During the season of Advent (Latin word meaning coming or arrival) we prepare to celebrate Jesus' first coming as a baby in Bethlehem. Sometimes it helps to add ideas or give direction for your family's preparations as the busyness of the season can drown out the reasons why we celebrate.
Continuing in the tradition of our first Advent Unit Study—Jotham’s Journey, this edition is centered around the book Ishtar's Odyssey. The fourth and final book in Arnold Ytreeide's collection focuses on the character, Ishtar, the ten-year-old son of a Persian wise man as their caravan follows a star across the desert. He eventually meets Jotham, Bartholomew, and Tabitha as he follows his father and uncles in their search for a newborn king.
Ishtar's Odyssey is a family story and devotional that gives you the opportunity to create a seasonal tradition of storytelling in your home. Combined with associated scripture passages and a number of group projects, this Advent Unit Study will help you and your family prepare for the miracle of Christmas.
Note: It is not necessary to have completed the first unit study, Advent Unit Study—Jotham’s Journey in order to do this one.
This study is ideal for grades 2-8 (ages 7-13), but can be enjoyed by the entire family. Some components of this product are consumable, but you will only need one for your family to use together. You can purchase components individually for this kit here:
Enjoy learning with your children all season long with the Sonlight Advent Unity Study!
The number of days in the Advent season varies year-to-year. Thus, this study includes 28 days of material, enough to cover from the first day of Advent through Christmas. You will find both dates and "Day #" labels in the Schedule & Notes so that you can adjust accordingly.
This package includes:
- Ishtar's Odyssey by Arnold Ytreeide
- Daily schedule and notes for each day of Advent including suggested questions to encourage discussion within your family
- The Advent Jesse Tree: 25 devotions for each day from December 1st to December 25th, Christmas Day. Each devotional story is paired with a representative symbol that traces the heritage of Jesus. By Christmas day, your tree will be filled with reminders of 25 Bible stories.
- a service project activity that will help take the focus off RECEIVING gifts and lay the focus on GIVING them instead, inspiring your children to practice what Acts 20:35 teaches: “You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
- Crafting suggestions and templates for creating Jesse Tree ornaments. (Supplies not included.)
- Bonus craft ideas including: Advent wreath, calendar, and more.
