O Antiphon Boxes

These are quite popular this year, but O, so neat. :)

Advent is a preparation time, but over the course of four weeks, we might lose some momentum. That is why the last nine days of celebrating the "O" Antiphons is so appealing. Another homeschoolin' Catholic mama that I admire showed me this idea. Of course I made it in my own style, primarily from materials we had around the house. In total, I did pay five dollars at the Dollar Store for boxes, and two bucks for a crown charm. The rest was *free*.

The idea is to celebrate some of the names of Jesus as his birth approaches. Each box contains a booklet with a name (for example Emmanuel, or Key of David) and a little item that expresses the name. Having that item to hold and look at can seal the idea of Jesus' many names for young people and old!

Here are the boxes on a shelf, waiting to be opened starting Deember 17th.
And here are all the items placed on the shelf for your perusal. Of course we will actually open them one per day, and each will have a booklet with it to teach us the name.
Close ups:
Day One - O Wisdom expressed in the wise writings of the Torah.
Day Two - O Lord and Ruler expressed in the rule of God's Commandments.
Day Three - O Root of Jesse expressed in a felt embroidery of a flowering root and stem.

Day Four - O Key of David expressed in an intriguing key with small crucifix.
Day Five - O Rising Dawn expressed in a clear, silver bell with a medal of the Trinity.
Day Six - O King of the Nations expressed in the crown, sword and scepter of the King.
Yes, you have good eyes. I accidently reversed days five and six. :)
Day Seven - O Emmanuel (or O God Is With Us) expressed in the body and blood of Christ.
Day Eight - Christmas Eve expressed in the Paschal Lamb of God who forgives all sin.
Day Nine - Christmas Day! Obviously, the Christ Child in a manger!

And this is what each will look like upon opening: The box with a label on the top ( this one is O Lord and Ruler), with the item itelf (the Ten Commandments) and a four page booklet with the date, name in English and Latin, a picture, and a short antiphonal prayer for this day's name.

This has been so fun to make. We will use it year after year. I am grateful that I have friends who share ideas and help inspire each other. :D