Advent Ornaments, part 1

We've started a new family tradition this year, called a Jesse Tree. I've heard this term used to describe several different things, but in this case, it is a sort of Christmas advent tree. Every night leading up to Christmas, starting December 1, we read a short devotion that talks about or points to Christ. Then we hang an ornament on the tree that corresponds to the devotion and serves as a reminder of what we've learned that night.

We're using a combination of bought and hand-made ornaments, with most of them being hand-made, of course. This is me we're talking about. I wanted to post pics of the ornaments, in case anyone else wants ideas for the same thing, or is just curious about how I've been spending my evenings this month.

Day 1 is creation, and we learn that God created the world, and that Jesus was present at and helped with Creation. We were able to find the world image below, which I was glad for, since geography has never been my strong suit. As it was, I just had to get everything facing roughly north and drill a hole for the ribbon. Drilling, thankfully, is one of my strong suits. ;)

Day 2: the Fall, brought about by Adam and Eve's first sin, represented by an apple/fruit with a snake. I made this one out of two pieces of felt sewn together, with a green felt snake wrapping around the apple.

Day 3 covered the story of Noah's ark and the rainbow, and discussed how Jesus saved us. I had a lot of fun making this ornament out of craft foam and a piece of cork wall covering, but somehow the picture has disappeared. I'll try to post a picture later, but Jonathan's asleep and the tree is in his room.

Day 4 described the calling of Abram, represented by a tent and camel. I did free-hand sketch the tent, but totally stole the camel profile from Microsoft clip art. I'd still be sitting at the table if I had to draw a camel by hand. Architecture drawing classes did not cover animal figure drawing!

Day 5 told the story of Abraham's (near) sacrifice of Isaac, and how the ram represents Christ's death in our place. This story is represented by a ram, which I made out of craft foam.

We're actually up to day seven now, but I'm not up to date on all my pictures. We didn't get all the ornaments made before the start of the month, so I'm having to make them as we go along, and just try to stay ahead of the schedule. I haven't had many idle nights this month. Of course, it doesn't help that I somehow decided that it would be a good idea to make presents for everyone on my side of the family. I have a few of those finished already, but I'll have to wait until after Christmas to post pictures. Sorry, fam, no advance notice of what you're getting under the tree!