Grace, Grow & Edify is dedicated to recommending quality resources to benefit homeschooling families. This blog contains and is monetized through sponsored posts and affiliate links. Please see our full disclosure policy for detailed information.
As the Christmas season approaches, I’m always looking for ways to help my family stay focused on the true reason we celebrate: the birth of Jesus. Advent is such a special time for reflection, and this year, we’ve added Sonlight’s Bartholomew’s Passage Advent Unit Study to our tradition. It’s the third installment in Arnold Ytreeide’s Advent series, and it has been a beautiful, Christ-centered experience for our whole family.
A Family Tradition with No Prep Required
If you’re a busy homeschooling parent like me, you’ll love how effortless this unit study is to use. Everything you need comes in the kit, which means no running around to find materials or extra prep work. You simply open the box, and you’re ready to go. Its simplicity allows us to spend less time planning and more time enjoying Advent together as a family, which is exactly what I need during this busy time of year.
Captivating Storytelling for All Ages
We have been a fan of Sonlight’s Literature-based approach for a while now, so I knew that their Advent Unit Study would be also be quality experience. We had used Sonlight’s Lent Unit Study earlier this year and I was really impressed with it, and that led us to trying Sonlight this year for Bible, History, and Reading too. Our family has enjoyed everything we have tried from Sonlight so far!
At the heart of the unit study is the book Bartholomew’s Passage by Arnold Ytreeide. It follows the journey of young Bartholomew, who we first met in the earlier book, Jotham’s Journey. His story of trials, faith, and discovery during the time of Jesus’ birth is told through daily readings. My kids eagerly look forward to each day’s reading to find out what happens next to Bartholomew, and I love how the story draws them in while weaving in biblical truths.
In addition to reading Bartholomew’s Passage and the scripture readings, the unit study also incorporates reading A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens to add to the holiday excitement. This is our first year reading this classic together as a family.
Perfect for the Whole Family
While this unit study is recommended for ages 7-13, it’s perfect for the entire family. The daily readings are engaging enough for older children, and the activities are simple enough that younger ones can easily join in. It’s such a joy to watch my family sit together and experience the Advent season through this story. The flexibility of Sonlight’s Advent Unit Study makes it easy to tailor to different learning styles and ages so no one feels left out.
Thoughtfully Designed Advent Activities
In addition to the story, the unit study includes hands-on activities that help bring the themes of Advent to life. From simple projects to meaningful discussions, everything is designed to keep your family focused on preparing for the coming of Jesus. I love that there are also suggested scripture readings that correspond with each day’s lesson, allowing us to tie everything back to our faith and the true meaning of Christmas.
Some of the other Advent activities to look forward to include:
- Advent tags/calendar
- Making various ornaments
- Baking gingerbread
- Making pomanders
- Beaded icicles
- Baking overnight cinnamon biscuits
- and more!
Why We Love Sonlight’s Bartholomew’s Passage Unit Study
- All-Inclusive Kit: No need to scramble for materials or plan ahead—it’s all in the box!
- Engaging for All Ages: The daily readings and activities are perfect for multi-age families, keeping everyone involved.
- Christ-Centered Focus: Keeps our family grounded in the true reason for the season, with scripture and devotionals at its core.
- No Prep Work: Open-and-go format that makes it easy for busy families to incorporate into their routine.
These are just a few reasons why we are loving this Advent unit study, and if you are new to Sonlight, you may want to see why it’s such a great fit for homeschool families.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to bring your family together and focus on why we celebrate Christmas, I highly recommend Sonlight’s Bartholomew’s Passage Advent Unit Study. It has quickly become a beloved part of our Advent season, and I’m so grateful for the memories it’s helping us create together.
Wishing you and your family a blessed and peaceful Advent season!
