December.