ADVENT
Five Activities
Jesse Tree: The Jesse Tree traces the roots of Jesus’ people from creation to his birth. This symbol comes to us from the Book of Isaiah (11:1). The tree we constructed uses 28 symbols taken from scripture for his purpose. Other symbols could also be used.
Advent Wreath: The Advent wreath symbolizes our time of waiting, our time of hoping. It helps us mark our days until Christmas. The Advent wreath ceremony provides you with an opportunity to pass on tradition, to share Scripture and prayer, and to help children understand that Christ is at the center of our days of waiting.
Crèche: The word, crèche, comes from the Old French crèche meaning manger. Crib comes from the Old High German krippa meaning manger. Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first live nativity scene in Greccio, Italy, in 1223. Live animals and children were a part of the scene. Since then, the custom of displaying a crèche during the Advent and Christmas seasons has become a treasured tradition for families the world over. The Crèche, without the infant Jesus, should be set up at the beginning of Advent. Jesus should be placed in the manger on Christmas. The Three Kings should be added at the Epiphany. The Christmas season does not end until the Epiphany.
Advent Calendar: Advent calendars are a
special way for parents and grandparents to explain the Bible stories that lead
to the birth of Jesus. Beginning on December1, each child opens door number 1
revealing a beautiful color picture and a meaningful quote from Scripture. On
each succeeding day, until the last door is opened on Christmas Eve, your child
or grandchild will open one door. What better way for children to learn the true
meaning of Christmas.
PRESENTATION
Speaker 1: I would like to play a Christmas carol for you. (Play the song #12)
Speaker 2: (addressing Speaker 1) What does this song have to do with our faith?
Speaker 3: I think I know. A long time ago, Catholics in England couldn’t practice their faith openly. Some priests wrote this carol as a catechism song, a way to teach Catholic children about their faith without the government authorities knowing about it. Each part of the carol has a code word for a religious reality, which the children could remember. I have some friends who know what each day represents.
(Split these days among the other group members to read).
On the first day of Christmas, the partridge in the pear tree in Jesus Christ on the Cross.
On the second day of Christmas, the two turtledoves recall the Old and New Testaments.
On the third day of Christmas, the three French hens remind us of the three theological virtues, faith, hope, and charity.
On the fourth day of Christmas, the four calling birds represent the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
On the fifth day of Christmas, the five golden rings recall the first five books of the Bible, the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Numbers)
On the sixth day of Christmas, the six geese a laying represent the six days of creation or the six precepts of the Church.
On the seventh day of Christmas, the seven swans a swimming represent the seven sacraments and the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
On the eighth day of Christmas, the eight maids a milking remind us of the eight Beatitudes.
On the ninth day of Christmas, the nine ladies dancing refer to the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control).
On the tenth day of Christmas, the ten lords a leaping refer to the ten commandments.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, the eleven pipers piping remind us of the eleven faithful apostles.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, the twelve drummers drumming refer to the twelve points of faith found in the Apostles Creed.
Speaker 1: And now I would like to play the Twelve Day of Christmas for you once again.