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Dec 14, 2016
Catholic Influencers· Faith· Resources· The Little Things

The Shepherd on the Search {Review & Giveaway!}

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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

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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 . . .

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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!

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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

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Previous Post: « Planting the Seed of Faith with a Trendy Gift (and a chance to win free shopping)
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Hannah says

    December 14, 2016 at 1:57 pm

    Love it! What a great alternative!

    • Amy says

      December 14, 2016 at 2:07 pm

      It is really fun 🙂

  2. Cynthia says

    December 14, 2016 at 2:10 pm

    Love this idea!

  3. Cheryl G. says

    December 14, 2016 at 2:27 pm

    I’d love to have this for my two year old!

  4. Anni says

    December 14, 2016 at 3:17 pm

    So, maybe this can supplement the Elf on the Shelf. Elves go back on Christmas Eve, but the Wise Men begin their journey when the star appears at midnight. I’m thinking this may become a 12 Day of Christmas extension! Our family’s way of bringing in celebrating Christmas after the 1st day…!

  5. Cathy says

    December 14, 2016 at 3:32 pm

    I’d so love to win! I’m British so we can’t buy it here yet. My toddler and baby would love it though.

  6. Paula says

    December 14, 2016 at 4:21 pm

    I love this! I saw this on someone else’s post and I fell in love! My daughter would love this I don’t need to worry about crazy elf antics!

  7. Rebecca says

    December 14, 2016 at 6:06 pm

    My 3 littles would love this! My 4 year old is terrified of the elf, but the shepherds were sent by God and he will do almost anything to serve the Lord 🙂

    • Amy says

      December 14, 2016 at 7:00 pm

      My son is 4 and he LOVES it!!! That is so beautiful what you said – gave me chills!

  8. Alicia says

    December 14, 2016 at 7:32 pm

    I like the faith component of Shepherd on the Search. 🙂

  9. Jenn Tuta says

    December 14, 2016 at 8:45 pm

    This is really a great idea! We do the traveling wise men but I would love to add a shepherd in the mix!

  10. Ali Poelman says

    December 14, 2016 at 9:17 pm

    Love the idea. I don’t want to do the secular Elf. I want to emphasize the REAL reason for the season.

  11. Laura Soto says

    December 14, 2016 at 9:44 pm

    this is way better than elf on the shelf! My kids are still very little so I’m hoping the elf fad will pass by the time they’re old enough to hear about it from friends!

  12. Theresa says

    December 14, 2016 at 10:09 pm

    I love the religious corilation!

  13. Dawn Becker says

    December 14, 2016 at 11:58 pm

    I love that this is scripture based!

  14. Casey Myers says

    December 15, 2016 at 7:14 am

    We had an Elf, Google. He came for Advent for a few years. Way too focused on good/bad behavior. So we did away. The kids loved it oh. Good alternative.

  15. Alicia Potvin says

    December 15, 2016 at 8:12 am

    Makes me nearly wish I could start over with my children (36 and 32 now) but will wait for grandkids if we are blessed. Not really entering contest but wanted to say how much I really love this in place of elf on the shelf and I will keep it in mind.

  16. Stefanie says

    December 15, 2016 at 8:43 am

    What a wonderful idea! Would love this for my daughter.

  17. LaNeshe says

    December 15, 2016 at 11:20 am

    This is super cool. I think this would be nice for my daughter, and a good way to reinforce the religious history of the season.

  18. Elizabeth I says

    December 15, 2016 at 8:33 pm

    I absolutely Love this idea!! I definitely think it will be an investment for us!

  19. Pam G says

    December 16, 2016 at 2:25 pm

    Perfect faith-centered alternative to the Elf Shelf thing. My twin boys would love it! Thank you for the opportunity.

    • Amy says

      December 16, 2016 at 4:00 pm

      I am happy to share this awesome find!!

  20. Dandi D says

    December 16, 2016 at 3:37 pm

    This would be so neat to give to my son!

    • Amy says

      December 16, 2016 at 4:01 pm

      Best of luck – thank you for entering to win it!

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Matt and I watched Nefarious last night. And when Matt and I watched Nefarious last night.
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