Check out my new blog Ivory Bloom!
Lots of FREE printables, creative ideas and an art community.
For Christmas 2010 we gave our neighbors some fun gifts.
We used metal keys and attached a poem with them.
The Innkeeper’s Key
“Mary and Joseph had come to stay
But each lodging place turned them away.
At the last place they tried, still no room at all
Except for a simple hay-filled stall.
Thanks to one man’s kindness to those needy strangers
Jesus’ life began, safe in a lowly manger.
This innkeeper’s key is a symbol of
How a simple act fills the world with love.
Keep this key, and remember God’s love is the reason
We are filled with blessings each Christmas season.”*
But wait, is that enough –
Just keep the key to remember the reason for the season?
Rather, shouldn’t we keep the key – yes
Keep it where we might always be able to see -
For the sad, the lonely, the ill and bereaved
Have no certain season to show forth their need.
We have a key like the Innkeeper did.
Jesus gave each of us one when he said
Love one another as I have loved you.
Imagine keys being used all over the world
Opening the hearts of men like
Endless waves of clear water hitting against the shore
Till acts of love and service permeate the entire earth.
Why not turn your key and let him in.
Ione Mortensen *original text by Les Hollowed
On Christmas Eve you hang your key outside your front door.
It is a symbol that you are inviting the Savior into your home on Christmas Day.
It is a symbol that you are inviting the Savior into your home on Christmas Day.
You can download these JPEGs and make your own tags.
Another fun idea is to give fleece blankets with the quote "Fleece Navidad"
Download this JPEG to make your own fleece tags.
3 tags per 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper.
You might also like
Another Great Christmas Gift Idea
where did you get your keys/ ebay, etsy?
ReplyDeleteI did a search google search for "skeleton key" and then viewed the "shopping" results. I did the less expensive brass keys for the large group I did gifts for and then the nicer heavier keys for close friends and family. I just ordered online and had them delivered to my house. Hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteWhat font did you use for "Let Him In"?
ReplyDeleteLet and In are Trajan.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't find the font I used for "Him". I had already outlined it :)
But I'll post a sheet you can download and print.
That would be AWESOME! Thank you!
ReplyDeletePlease tell me what the page has on it with the ribbon winding around it? Is this available to download? Than you it's a wonderful idea!
ReplyDeleteThe page with the ribbon is the actual paper the poem was printed onto. The paper came in a pack of 50 sheets and I bought it at FedEx Kinkos. I'm not sure if they have any more :)
DeleteCan you please share the downloads for these great ideas?
DeleteI sure can :)
DeleteWhich items are you wanting?
Anna,
DeleteI love your ideas! Could you possibly share your download for "Fleece Navidad?"
: ) Diane
The InnKeeper's Key and the Let Him In handouts. Thank!!!
DeleteAnd Fleece Navidad - Love your ideas!
DeleteFleece Navidad tags are up and ready to be downloaded :)
DeleteThank you so much for sharing!
DeleteFor some reason when I click on the Let Him In tags and try and print, they get cut off on the sides. Do you by chance have a download for this or a word file?
ReplyDeleteMelanie,
DeleteI just uploaded a new file with a larger margin. See if that works better! The original file was done in InDesign :)
I would love to use your ideas for a lesson I am doing on Sunday do you have a download for the files...thanks so much
ReplyDeleteWhich files did you want?
DeleteIf you click on the photos the wait for the "album" to show-up, then right-click on the image you want, then click "save image as".
That will get you access to all the files. If that doesn't work, I can email them to you Just let me know which ones you need :)