For Children and Their Parents; Advent - A Season of Anticipation

Advent is a time for waiting - a time of watching - a time to hope.
It might seem strange at first that we designate Advent as the time that we begin our liturgical year - and the lessons at the start of Advent talk about things of the end. That is because Advent is not only a time to remember Christ's first coming as Christmas, but also a time to look forward to Christ's second coming at the end of the world.
During the four weeks of Advent, we take time to reflect on:

how Jesus was the Messiah promised by God to God's people and was foretold by the prophets
how the coming of the Messiah came to pass in the birth of Jesus, born of Mary in Bethlehem
how Christ, the Prince of Peace, will come at the end of time to be the ruler over the promised reign of God.
how we live out this mystery of faith each time we pray, "Your kingdom come, you will be done."

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot gather as a group until conditions are safe from the real possiblity of community spread. As we enter the holiday season, we are given the opportunity to give thanks to God and our express hopes for the future by making TIME to grow more deeply in our faith.

Scroll down this page to the current Sunday to find resources and suggestions for each week. Since you know your family's needs better than anyone, you will be able to use these resources and suggestions in ways uniquely appropriate to your family.

Click on the link for the appropriate Sunday

A Special Family Activity - The Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath, or Advent crown, is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar. It is traditionally a Lutheran practice, although it has spread to many other Christian denominations. Even though we often see the Advent wreath in church, it is meant primarily to be a home devotion. You may want to watch the brief video below (First Sunday in Advent) as Brother Francis explains the Advent Wreath.
The Advent wreath is an evergreen wreath with four candles, sometimes with a fifth, white candle in the center. Beginning with the First Sunday of Advent, the lighting of a candle can be accompanied by a Bible reading, devotional time and prayers. An additional candle is lit on each subsequent Sunday until, by the last Sunday of Advent, all four candles are lit. Some Advent wreaths include a fifth, Christ candle which is lit at Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Each candle has a meaning:

HOPE: On the First Sunday in Advent, we light the first purple candle to celebrate HOPE. This is also called the “Prophet’s Candle,” and it represents the hope we have because Jesus is coming.
FAITH: The Second Sunday in Advent is marked with the second purple candle, which symbolizes FAITH. This is also called the “Bethlehem Candle,” and with it we remember Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.
JOY: On the Third Sunday in Advent, we light the pink candle, which represents JOY. This is also called the “Shepherd’s Candle,” and we are reminded of the joy the world experienced when Jesus was born in human flesh.
PEACE: On the Fourth Sunday in Advent, we light the final purple candle as we celebrate PEACE. This is called the “Angel’s Candle,” and it reminds us of the message the angels sang: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men!”
PURITY: If your Advent wreath includes a Christ candle, you light it on Christmas Day. This candle is usually white to symbolize purity.

To make an advent wreath at home, you can explore the internet for many different options, some simple, some more complex. Choose whatever works best in your family as something you can all do together! For the weekly celebration, you can download files with readings and prayers for use with your family below. Choose the one that works best for your family. Here is one sample: Click Here

prayers_for_advent_wreath_family_devotions_-_1.pdf
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Download File

prayers_for_advent_wreath_family_devotions_-_2.pdf
File Size:	152 kb
File Type:	pdf

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The First Sunday in Advent - NOVEMBER 27

Today is the first Sunday of Advent, which is also the first Sunday of a new liturgical year for the Church. The Advent season includes the four Sundays that precede Christmas. It is a time of preparation for the coming of the Lord. In this season, we recall two central elements of our faith: the final coming of the Lord in glory and the incarnation of the Lord in the birth of Jesus. Key themes of the Advent season are watchful waiting, preparation, and justice.
In this new liturgical year, the Gospel of Matthew will be the primary Gospel proclaimed (Lectionary Cycle A). In today's Gospel, we hear Jesus speak about the need for wakefulness, for watchful waiting, for the coming of the Son of Man.

The passage from Matthew we read today is rather straightforward. No one knows the precise time of the coming of the Lord in glory, so watchful waiting and vigilance are required. The passage speaks to the uselessness of looking for signs; there will be none. As a thief sneaks in during the night, so will the Lord's coming in glory be.
The question for us as members of the Christian community, then, is how do we prepare for this? Today's passage speaks more about the manner of waiting, rather than the details of the preparation. Jesus compares the vigilance required of Christians to the vigilance of a homeowner who knows the plans of the thief. If one knows that the thief's action is imminent, one remains watchful. As Christians, we know that our Lord is coming even if we cannot know the precise timing. Jesus calls us to be watchful and vigilant, like the homeowner. If we become lax in our Christian living, we may be caught unprepared.

REAdings for this sunday

The readings appointed for The First Sunday in Advent are: (Click on the link for the text of each reading from this Sunday.)

First Reading

Isaiah 2:1-5
Isaiah describes his vision in which all nations are gathered together by God in peace.

Second Reading

Romans 13:11-14
Be prepared, salvation is near.

Gospel Reading

Matthew 24:37-44
Jesus tells his disciples that the coming of the Son of Man will catch many people unprepared. Jesus tells his disciples that they are to always be ready for the day of the Lord.

Resource corner

"Brother Francis" introduces children to the ideas of Advent in this brief video (4 min.). He includes Advent as a time of expectation and waiting and the Advent wreath.

During the season of Advent, we celebrate the coming of Christ. We think back to His birth in Bethlehem, but we also look forward to His Second Coming one day.

Children understand the concept of waiting for a much-anticipated event, and they can certainly relate to the idea of being prepared…but they might not quite associate those things with Christmas or the coming of Jesus. This message aims to remind kids that Advent is not only about the initial coming found in the Incarnation, but also has to do with our awaiting the eventual return of Christ.
We know that Jesus came to Earth, lived, and died, to take our sins away and grant us eternal life in Him. Because of that, we rejoice in the Advent of His birth, and eagerly anticipate His second coming.

Facebook discussion group
Also available for parents is a special Facebook Group where parents can support one another, ask questions, offer advice, share ideas and insights as we work together to strengthen the faith of our children. For permission to participate in this discussion forum, please contact Mother Mary at youth@stlukeslebanon.org

Activity Corner

Family Activity

Many of us feel the pressure early in the holiday season to be ready for Christmas. But today's Gospel challenges us to be ready for something other than the gift-giving of Christmas.
Read together today's Gospel reading. As a family, talk about what it means to be ready for the day of the Lord. One of the roles of the family, the domestic church, is to be a school of faith leading one another to salvation. Reflect together as a family on how your family helps one another to be better Christians. Commit to one thing that your family will do this Advent season to help one another be better Christians. You might choose to write this commitment down and post it in a prominent place in your home, perhaps near your family's Advent wreath.

Pray together that God will help you in this Advent commitment. Pray together the Lord's Prayer or today's Psalm.

Grades 1, 2, and 3

Younger children understand that some events require preparation. Discussing situations that we might have to prepare for can help children understand Jesus’ command that we prepare for the day of his return.
Materials Needed

none

Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings

Say: Let’s talk about different ways we might prepare, or get ready, for something. Ask children: How would you prepare if you knew if was going to rain later in the day? (Bring a raincoat and umbrella, wear waterproof shoes, plan indoor activities) How would you prepare if you were going to a sleepover? (Pack pajamas and a toothbrush and clothes for the next day) How would you prepare if you were going to the [beach or park]? (Accept responsible responses.)
Say: When we know something important is going to happen, we prepare for it. Today is the first day of Advent, the season in which we prepare our hearts and homes to celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas. We also prepare for something else—the day of the Lord, when Jesus will return in glory.
Read aloud today’s Gospel Matthew 24:37–44.
Ask: Does Jesus say we will know when he will come again? (No.) Say: Even though we do not know when Jesus will return, he tells us that we are to be prepared. We prepare for the day of the Lord by being good Christians everyday. We pray. We follow the Ten Commandment,s and we live as Jesus has taught us to live. Ask: What is something you do each day to be prepared for the day of the Lord? (Accept reasonable responses.)
Close by praying together the Lord’s Prayer.

Grades 4, 5, and 6

There are things that we prepare for because they might happen. We install a smoke detector, for example, to warn us about a possible fire. There are other things we prepare for because we know that they will happen, such as studying for a test. Jesus says that our waiting and preparation for the Lord's coming is more like the latter: we know that the Lord will come, even if we cannot know the precise time.
Materials Needed

Copies of a small pop quiz as suggested below

Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings

Greet the group by telling them that there will be a pop quiz today. Distribute five questions, such as the following, which the group might have been able to answer if they had known to prepare ahead of time: What is the name of the last book in our Bible? (Book of Revelation); What is the name that is sometimes given to the Third Sunday of Advent? (Gaudete Sunday) Which pope convened the Second Vatican Council? (Pope John XXIII) Who received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai? (Moses) What Holy Day of Obligation is celebrated on August 15? (The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
Reflect together on this experience. Ask the group: What would you have done differently if you had known ahead of time that we would have a quiz today and that these questions were to be asked? (Perhaps they would have researched and studied the answers; accept all reasonable answers.) What might you have done if you knew that one day we would have this quiz, but did not know when it would be? (Perhaps they would have reviewed the information regularly; accept all reasonable answers.)
Ask a volunteer to read today's Gospel.
Ask the group: Does Jesus tell us when the day of the Lord will be? (No) Can we know when this will be? (No) What does Jesus say we should do? (Be prepared, like the homeowner who knows the thief's plans.) Say: We prepare ourselves for the day of the Lord by our prayer and our faithfulness to the commandments and Jesus' teaching.
Pray together that we will stay vigilant and prepared for the day of the Lord. Pray today's Psalm or pray the Lord's Prayer.

The Second Sunday in Advent - December 4

In this week's Gospel Reading and next week's, our Advent preparation for Christmas invites us to consider John the Baptist and his relationship to Jesus. In this week's Gospel, Matthew describes the work and preaching of John the Baptist.
John the Baptist appears in the tradition of the great prophets of Israel, preaching repentance and reform to the people of Israel. In fact, the description of John found in this reading is reminiscent of the description of the prophet Elijah (2 Kings 1:8). In this reading, John directs a particularly pointed call to repentance to the Pharisees and Sadducees, parties within the Jewish community of the first century.
John's preaching of the coming of the Lord is a key theme of the Advent season. As John's message prepared the way for Jesus in the first century, we, too, are called to prepare ourselves for Jesus' coming. We respond to John's message by our repentance and reform of our lives. We are also called to be prophets of Christ, who announce by our lives, as John did, the coming of the Lord.

Readings for this Sunday

The readings for The Second Sunday in Advent are:
(Click on the link for the text of each reading from this Sunday.)

Isaiah 11:1-10

A descendent of Jesse will usher in a time of peace.

Romans 15:4-13

Both Jews and Gentiles glorify God for the salvation found in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 3:1-12

John the Baptist appears in Judea preaching a message of repentance.

RESOURCE Corner

Jesus came to redeem us, and because of Him alone we have life and hope. We want our lives to reflect that joyful understanding, and to share it with others around us.

Kids are by nature somewhat self-centered. When doing activities or making goals, it’s easy for them to desire credit and limelight. This message reminds them that our purpose ought to be pointing others to Christ first and foremost. As John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus and pointed to Him, we want everything we do to reflect the love of God and give glory to Him.

Have you heard the real story of Sant Claus? Well, his real name was Nicholas, and he lived a long time ago in a place called Asia Minor, which is part of Turkey now. A long long time ago, during third century AD, there lived a devout couple Theophanes and Nonna. They had been without a child for more than thirty years, and after years of prayers, they had been blessed with a son.

Nicholas was a very clever child, and by the time he was five years old, he had started studying the Bible.As a young boy, Nicholas loved to visit the nearby monastery, where his uncle was the abbot. It was here that Nicholas began his life long dedication to the church, as he joined in the daily worship, chanting prayers together with monks. Nicholas learned to love and serve God from his parents, as well as the monks. Nicholas learned scriptures and theology as well from the monks.

Activity Corner

Family Activity

We do many things to get ourselves ready for our celebration of Christmas: purchase gifts, prepare Christmas cards, decorate our homes. John's call of repentance in preparation for Jesus reminds us that our repentance is another way in which we can prepare for the Lord's coming and our celebration of Christmas. Parish communities often offer a communal celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Advent season. Your family might choose to participate in the communal celebration of the sacrament, or you might seek out the sacrament on an individual basis.
Read together today's Gospel. Talk about how John reminds the people that they prepare for the reign of God by reforming their lives. As a family, prepare a simple reconciliation service in preparation for Christmas such as the following: Gather in a prayerful space, perhaps around your family Advent wreath.

Read again today's Gospel: Matthew 3:1-3. Invite each family member to pray silently, asking God to forgive their sins.

Pray together The Confession of Sin from the Book of Common Prayer. Then celebrate God's forgiveness by sharing a Sign of Peace with each other.

A Confession of Sin
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Grades 1, 2, and 3

Younger children may be familiar with some ways we prepare our homes for Jesus’ birth, such as by putting out Advent wreaths and calendars or hanging Christmas decorations. Explain to children that during the Advent season, we also prepare our hearts and minds to welcome Jesus.
Materials Needed

one paper Advent wreath per child cut (use an online template or draw an inner and outer circle and four candles); red, green, pink, and purple crayons

Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings

Distribute the Advent wreaths and crayons. Say: During Advent, we prepare our homes to celebrate the birth of Jesus. We might put out an Advent wreath like this one. Color the wreath green and red. Each wreath has one pink candle and three purple candles. There is one candle for each Sunday in Advent. Ask: What are some other ways you prepare your homes to celebrate Jesus’ birth? (Accept all reasonable responses.)
Give children time to color. Then say: During Advent, we also prepare our hearts and minds for Jesus’ coming. Many years ago, John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus. Let’s listen to what John the Baptist said about how we are to prepare.
Read aloud Matthew 3:1–12.
Say: John the Baptist tells us that we prepare the way of the Lord when we repent, or turn away from sin and back toward God. We can reflect on any poor choices we have made and ask God for forgiveness. We change our behavior by making good moral choices. In this way, we prepare our minds and hearts to welcome Jesus at Christmas.
Invite children to take home their Advent wreaths.
Close by praying that you will ready your hearts, minds, and homes to welcome Jesus.

Grades 4, 5, and 6

By the second week of Advent, many young people (and adults) have already jumped ahead to the celebration of Christmas. But, when we do this, we miss the important steps of preparation for the Lord's coming. The preaching of John found in today's Gospel Reading reminds us that one way in which we prepare for Jesus' coming is by our repentance from sin.
Materials Needed

Paper and writing materials for crafting Advent messages

Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings

Ask the group: What are some of the messages we hear in our culture in the time period between Thanksgiving and Christmas? (The group will identify messages such as “Shop early,” “Save money,” and so on.)
Say: In today's Gospel, we hear the message that John the Baptist proclaimed in preparation for Jesus' coming. Let's listen to that message.
Invite volunteers to read today's Gospel as follows: the first volunteer, read Matthew 3:1-3; second volunteer, read Matthew 3:4-6; third volunteer, read Matthew 3:7-12.
Ask the group: What is John the Baptist's message? (“Reform your lives!” “Prepare the way of the Lord.” “The reign of God is at hand.”) Is this a message we need to hear today? Why or why not? (Accept all reasonable answers.)
In small groups, construct some Advent messages for today that might be more aligned to John the Baptist's message. Share these with the whole group.
Pray together that we will reform our lives and prepare the way of the Lord in our world by praying today's Psalm or the Lord's Prayer.

The Third sunday in Advent - December 11

The third Sunday of Advent is also called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is a Latin word that means “rejoice.” This name is taken from the ancient entrance antiphon for Sunday's Eucharist, which is also echoed in today's second reading from the Paul's letter to the Philippians. Some people mark this Sunday by lighting a pink candle instead of a purple one on their Advent wreath. It is a reminder that the Advent season is a season of joy because our salvation is already at hand.

Readings for this Sunday

The readings for The Third Sunday in Advent are:
(Click here for the text of this Sunday's readings.)

Isaiah 35:1-6,10

In the day of the Lord, all sorrow and mourning will cease.

Psalm 146:6-7,8-9,9-10

The Lord will save his people.

James 5:7-10

Be patient, and be ready; the coming of the Lord is near.

Matthew 11:2-11

Jesus tells John the Baptist of the signs of the kingdom that are being worked through him and praises John as more than a prophet.

Resource Corner

How do we know that something is true? How can we be certain of our faith or verify things we hear? In the world of scientific predictions or human promises, we want to see evidence that things come true. If we look at our faith, we want something to assure us that we are trusting in what is true, too. This message seeks to remind children that our trust in God is reliable and strong, because He keeps His promises. Jesus is the proof that God’s covenants are fulfilled and we have hope for our present and future!

God had two jobs for John the Baptist: one was to get people ready to hear the good news of Jesus; and, the second was to identify Jesus when he arrived. Here is an animated telling of the story and a portion that sets the context.

Activity Corner

Family Activity
The theme of the season of Advent is sometimes described as a period of waiting for the birth of Jesus. However, today's Gospel reading suggests something different. John the Baptist did not tell the crowds to wait for the Messiah. He told them to prepare for the Messiah through acts of repentance.

If Advent is a time of waiting, it is not the sitting in the doctor's office kind of waiting. It is a busy time of preparation, more like the waiting we might do when preparing for dinner guests. Our challenge is to not make this season a frenzied time, but rather a time of joyful anticipation and making ready for God who comes to dwell among us and changes our lives with the gift of salvation.
As you gather as a family

Talk about the preparations your family is making during the season of Advent.
Reflect together on these activities, not only on what you are doing but why you are choosing to do these things.
Read together today's Gospel, Luke 3:10-18.
Consider how Advent is a time for making ourselves ready to receive Jesus in our lives.
Discuss how your family could make some changes in your Advent activities so that each person is well prepared to celebrate the gift of salvation at Christmas?

Conclude in prayer together that your family will be able to live the spirit of Advent.

Sing together an Advent song, such as “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” or pray together today's second reading, Philippians 4:4-7, as you light the third candle on your Advent wreath.

Grades 1, 2, and 3Teach younger children that as Christians, we rejoice because Jesus has saved us from sin and offers us eternal life in heaven with God.
Materials Needed

Advent wreath with battery-powered candles (optional)

Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings

If you have an Advent wreath, light two violet candles and one rose candle. Say: Today is the Third Sunday of Advent. This Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means “rejoice.” Ask: Does anyone know what rejoice means? (to be joyous, happy, delighted) When are some times when we might rejoice? (Accept reasonable responses, such as when we hear good news.)
Say: In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist asks Jesus a question. Jesus’ response tells us why we, as his followers, can rejoice.
Read aloud today’s Gospel, Matthew 11:2–11.
Ask: What question do John the Baptist’s messengers ask Jesus? (Are you the one who is to come [the Messiah]?) Say: Jesus answers the question by naming some of the wonderful things he has been doing, which are signs of God’s salvation. We rejoice in knowing that Jesus is the Messiah. He saves us from our sins and gives us eternal life in heaven with him. We can share our joy with others by being helpful and kind to others, just as Jesus was.
Pray together:
God, we rejoice and thank you for salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ. We pray that all people will know the joy of salvation through Jesus. We pray that you will watch over all who are suffering.

Grades 4, 5, and 6

When John the Baptist sends his messengers to ask Jesus if he was the Messiah, Jesus responds by naming some of the signs of the kingdom that have been observed in Jesus' ministry. Today is our Advent Sunday for rejoicing. We rejoice when we can find signs of God's work in our world.
Materials Needed

Various newspapers or news magazines

Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings

Say to the group: Today is the Third Sunday of Advent. This Sunday is traditionally called “Gaudete Sunday.” Gaudete is the Latin word that means “Rejoice!” We call today “Gaudete Sunday” because one of the prayers for today's Mass, taken from Paul's Letter to Philippians, is this: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.”
Say: Let us listen to today's Gospel and hear if we can identify what is the cause for our rejoicing. Invite two volunteers to read today's Gospel. The first should read Matthew 11:2-6; the second should read Matthew 11:7-11.
Ask the group: What do you think might be a reason for our rejoicing today? (We rejoice because, in the activities that Jesus reports to John's messengers, we find God at work in the world.) Say: If we look carefully enough, we can still find signs that God is at work in our world today.
Divide into small groups of two or three children and distribute among the groups the newspapers or news magazines that you brought for this session. Ask each group to look through these papers and magazines to find signs that God is at work in our world, signs such as those that Jesus indicated to John the Baptist. Invite the groups to share one or two stories that they have found.
Pray together in thanksgiving that God is at work in our world by praying today's Psalm.

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The Fourth Sunday in Advent - December 18

Finally, on this the Fourth Sunday of Advent, our Gospel Reading permits us to begin our contemplation of the mystery of the Incarnation we celebrate at Christmas: “Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about” (Matthew 1:18).

Readings for this Sunday

The readings for The Fourth Sunday in Advent are:
(Click here for the text of the readings from this Sunday.)

Isaiah 7:10-14

Ahaz proclaims the sign that the Lord will give: a virgin shall give birth to a son, Emmanuel.

Psalm 24:1-2,3-4,5-6

The Lord is the King of Glory who established the earth.

Romans 1:1-7

Paul greets the community at Rome and declares himself a servant of Christ Jesus.

Matthew 1:18-24

An angel appears to Joseph, directing him to take Mary as his wife and telling him that the child she will bear will be called Emmanuel.

Resource Corner

This children's message will help you teach about the Birth of Jesus from Matthew 1:18-25. Download the printable sermon below and then watch the demonstration video as you prepare your Christmas object lesson.

Grades 4, 5, and 6Joseph trusted God's message to him and accepted the responsibility of caring for Mary and the child she would bear, Jesus. In Joseph, we find a model of faithful service to God.
Materials Needed

None

Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings

Say to the group: There are many ways in which we are called to trust other people, and we hope that we will grow to be people who are worthy of trust. What activities in your life require that you trust other people? (Help the group think of examples such as trusting parents to care for them, trusting that their rides to activities will arrive on time, trusting teachers to teach them well, and so on.)
Say: In today's Gospel Reading, we hear the story of how God sends a message to Joseph in a dream and asks Joseph to trust in God's plan. Let's listen to this Gospel. Invite a volunteer to read Matthew 1:18-24.
Ask the group: Do you think it was easy for Joseph to trust God and God's messenger? Why or why not? In what ways are we called to trust God in our lives today? Is this an easy or difficult thing for you? Why?
Say: Joseph is a model for us of what it means to trust God. Let us pray as we celebrate Christmas this week that we will always be people who trust God.
Pray together today's Psalm, or sing an Advent song, such as “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”

activity Corner

Family Activity

Joseph and Mary are our models for family life and for service of God. Even when the circumstances seemed unclear, Joseph trusted God. Healthy family life is built upon trust, trust in God and trust of one another.
Spend some time talking as a family about the importance of trust in your family life, including the ways in which the children trust the adults in the family as well as the ways in which the adults trust the children. Then read today's Gospel. Talk about Joseph's trust of God and reflect together on how your family trusts in God.
Pray together that your family life will be built on trust, as was the family life of Joseph and Mary. Pray and sing together an Advent song, such as “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”

Grades 1, 2, and 3
Younger children are learning where to place their trust. Joseph is a model for us in trusting God.
Materials Needed

None

Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings

Invite children to name someone they trust and discuss why they trust this person. Say: We trust people whom we know care about us. We trust them to tell us the truth and to look out for us.
Say: In today’s Gospel, we’ll learn about Joseph’s trust in God. Ask: Who is Joseph? (Jesus’ foster father)
Read aloud today’s Gospel, Matthew 1:18–24.
Say: The angel of God tells Joseph that Mary will have God’s Son and name him Jesus, which means “God saves.” The angel says Jesus will save people from their sins. Ask: When Joseph wakes up from his dream, does he do what the angel of the Lord has commanded him? (Yes. He takes Mary into his home. He names her son Jesus.)
Say: Joseph trusted God. We too can trust in God. He cares for each of us and is always with us.
Conclude by praying: God, we put our trust in you now and always.