Chocolates and Compassion

Yesterday, being December 1st, was the first morning Brooks was able to open one of the golden boxes of our advent calendar. Adam and I loved seeing his eyes light up when he saw the "nummy hot chaw-let!" inside the box (he calls all chocolate "hot chocolate"). That Rolo was gobbled right up. And, as I expected, this is giving us a chance to work on patience with Brooks...he wanted to open up another box two minutes later. ;) One day, and one box at a time sweet boy. 

Then, while we ate our scrambled eggs, we read the special verses for that day...an example of Christ's compassion in the book of Luke (Luke 8:41-56). Yesterday and this morning, I loved reading the scriptures to Brooks during breakfast. I hadn't ever done it while he was eating, and I think it helped him stay seated and focused better. As always, restating a few of the verses in a way he would understand definitely helped. :) I told Brooks about how Christ went to the house of a man named Jarius, to help his little girl who was sick and sleeping. Jesus held her hand (so Brooks held Ava's and my hand) and said a prayer for her...and He helped her wake up and feel all better! Brooks got excited and said, "Feel bettoo! Good morning Jesus!" It was such a sweet moment. I'm looking forward to reading more of these inspiring accounts of the Savior's life every morning 'til Christmas...and after. It really is the perfect way to start the day.

After seeing the list of scriptures my friend Rachel shared, which she found here, I changed and replaced the scriptures in our advent that we'll be reading each day leading up to Christmas. And I thought I'd share too. :) 

12/1    Jarius’ Daughter raised, Luke 8:41-56, Was compassionate
12/2    Sinful woman forgiven, Luke 7:36-50, Was forgiving

12/3    Nobleman’s son healed, John 4:46-53, Had power to heal

12/4    Temple cleansed, John 2:13-17, Was reverent and opposed to evil

12/5    Storm calmed, Mark 4:35-41, Had power over elements

12/6    Children blessed, Mark 10:13-16, Loved children

12/7    Savior dined with Mary & Martha, Luke 10:38-42, Made people happy

12/8    Savior suffered in Garden of Gethsemane, Luke 22:41-45, Was Submissive

12/9    Apostles’ feet washed, John 13:3-17, Was humble

12/10    Apostles chosen, Luke 6:12-13, Was prayerful

12/11    Christ’s wisdom advanced, Luke 2:51-52, Obeyed parents

12/12    Christ baptized, Matthew 3:13-17, Obeyed God’s law

12/13    Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:2-16, Gave counsel

12/14    Christ in the temple, Luke 2:42-49, Taught when twelve years old

12/15    The Lord’s prayer, Matthew 6:9-13, Taught proper way to pray

12/16    Parable of the Sower, Luke 8:5-16,Taught with stories

12/17    Parable of the Lost Sheep, Luke 15:4-7, Helped sinners

12/18    Story of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:29-36, Was kind

12/19    Promised the Comforter, John 14:26-27, Promised the Holy Ghost

12/20    Fishes and loaves shared, Matthew 14:15-21, Performed miracles

12/21    Story of Lazarus, John 11:40-44, Raised the dead

12/22    Mary’s visitation, Luke 1:26-33, Is the Son of the Highest

12/23    Christ’s Birth, Luke 2:1-11, Fulfilled prophesy

12/24    Shepherds visited & Wisemen brought gifts,  Matthew 2:9-13 & Luke 2:12-16, Was worshipped as Savior