I’m sure you’ve worked out by now that you can add a sticker a day to your Sticker Advent Calendar. You will see the different parts of the story appear as you do so.

What you might not have decided yet is how you will use the Bible story mini book with it. Now, you are welcome not to use it at all and just enjoy the stickers, but here’s some ideas you might like to try:

1 Read the story mini book on section a day as you sticker on your stickers. Don’t forget your sticker of baby Jesus awake for Christmas Day!

2 Once you’ve read the story, you could have a look at the extra stickers and decide where you think they should go. They each are a speech bubble summary of something that someone said during the story. There’s no numbers to help you, so you can chat and choose yourself where you think they go best.

3 Read the story from the mini book and use a toy nativity set to ‘act’ it out as it’s read or re-tell it in your own words and have fun adding your own details! There’s some lovely new nativity sets out this year. Here are my favourites.

4 Re-tell the story using your own DIY nativity set. Post photos on the GodVenture Facebook page or your own profile and tag @GodVenture

5 Read the story while listening to your favourite Christmas songs. Or after setting up your Christmas tree. Or nativity scene. Why not make luxury hot chocolate to drink while you read?

6 Read the story and miss out words as you go, letting listeners guess the missing words. Or add in wrong words and see if they spot them!

7 Chat about what surprised you in the story. Was there anything there you didn’t expect? Anything you expected which wasn’t there? Remember this is the version in the Bible, so all the extras bits are things we’ve added. Chat over the ‘I wonder’ questions on the calendar. I wonder what part of the story you liked best. I wonder where you are in this story. These questions have no wrong answers and should help you all reflect on the story and what it means for you.

8 Make pictures of your favourite parts of the story. You could try making collages or painting. Or do a washi tape pictures like this. Have fun!

9 Share the story with someone. Maybe you could re-tell it using your nativity set or make a card with a picture from the story on the front.

10 Read the story in a Bible. You’ll find the references in the mini book. If you are familiar with one Bible version, you could use one you don’t use so often. Or look up a Bible version online at www.biblegateway.com Here’s the story on Biblegateway from The Message version:

Part 1 Nazareth

Part 2 Jesus is born

Part 3 The shepherds

Part 4 The wise men

Enjoy!

For more ideas and Activities to explore at Christmas visit my 50 Faith at home ideas for Christmas here.