It is the middle of November as I write this blog post. We haven’t even celebrated Thanksgiving, yet my thoughts and attention are settled on Christmas. What a wonderful time of year this is! I hope that as you embrace the Christmas season that this December morning time bundle will draw you even closer to the good news of Jesus. I hope that knowing He came into the world to save sinners like you and me will astound and amaze you.
The hope we are reminded of during the Advent season is that God did not abandon or leave us to ourselves. He loved us enough to make a way to restore what was broken and to bring us back to Himself. We rejoice because, in Him, we have been saved and have been given a glimpse of a new day a glorious morn. Hope has come.
Oh holy night, the stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth,
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For younger breaks a new and glorious morn.
A Simple Guide to Morning Time | December 2021
To download the December Morning Time Bundle click here.
MUSIC
One of the most exceptional things I learned while researching the song we will be enjoying throughout December is that O Holy Night was written and composed by two people who were not particularly religious. The composer who set the poem to music did not celebrate Christmas nor did he believe Jesus was the son of God. How remarkable, that God would choose to use non-believers to point others to himself.
Our hymn this month is O Holy Night. We may pass over the words of this song with ease, but the words we sing hold profound truths. The lyrics follow the rhythm of Luke chapter two, telling the story of the birth of Jesus, of the announcement of the angels, of the wise men who followed the star, and of the resounding hope this news brings to all the world.
Our December composition can be found here:Β O Holy Night by Passion featuring Crowder
You can read more about The Amazing Story of O Holy Night here:Β beliefnet.com
Learn about the composer Adolphe Adam here:Β Adolphe Adam
Included in the learning bundle is a pretty “O Holy Night” coloring sheet that is scheduled for the month. You can find it: here
POETRY
The December poem is untitled and written by a poet that I could find nothing on other than the book she published called Bits of Verse for Christmastide. Β Despite her unfamiliarity, I hope you will enjoy reading some of the sweet Christmas poems she wrote and published here.
Dazzled by the brightness, shepherds lift their eyes
Listening to the message sounding from the skies.
Theirs the light and glory, and the notes of song,
But the joyful tidings to the world belong:
Ring the bells, ring the bells, let the people say,
“Christ, the World’s Redeemer came to earth today!”
You can find other poems from Bits of Verse for Christmastide: Β here
ART
The painting we will be studying in December is so pretty! I wanted to include a study of the holly bush based on this picture, but unfortunately, the Handbook of Nature Study did not contain one. Instead, you will find little glimpses of holly sprinkled into the crafts and recipe this month. I hope you enjoy it!
You can find this months art piece here:Β artnet.com
Read a biography of Kilburne life here:Β George Goodwin Kilburne
To view other works by Kilburne click here:Β Kilburne works
SCRIPTURE
This month we are continuing our study of the character qualities of God, specifically that He is glorious.
Our memory verse is:
Hebrews 1:3 – “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. ”
Vocabulary:
Glorious – (1) possessing or deserving glory (2) marked by great beauty or splendor (3) delightful or wonderful.
Key Concept –Β God is great and there is no one as great as Him. He is the only one that deserves all of our love and praise.
Corresponding scriptures:
Psalm 104:1 – “Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honor and majesty.”
Exodus 40:34-35 – “Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.Β And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.”
Isaiah 42:8 – I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Here is a link to help guide you as you help your child(ren) understand that God is Glorious:Β Ministry to Children – God is Glorious
NATURE STUDY
This month we will be studying turkeys usingΒ The Handbook of Nature Study to help direct our learning. The morning time bundle will help guide you through this process.
Here is an online resource that is linked in the bundle and may be used in your studies:Β Turkeys for Kids Documentary
CRAFT
If one craft is good two must be better…especially in December! This month we are enjoying two sweet, yet timeless crafts: Epsom salt mason jar luminaries and handcrafted, construction paper, holly wreaths. The construction paper holly wreaths are a timeless holiday classic that I remember from grade school. This craft is a perfect keepsake, made with the tracings of your child’s hand. I hope that yours becomes a cherished treasure.
CHARACTER STUDY
This month we are studying the life of President Warren G. Harding.
****An unfortunate turn of events took place this monthβ¦the Ultimate Guide to the Presidents is no longer freely accessed on Youtube.*** As such, I will no longer be linking them in the morning time bundle. This has been such a wonderful resource, one that I am sad to leave out. If you would like to continue your president study with this resource, you can find it:Β here.
As you learn more about President Warren G. Harding you will find that there is much controversy surrounding his Presidency, some regarding fidelity to his wife. The video that is linked in this month’s bundle mentions this. You may want to preview the video before watching with children, specifically minutes 36:00-37:00.
The Big Book of Presidents: From George Washington to Barack Obama by Nancy Hajeski
Learn more about Warren G. Harding here:Β Harding Presidential Sites – Harding’s Biography
Visit Harding’s Home here:Β Harding Presidential Sites – Harding Home
RECIPE
Marshmallow Christmas Wreaths: December’s recipe is nothing more than a fancied-up marshmallow treat, but they are my absolute favorite. I canβt remember the first time I experienced these as a child, but I do know that my mother made them often and most likely at my request. These cute little wreaths Β have always been a treat I love to have at Christmas, I am happy to share them with you.
SCHEDULE
The morning time bundle also includes a guide to help aid you in the implementation of this study. It includes 4 weeks of a suggested learning rotation that will help you cover all of the topics included Β for the month. This is simply a guide. You can add to or take from it as you wish and as your learning leads you.
Thank you so much for your continued support of my small business. I hope that these bundles bless your family time together and that ultimately they draw you closer to Christ who loves you so dearly.
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
**Please note: As an amazon associate I earn a small commission off of the products I link here. **
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