This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Make sure you download this amazing FREE catalog that I helped put together!!! A Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog (2024)

Don’t forget about Advent! Here’s the best deal around, but only available for a few days!!

Catholic Advent Bundle

These Catholic shops are Spectacular

Ascension Press

Highly recommend their Great Adventure Bible (See this post for who needs it: 5 People on Your Gift List that Need a Bible)

Ascension has the perfect Stocking Stuffer for you husband, Dad and brother – the newly published

Pocket Guide to Prayer.

Many men know they should pray more or would like to increase their time in prayer, but are not sure where or how to start. This book will help tremendously and simply.

Pocket Guide to Prayer is a beautiful, inspiring book written by Edward and Beth Sri, with contributor Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, that gives anyone confidence in knowing God and building a relationship with him. As an “on-ramp” into understanding the various tools for prayer that the Church offers us, this pocket guide will help Catholics build a fulfilled and deeply satisfying prayer life. 

This short but complete guide helps Catholics enter into prayer with more consistency and devotion. It empowers anyone on their faith journey to prioritize daily conversation with God.

A great new option for tweens and young teens who really want to understand the Bible and feel that it is relevant in their lives: Biblical Heroes: Stories of Faith and Courage

Through exploring these timeless narratives, readers not only gain a deeper understanding of the Bible’s stories and key figures, but also learn valuable lessons about courage, compassion, and faith.

Our family’s favorite kids books from Ascension:

My First Interactive Mass Books (highly recommend for little boys ages 3 to 6)

Donuts After Mass: a Tale About Walking With Jesus (my 7 year olds LOVE this and it was much enjoyed by their older brother too!)

Kolbe & Co. Rosaries for the whole family!

We prayed the Rosary as a family the other day and by the end of it my oldest son held up the string where all the beads WERE before we started. The beads had all fallen off.

I had already been thinking about Kolbe & Co’s fidget Rosary for kids – and this made me think, “YEP, we need those”!

Get the kids you love a fidget Rosary or a Glow in the Dark Rosary!

Use coupon code AMY10 for 10% off when you shop at Kolbe & Co!!!

The owner of Kolbe & Co., Erica Maze, is a Catholic convert, wife and mother who’s goal is to create items to help people remember to take a moment during their busy days to PRAY, and always be able to have their Rosary with them!

Have a teenage boy or young adult son? This Everyday Carry Rosary is perfect!

Use coupon code AMY10 for 10% off when you shop at Kolbe & Co!!!

Shining Light Dolls

Whenever you shop from Shining Light Dolls, make sure you include the coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE

Shining Light Dolls has introduced some new toys this year, and my neighbor and I have decided one of these new gifts is NOT just for kids! There are Jumbo Plushes and I like to call them Catholic Squishmallows! I am going to buy many I think!

Shining Light Doll Plushes are great for all ages. The tiny ones would make a great addition to a tween gift bundle – along with the Be Yourself Journal and some other Catholic goodies!

The newest gift option over at Shining Light Dolls are interlocking puzzle brick sets (called Catholic Brick). They are similar to lego sets and they are for older kids! Do you know anyone who loves playing with Legos? This is a great gift option for him or her! One is included in this giveaway contest!

I am also loving the puzzles for toddlers and my 7 year old son keeps telling me how much he wants the Wooden Catholic Church Playset!

Definitely take a look around the Shining Light Dolls website and grab some really fun toys for your young and young at heart loved ones! (don’t forget the coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE)

Be a Heart

Be a Heart has some fantastic gifts for girls who love crafts and for little ones who still tend to put toys in their mouths and definitely still wear bibs!

Plus, I enjoy some of Be a Heart’s products too. I love their belt bag, their standing desk calendar and their journals!

The Marian Wristlet is gorgeous – great gift for teens, young adults and women!

The Catholic Fruit of the Spirit Wooden Puzzle is currently sold out, BUT is included in this giveaway! Don’t forget to enter!!!

When shopping at BE A HEART, use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE

CATHOLIC GIFT IDEAS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS: DAD AND DAUGHTER

Gifts for Dad and Husband: Prayer book from Ascension

Daughter, age 7: Make your own Rosary kit (Saint Therese’) from Be a Heart and a fidget Rosary from Kolbe & Co.

Kingdom Come Co.

The mission of Kingdom Come Co. is to help children connect with their faith in a fun and meaningful way. This Catholic small business designs and sells high-quality clothing, toys, and other products that incorporate religious themes and messages in a modern and appealing style.

I love the toys for babies, toddlers and pre-school aged children! Take a look at this Galactic Glory Starship: Wooden Shape Sorter toy!!!

With its innovative design, the Galactic Glory Starship offers two toys in one. Firstly, the bottom half is a shape sorting toy, perfect for developing your child’s problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. Secondly, the top half is an abacus, which encourages counting and helps develop fine motor skills.

The Galactic Glory Starship wooden shape sorter toy features inspiring Bible verses that remind children of God’s power and wisdom. Additionally, one side of the toy displays Psalm 147. The verse reads “He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.”

This shop has SO MANY toys to choose from – plus, fun apparel too! This Saint Nick shirt I plan on ordering today!

12th & Blossom

12th & Blossom is my FAVORITE SHOP for earrings!!!! If you shop from this incredible business, use coupon code AMYBROOKS for 15% off!!!

12th and Blossom creates joyful Catholic designs for a life in bloom. From art prints to jewelry to apparel and more, our gifts showcase the simple beauty of Catholic faith and devotions.

If you have a woman on your list – head to this shop and start adding to cart!

PIETA PAPERIE

My husband and I are swooning over this shop! Catholic wax seals!!?? Yes please!!!

The Founders and creators at Pieta Paperie wants you to know this:

“We create stationery for the sacraments. Our mission is to help Catholics evangelize their loved ones through beauty.”

I met the owners of Pieta Paperie at an event last year and they are just lovely, young Catholics! I love so many of the seals they offer – it’s really difficult to pick just one!

CATHOLIC GIFT IDEAS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS: MOM AND SON

For Mom: Jewelry from 12th & Blossom and Telos; Prayer Wine Chocolate shirt and tumbler; socks from Sock Religious

For Son: Fidget Rosary (or glow in the dark Rosary) from Kolbe & Co.; Be Yourself Journal and Biblical Heroes book from Ascension; Shirt from Sock Religious; toy from Shining Light Dolls.

Telos Art Shop

My favorite necklace shop – and apparently also my daughter’s favorite necklace shop!

My seven year old daughter chose a necklace listed in the Cozy Catholic Christmas Guide for herself and I think it’s the third year in a row my daughter has chosen to put Telos on her list!

Telos is on my list too :). I have my eye on a necklace and a ring!

The simple, small but powerful, Miraculous Medal necklace I wear daily is from Telos (pictured above).

Sock Religious – not just socks!

If you’ve read my gift guides before, you probably know I love Sock Religious Socks!!! The “no-show” socks are my personal favorite!

But, their shirts are literally THE BEST! I love how this business combines humor with evangelization.

I mean, “Don’t be a loser” on a shirt with Saint Anthony???????? Take my money!!

I find that shopping Catholic for my husband and other men is challenging, but this business makes it easier.

My husband will be getting one of these shirts this year!!!

*** Husband, brother, Catholic man gift idea: Shirt from Sock Religious!!!***

Bonus idea: Give Catholic Christmas Cards out this year with the new business owned by the folks over at Sock Religious!! This new shop: OUR HOLY HOME, have given me a 35% off coupon code for you!

Yes, 35% off is you use the coupon code: AMYBROOKS

These cards allow you to insert your family photos, but unlike the secular businesses that do that, there are a variety of holy messages to choose from. Send a Christmas greeting that celebrates Christ in Christmas!

The Cozy Catholic Life

I have been admiring Rosary hangers at The Cozy Catholic Life all year! I think my favorite is the Divine Mercy one (it says “Jesus, I trust in You”, but they are all gorgeous!

I like this gift because I would hang it in my own home and it could be given as a family gift or to a newly married couple.

I also love the sweatshirts, and right now my favorite is the “Ugly Advent Sweater“!

The Cozy Catholic Life Shop has done a great job creating apparel for the whole family and resources that will help you this Advent and all year long. You’ll love the mugs too! Browse the whole shop and have fun filling your cart!

The Shop at Prayer Wine Chocolate

The Be Yourself Journals are still getting fantastic reviews!

William Hemsworth just wrote a whole article about the journal, in it he said:

“Amy did an incredible job of creating reflections that are not only challenging, but engaging. To be honest, the most seasoned Catholic can also benefit from the reflections. The book challenges our boys to become a saint, and challenges them to think about how that can happen. In addition to that, there is great material on how to apply Catholic theology in the real world.“

(Read the whole article on Patheos here)

Purchase a boy’s Be Yourself Journal here!

And Whitney, owner of Abundantly Yours Rosaries, (new Rosary called the Vine Grower!!) left this review on Amazon last week:

“This journal is exactly what I would have spent hours using as a kid. It has tons of different Catholic resources to encourage prayer & help young girls establish a relationship with God. This is my new go to gift idea for first communion, and holidays!!“

Purchase a Girl’s Be Yourself Journal here!

The journals are truly GREAT gifts for the kids you know and love!!! I have people tell me their daughters have two!!!!

For adults, don’t forget Prayer Wine Chocolate sweatshirts, tee shirts and wine tumblers are available and perfect for teachers, friends and relatives!

I honestly wear my Prayer Wine Chocolate hoodie, sweatshirts and t-shirts all the time! They are so comfortable!

Ask for one for Christmas, or just treat yourself!

Wine tumblers are great gifts – fill them with chocolate for an added sweetness!

And just so you know, the Hallow App will help you honor Advent while you prepare for Christmas! Give this gift to yourself, use my link! Hallow (Prayer Wine Chocolate)

Enter the Catholic Gift Giveaway!!!

ONE WINNER WILL WIN THE FOLLOWING:

Pocket Guide to Prayer (new book published by Ascension Press) – one copy (retails for $24.99)

One Glow in the Dark Rosary from Kolbe & Co. (Retail price $12.00)

Catholic Brick: Saint Michael the Archangel from Shining Light Dolls (Retail price: $39.99)

Fruit of the Spirit Chunk Puzzle from Be a Heart (Retail cost: $28.99 and currently sold out!!)

One Galactic Glory Starship from Kingdom Come Co. (Retail price $35.00)

A pair of earrings from 12th & Blossom (one of a kind, but earrings in this shop range from $12 to $22)

A surprise gift from Sock Religious

A Wax Seal Making DIY Starter Kit with the gun from Pieta Paperie (Retail cost: $65.00)

One copy of Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls

A physical copy of the Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog

And more surprises!!!

Enter the GIVEAWAY BY CLICKING HERE!!!

YES, I WANT TO WIN OVER DOLLARS OF GIFTS!!! LET ME ENTER NOW!

The post The Best Catholic Gifts and Spiritual Stocking Stuffers to Give in 2024 appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Let’s talk Advent. When does it start? This year, Advent begins Sunday, December 3rd.

THIS WEEK ONLY!!! GET THE CATHOLIC MOM ADVENT BUNDLE!!!

What should we be thinking about during Advent?

According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website:

The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36). Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas.

Advent 2023: What to do and how to feel at peace with it all!

If we want to experience the full joy of Christmas, we must honor Advent.

The reality of life in this busy culture, and possibly a busy season of life, can make that feel like quite the impossible task.

So, I gave this some thought.

How can I personally embrace Advent in the reality of my day to day life (which is chaotic, messy, disorganized and only gets more busy during December).

How to NOT be stressed out during Advent

This is what I came up with: 3 questions to ask myself – and questions you can ask yourself.

These questions should lower your anxiety and help us both realize that we can embrace Advent and still live in the modern world of 2023.

The three questions to ask yourself are:

1. What am I already doing in my faith life?
2. What do I know I am going to get caught up in this Advent?
3. How can I approach decorating with an Advent mindset?

What am I already doing in regards to my faith life?

Think about the prayer life you already have. What do you do each week and each day in regards to prayer, Adoration, participating in the Sacraments, spiritual reading, works of mercy, etc. Could you continue to do those things but just focus them on Advent or Saints who have feast days in December?

I am already looking at my phone a lot (sometimes for prayer, often not so much).

I recently started using the Hallow App. The Hallow App will probably have something to listen to for Advent. I’ll make an effort to listen and pray with that App during Advent.

THIS WEEK ONLY!!! GET THE CATHOLIC MOM ADVENT BUNDLE!!!

Our family prays together before dinner.

If I’m being completely honest here, I can tell you I am much more consistent before dinner with praying than I am before bedtime. So my personal strength to daily prayer comes before our last meal of the day.

One action my husband and I can take is to take the opportunity of all of sitting around the dinner table and after dinner read a page from the new Jesse Tree Book written by Colleen Pressprich.

Another thing my kids would probably love is lighting the candles of an Advent Wreath. Our family is now ready to have a grown up wreath – I think (pray for us)! I do believe that my 11 year old would feel great being allowed to light the candle. I feel that giving our children opportunities to make the faith their own is very important. Small steps are still steps!

Sometimes I can be good with waking up early to do some kind of spiritual reading, prayer or journaling. If this is you, check out my blog post about Advent Prayer Journal Prompts!

Do you read to your children? Do you read for pleasure? If yes, prepare a stack of books about Advent or the Saints we celebrate during Advent! In our house, we still consistently read to our children.

My 6 year old daughter told me her FAVORITE Saint book is How the Saints Saved Christmas! This book is perfect for Advent! This same 6 year old daughter smuggled the brand new book I only read once to her so far in the car – this book, called Twas the Day Before Christmas in Bethlehem Town is a great addition to your families’ library (and your niece’s, Godson’s, Grandson’s too)!

Need an adult book suggestion? Try this one about Our Lady of Guadalupe!

What do I know I am going to get caught up in during Advent?

Christmas Shopping and All the Gatherings

For me, I know I will not be done my Christmas shopping before Advent. Bravo to those of you that will be, but I know me, and getting my Christmas shopping don early is not something I do.

Since I know I will be Christmas shopping, I can do several things while I shop. One, I can say a little prayer each time I buy a gift for the person who will be receiving that gift.

I can also make a true effort to give gifts that will inspire faith, prayer and a love for Our Lord. If you know me, you know this is already something I love to do!

Over at Catholics Online, we created an exclusive Catholic Christmas Gift Catalog! I highly recommend you download yours today!

Holiday get togethers! Chances are, there will be a few! I hear more and more of

“cookie baking gatherings”;

“cookie exchanges”;

“ornament exchanges”;

“holiday work parties”;

“ugly Christmas sweater parties” (I need an invite, I want a reason to buy this Advent sweater!!)

“secret Santa gift exchange” – what else? What else am I missing?

Birthday parties that are in December; weddings, showers, etc . . .

And of course there will be Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

We can approach shopping with a peaceful mindset by starting a little early, making a list and sticking to it, and bringing the idea that gifts can evangelize and nourish souls. We can also limit the number of events we say yes to, and bring our faith with us wherever we go!

Think faith-based hostess gifts

If I am heading to a holiday get together, I can bring the hostess a gift with a holy twist!

Maybe it will be something fairly light hearted in nature, like a bottle of wine and a Prayer Wine Chocolate Tumbler. Other ideas can be candy made by Trappistine nuns or a candle made by a Catholic company.

Are you a quilter? Check this out from Faith and Fabric!

Catholic cookies!

If it is a cookie exchange or cookie baking get together, Shining Light Dolls now has cookie cutters!

(use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE to save!)

How do you approach decorating in December?

Some people already have their Christmas tree and outside lights up! Could you bring Advent into the decoration mix a little more this year?

Do you have an Advent wreath? Make sure you display it! If not, I found this one on Etsy!

If you have little ones and don’t feel comfortable with an open flame, Shining Light Dolls has a beautiful wooden Advent wreath meant for little hands!

The best idea to consider with this question is “less is more”. During Advent, we watch the world rush right into Christmas. The Christmas Season liturgically is after Advent. Ask yourself to hold off on some of the lights and Christmas decor for as long as you can . . . remember, to experience the full joy of Christmas, we must honor Advent.

THIS WEEK ONLY!!! GET THE CATHOLIC MOM ADVENT BUNDLE!!!

Did this article help you? If yes, please share it!

The post Advent 2023: What to do and how to feel at peace with it all! appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This article contains affiliate links.As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you purchase from these links I make a small percentage . . . and I do a huge happy dance

I have a confession to make: I just googled “when does Advent start”?

So it probably isn’t a big surprise that I get lost in the Christmas music, the shopping, visiting Santa and all the twinkle lights.

Something tells me, I’m not the only one.

I would probably enjoy Christmas even more if I took the time to enjoy Advent!

At the same time, my responsibilities as a mom and the opportunities to make joyful memories with my loved ones, will not be far from my mind.

So, I decided to make a list of Advent Prayer Journal Prompts for those of us that feel super busy, but want to make a true effort to remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. (if you would like more info on how to start a prayer journal – go here: How to Start a Prayer Journal (in 3 easy steps)

Advent Prayer Journal Prompts for Busy Christians

Write out the Saint Andrew Novena Prayer (or cut it out and paste it in your journal)!  Sara has this prayer as a printable through her Advent post: Prayer Guide for Advent.

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born Of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother.

Amen.

Draw a chart in your prayer journal.  Make 3 columns.  Write the names of who you are shopping for that week or day.  Title each column “Name”, “Gift Ideas”, and “Prayers”.  If you are able, go to Adoration for 10 or so minutes before you hit the mall.  Write down ideas for shopping – and also write a prayer for each person you are shopping for!

Write out the words to an Advent Hymn such as O Come, O Come Emmanuel or Soon and Very Soon.

Soon and very soon
We are going to see the King
Soon and very soon
We are going to see the King
Soon and very soon
We are going to see the King
Hallelujah hallelujah
We’re going to see the King

Use the Advent Journaling Kit from Open Journey to inspire and motivate you!  It has beautiful prayer prompts, stickers and lots of fun crafty ways that make journaling fun and easy!

By the way, the DaySpring Journaling pens are awesome (Journaling Pens)!!!!

Copy this: Short and Sweet Advent Prayer. Decorate the page with whatever you want to draw or doodle!

Father, all-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to heart the voice which announces his glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Glue a Christmas Card picture of the Three Wise Men to a page, write a prayer combined with your “to-do” list of the day.  For example: Dear Lord, Help me to seek you in every act I perform today.  Help me to seek you in washing the dishes, in paying my bills, in writing out my Christmas cards and in caring for my elderly loved one . . .

Go to this Pinterest Board for inspiration and ideas.  Follow the board to remind you to keep up with prayer journaling all Advent!

Take 10 minutes (or more) to read part of this book: Be Merry: How To Advent Without Losing Your Mind (it is FREE on Kindle)!  Write something that made an impression or a thought that was provoked from your reading.

Keep it simple: write Jesus a letter.

Color an inspirational Advent message, picture or prayer.  I love Look To Him and Be Radiant’s selection of free downloads!  Katie’s What Does Advent Look Like printable could be used for over 10 prayer journal prompts!
Copy and pray the St. Gertrude prayer (prayer for souls in Purgatory).  Write down names of family and friends who have passed away.

“Eternal Father,
I offer You the most precious blood
of thy Divine Son, Jesus,
in union with the Masses said
throughout the world today,
for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory,
for sinners everywhere,
for sinners in the universal Church,
for those in my own home,
and in my family. Amen.”

Color one or more of the pages from The Be Yourself Journal!  You can purchase all 20 here: Be Yourself Coloring Pages – Instant Download

Purchase the whole journal here: Shop – Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Girls

Paste photographs from past Christmas seasons.  Write a sincere Thank You letter to Jesus for the people, moments and memories. Once you give a ton of thanks, ask the Lord to bless your friends and family with a peaceful holiday.

Advent begins on the Feast of St. Francis Xavier.  This Novena of Grace card has prayers and questions to reflect upon.  Print it out or copy from it.

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is December 12th.  I love the words Our Lady spoke to Juan Diego.  Write the words of Our Lady down and trust that she is speaking them to you!  If possible, paste an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the page.

“Hear me and understand well, my son the least, that nothing should frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my fold? What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything.” 
— Our Lady to Juan Diego

Incredible story about Our Lady of Guadalupe here: Our Lady of Guadalupe: Her Image Still Appears

Copy the Responsorial Psalm from the first Sunday of Lent in Your Journal.

Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

List ways you can see the Lord’s Face in your life.

If you would like a FREE PRINTABLE, click here!

Want more journal prompts?  Subscribe and get the Lent prompts that can truly be used all year long!  Subscribe here:

The post Advent Prayer Journal Prompts for Busy Christians appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock.  The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.  The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2: 8-14

Confession: This Advent; I have said the names “Santa” and “Saint Nicholas” more than I have said the name “Jesus”.  I know, not a good thing.  However, I know my weaknesses and since I am determined to teach my child how much Jesus loves him, I reached out to DaySpring and asked if I could review The Shepherd on the Search Advent Activity Set.  Thankfully, DaySpring agreed to send me the kit and allow me to host a giveaway!  I can honestly say, I am so glad we are actively participating in this activity in our home!  After reading our son the book and completing some of the fun games and crafts that accompany it with our son, I can share why I LOVE this gift set and would recommend it to everyone who celebrates Christmas!

Five Reasons Why I LOVE DaySpring’s The Shepherd on the Search

1. The Shepherd can be used with or without the Elf!

If you already use the famous Elf on the Shelf; you can easily add the Shepherd to the mix.  In fact, you could probably have a ton of fun teaming them up to do some entertaining things and allow your children to find them both together some mornings.  However, if you are not an elf fan – you can use The Shepherd instead!  We don’t have an Elf.  Our view is – Santa sees you no matter what – all the time.  I will say, sometimes I wished we had one.  The Shepherd was exactly what I was looking for . .. we can still have fun with looking for the little guy in the morning – but we are always reminded of who we should always search for . . .

2. Your child or children can touch The Shepherd and it’s all good!

I’ve heard that for those who do participate in “The Elf on the Shelf” that no one is allowed to touch the Elf.  I’ve also heard, that when children inevitably touch him, that creates more work for the parents.  The Shepherd can be touched and in fact, DaySpring offers online activities that go along with The Shepherd’s search – and our son’s FAVORITE involves hiding and seeking the Shepherd. That leads me to my next reason . .

3. The Daily ADVENTures found on DaySpring’s Website

DaySpring offers lots of ideas to use The Shepherd as a teaching tool and gives me ways to simply spend quality time with my son.  Our son, Xavier, is 4 years old.  He loves to cut and use scotch tape!  So, I was thrilled when I saw the first suggested activity was to create a paper chain countdown!  We made that chain together and it was a great activity for us.  We don’t get to do each ADVENTure – but again, that’s okay! One of the suggested activities is “Find the Shepherd”.  My son is so into hide and seek right now, so I thought, “he’ll like this game”.  Well – he LOVES it and wants to play EVERY DAY! I’m sure there is an ADVENTure your child will love as well!

4. Your child gets to name the Shepherd and he gets to look for him in the morning

You can hide him – or you could lose him for three days and say he must have found a really good hiding spot (cough, cough – that might have happened here).  Sometimes he’s in a funny spot.  No matter where he is, when Xavier finds him he smiles and is so happy!  I get a kick out of where my husband puts him sometimes.  Other times, I like to be creative and silly.  It’s fun – for all of us!

5. And Finally, The Shepherd is based on Scripture and the true meaning of Christmas

When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”  So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.  When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child.  All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds.  And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.

Luke 2:15-20

The Shepherd on the Search book uses this Bible verse as a starting point.  The Shepherd, who comes with the book and your child names, is a child that helps the adult shepherds.  The men tell the child to stay back – but he is to excited and follows behind – but not to close, because he doesn’t want to get seen (since he was told not to come along)!

It’s a great book to add to the nightly bedtime routine.  The illustrations are fantastic.  The story is fun and clear.

Want one?  DaySpring and Prayer Wine Chocolate have teamed up to give one Set away!! Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post The Shepherd on the Search {Review & Giveaway!} appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Don’t get me wrong, I am super excited to Christmas shop, and fully embrace the season of secular madness.  I’m a big kid and I love it.

But this year, I am seeing a lot of Catholic bloggers talking about Advent – and that has been a wake up call for me.  I need to think about what Advent is, and why Christians established it as a season.

Lucky for me, I am the parent to incredible four year old, and I am eager to go on this journey with him.  If you are not a parent, or your children has grown, perhaps find a niece, nephew or grandchild to embrace this season.  Their innocence is inspiring and really brings the joy and excitement of the season to life.

And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.  When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Mark 10:13-16

I’m going to need some help on this journey, so here are a few items I may purchase to help me.  If you purchase these, I make a small percentage – so thank you very much!

The Shepherd on the Search- Advent Activity Set

I LOVE this alternative to the “Elf on the Shelf”.  DaySpring has created this book set so that during the Advent season, families can read the story of the shepherd’s timeless journey in a beautifully illustrated interactive children’s book, and let the fun begin every day as they hide the shepherd and children find him in a new place along the search!

Click here to purchase: The Shepherd on the Search Advent Set

A Christian Themed Advent Calendar

Click here to purchase: Nativity Advent Calendar

Fisher Price Little People Nativity Set

This toy Nativity Set was such a great investment for our family. Above is a picture of my son two years ago . . . he made the angel kiss the baby Jesus! Such a great way to talk and teach about what Christmas is and why we celebrate it.  I love that these Little People are durable enough to be played with by very young children, but still enjoyed by the older ones!  We have a beautiful “adult” Nativity Set, but the past couple years we have simply put out this one.  When members of the scene fall, nothing breaks.  That is truly an added bonus! Click here to purchase: Little People Nativity Set

The Legend of the Poinsettia

We see these plants almost as much as we see Christmas trees this time of year.  What a wonderful way to talk about the season with your child by reading this book together. In Mexico, the poinsettia is called flor de la Nochebuenao  which means flower of the Holy Night. This Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl’s unselfish gift to the Christ Child.  I have seen many moms showing excitement for a new tradition of wrapping 24 books before Christmas and reading one a night.  This would be an excellent story to include in that tradition! Click here to purchase: The Legend Of the Poinsettia Book

Advent with Saint Teresa of Calcutta: Daily Meditations

Although I am going to love embracing the season with my son, I will need some time alone with the Lord . . . and my coffee.  These daily meditations are just the right size for me.  I can read it with my coffee, or take it with me to adoration (and if I can only stay for 10 or 15 minutes, this is the perfect way to guide that time in prayer).  The Scripture quotes will also inspire me to pull out my prayer journal and enjoy my prayer time and rare times of quiet reflection. Click here to purchase: Daily Meditations with Saint Teresa of Calcutta

Tis the Season Devotional Kit

Reserving time to prayer journal has been quite tough for me.  I really want to do it and I know it makes my soul happy!  This devotional kit is just what I need to motivate and jumpstart my personal prayer time.  DaySpring has many illustrated faith kits,  and this one is brand new! Click here to purchase: Tis the Season Devotional Kit

Chocolate Santa Pops

Saint Nicholas Day is December 6th and this is the perfect sweet to put inside the shoes that are left out for the Jolly Saint’s visit  Plus, purchasing this product helps support The Nuns at Mount St. Mary’s.  They are a cloistered order and making their candies is how they sustain their community.  To support the Sisters, and to enjoy some incredible chocolate, click here to purchase! Trappistine Quality Candy

How are you getting ready? I’d love to hear!

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