December 2009

Preparing for Christmas

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, I took my two oldest boys to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. Although it was only the first Sunday of Advent, the crèche was up. The infant Jesus figure, however, was not in place yet.

While I was explaining to my kids that the manger was up so early because of the holiday tourists, a lady said out loud, “Why is Jesus missing?” Geoffrey, my five-year-old, said proudly, “Because it’s not Christmas yet.” I think the lady was rather embarrassed at having missed the obvious, but my son was very proud of himself for knowing this answer!

Take time and savor the Advent season. We hope that this month’s resources help you prepare for the birth of our Savior.  God bless.

Visit our OSV.com Advent section for lots of Advent and Christmas resources!

Email me at ddziena@osv.com to share your suggestions. You can also become a fan at our new page on Facebook!

Let us ask the saints to continue to show us the way to Jesus!

May God bless you!

Dave

This month on Teaching Catholic Kids

Activity One: (Grades K-5): Make a Jesse Tree»

Activity Two (Grade 6 and up): Have Yourself a Green Christmas»

Teacher Pattern: Advent Wheel Craft (PDF file)»

Special Christmas Activity (all ages): Christmas Gifts that Give Back»

Soul Food for Teachers: "Come, Lord Jesus" excerpt, by Abp. Timothy M. Dolan»

Catechist Know-How: From Mary Lou Rosien, "Preventing the flu in the classroom"»

Recommended for you!

Baobab Blast--2010 Catholic Vacation Bible School»

Christmas Joy (booklet) by Bishop Robert Baker, Michael Dubriel, and Amy Welborn»

Advent: Simple Ways to Prepare for the Birth of Jesus (pamphlet) by Julianne Will»

The 12 Days of Christmas: Celebrating the Season (pamphlet) by Julianne Will»

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Email Dave Dziena, TCK editor: ddziena@osv.com.

Advent Prayer

By Henri J.M. Nouwen

Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness,
send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
Amen.

from the Catholic Family Prayer Book, edited by Jacquelyn Lindsay