First Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Tie-In: Sunday’s Readings: Isaiah, Psalm 80, 1 Corinthians, Mark

 

Reflection:

 

Ad te levavi animam meam

To you I have lifted my spirit

Deus meus in te confido

My God, in you I put my trust

Non erubescam

I shall not perish

Neque irrideant me inimici mei

Nor shall I be mocked my by enemies

Etenim universi qui te exspectant, non confundentur

For everyone who hopes in You shall not be put to shame

Vias tuas, domine, demonstra mihi

Lord, show me your ways

Et semitas tuas edoce me

And teach me your paths

Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit

Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper

As it was in the beginning , now, and forever

Et in secula seculorum. Amen

And for all generations. Amen

 

 

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.

 

Creche:  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 Creche, 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.

 

12 Days of Christmas: This Activity will uncover the true meaning of this popular song and present activities that can be used in homes during the twelve days from Christmas to the Epiphany.

            Saint: St. Bernadette

            Prayer: O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

 

Homework: Section 11: Jesus Christ, Our Redeemer, p. 69

 

  1. What do the names Jesus and Christ mean?

 

 

  1. Why did the Son of God take on a human nature?

 

 

  1. What does it mean when we affirm that Jesus Christ is true God and true man?

 

 

  1. What is the history of the passion and death of Jesus?

 

 

  1. Was it necessary for Jesus to suffer and die in order to redeem us?

 

 

  1. Why did Jesus submit to his suffering and death?

 

 

  1. How was Jesus put to death?

 

 

  1. What were the circumstances of Jesus’ burial?

 

 

 

·         Stations of the Cross

 

 

Immaculate Conception (Section 18, #3, p. 121)

 

  1. What do we mean by the Immaculate Conception?

 

 

 

 

Closing Prayer