I love singing Christmas carols—the kind that help us remember what Christmas is all about! I have nothing against Frosty, Rudolph, or jingling all the way, but there’s just something about those timeless carols jam-packed with deep theological truths to help us know who God is and who we are. One of these familiar songs is “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” This song in particular reminds us of how angels announced the good news of Jesus’ birth to a group of shepherds; how, through Jesus, we see and can know God and be reconciled to Him; how Jesus is worthy of all glory; how, just as Jesus was raised from the dead, so we too will one day rise and be with Him as He rules forever; and so on! This month, have fun with your family as you make Christmas carol ornaments displaying the lyrics to “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”

What You’ll Need for Christmas Carol Ornaments:

• 3 unfinished wood slices, each about 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ (can be purchased at most craft stores)
• printed lyrics of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” from http://bit.ly/HFDecCreate
• pen or pencil
• Mod Podge
• sponge or paintbrush
• drill
• ribbon

What You’ll Do to Make Christmas Carol Ornaments:

1. Download and print the lyrics to “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”
2. Lay a wood slice on top of each verse and trace around it.
3. Use the tracings to cut out the verses, and then trim a little extra off around the edge of each so each paper round is a bit smaller than the wood slice.
4. Use a sponge or paintbrush to paint a coat of Mod Podge on each wood slice.
5. Place a verse in the center of each wood slice and smooth it firmly to get out any bubbles or wrinkles.
6. Spread another layer of Mod Podge over the top of the verse—don’t worry, this will dry clear.
7. Allow the wood slices to dry completely.
8. Drill a small hole in the top of each slice.
9. String a ribbon through each hole and tie it into a bow. A fun idea is to measure the ribbon as tall as your child and then fold it and tie it through the ornament. You can save one each year to remember how little your children were!