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Who takes Advent seriously anymore? We have to. We all have to. Advent is a rehearsal, a rehearsal for Jesus’ coming. He is coming. Maybe today for all of us. Definitely today for some of us.
Jesus is here. Jesus is coming. Jesus has come. God’s presence with us is a mind-blowing whirlwind, and the more we assist our charges to see, feel, hear, taste, smell His presence, the better they will be and become, the better our world will be, will become. Advent is for this: sensing Jesus, sensing Almighty God. Now, let’s get to it!
Visit OSV's online Advent section for lots more Advent information, recipes and activities by clicking here»
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Our Feature Article this month includes Scripture passages to illuminate the way Jesus is revealed to us»
Activity One an activity from OSV's Vacation Bible School program, Great Bible Reef, to help children discover the infinite qualities of God (PDF download)» Using the clipart from the downlad, expand each ocean critter, invite your kids to color them as they would appear in the ocean, and discuss what the abilities and physiologies of these creatures teach us about God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit… (Possible answers: God is creative! God is colorful! God is ingenious! God is complex! God is loving! God is mighty!)
Activity Two is from the Big Book of Ideas for Children Faith Formation to "reveal" Jesus to your students (PDF download)» Use the activity download to “reveal” who Jesus is for each child in your program or class. Use words from your study of our Feature Article. Brainstorm other words or symbols for this Advent season. If tea lights pose too big of a danger, use the battery-operated versions now offered in many craft stores.
Our Teacher Pattern is a free downloadable pattern to help children (and yourself!) see how Jesus is "the light of our lives"» Use the pattern to enable each of your students – and yourself! – to teach others how Jesus is a light in their lives. Create a lighthouse as directed. Instead of the recommended use, write down ways Jesus is a light: Jesus is a light to me when He helps me not be afraid of the dark; Jesus is a light to me when he helps me to understand a math problem.
Soul Food for Teachers is a meditation on "O come, O come, Emmanuel"»
Catechist's Know-How is "Keeping the Magic in Christmas," by Mary Lou Rosien»
Dear Lord, help us to realize that to walk in the “light of the Lord” means that we can see things as You see them. Share Your vision with us during Advent. Help us not only to see the world as you do, but to see the world as it can be. May our words and our actions please You. May we bring peace to our own small part of the world. Amen.
(Adapted from Kelley Renz’s God Listens to Our Children: Kids’ Prayers for Every Day of the Liturgical Year, 2006. Encourage your parents to order copies for their children.)
Our Sunday Visitor regrets the presence of several mistakes in this book’s third chapter. The corrected version of this Family Gathering may be downloaded by clicking here»
Email us with your ideas for new products. Comment on our products. Help us shape our future offerings. We want to learn from your experiences. Email your TCK editor, Kelley Renz: krenz@osv.com.
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Teaching Catholic Kids
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