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Throughout the readings for this Second Sunday of Advent, we hear the voices of Isaiah, Paul, and John the Baptist urging us to “prepare the way,” so we may “be found without spot or blemish” at the coming of our Lord. The theme of joyful anticipation and preparation during Advent continues in the Responsorial Psalm, in which we pray, “Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”
This Advent, the Church invites us to thankfully acknowledge what God has done for us in the past, so we can fully experience the joyful anticipation that this liturgical season is all about. We prepare to celebrate Jesus’ first coming this Christmas and prepare for his return in glory at the end of time.
Let us be attentive to the voices of those who help us prepare our hearts for the Lord. Help us to hear and respond to the cries of our brothers and sisters who need our encouragement during this time. Amen.
Every week in the GROW newsletter, you will find helpful tips for teaching your Gospel Weeklies lesson, a reflection on the Sunday Gospel, and information about our online resources and seasonal activities. Here are tips for teaching the Gospel Weeklies lessons this week:
Videos of Sunday’s Gospel
Use these videos as you discuss today’s Gospel. Please preview all videos you plan to share with your class:
Gospel Reading and Reflection for Kids
Sunday Gospel Cartoon Reading and Lesson
Wild Stories About Jesus – Mark 1:1–8
Advent Videos
A Journey Through Advent with Miss Heidi and John Burland
Liturgical Calendar: Saints & Seasons with Shannon
Advent in 2 Minutes
What Is an Advent Wreath?
Find the Perfect Gift
Videos About Saint Nicholas (12/ 6)
St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas Day
Videos About Saint Juan Diego (12/10) and Our Lady of Guadalupe (12/12)
St. Juan Diego
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Our Spiritual Home with Cardinal Timothy Dolan – Our Lady of Guadalupe
Seeds
Lesson Theme: Someone powerful and good is coming.
For this lesson, you will need pencils, crayons, an Advent wreath, copies of the story coloring page (one per child), and a Church Year calendar. Remember to bring out the Advent candle from the 12/3 lesson so you can refer to it during your opening prayer.
In this lesson, Seeds will recognize the importance of giving gifts as a sign of love for others. Emphasize that the best gift we can give is the gift of joy and happiness. Encourage the children to share the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe with their families.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Parent/Grandparent Assistance for Home Study
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Word of the Week
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Gospel Reflection and Saint of the Week with Miss Heidi
Bible Bag: Kid-Sized Lessons on the Sunday Gospel with Mrs. Cole
St. Juan Diego
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Promise
Lesson Theme: We grow as Jesus’ followers.
For this lesson, you will need pencils, scissors, your Advent Calendar from the 12/3 lesson, an Advent wreath, and a Church Year calendar. We suggest that you separate pages 1–2 in the children’s lesson from pages 3–4 in advance.
This lesson includes a focus on sin, explaining it as disobeying God and freely choosing to do what we know is wrong. While the children’s celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance is likely a year or more away, it is good to help them to recognize and acknowledge behaviors that may be sinful. You will be teaching them a way to pray to God for forgiveness.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Parent/Grandparent Assistance for Home Study
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Word of the Week
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Gospel Reflection and Saint of the Week with Miss Heidi
Bible Bag: Kid-Sized Lessons on the Sunday Gospel with Mrs. Cole
St. Juan Diego
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Good News
Lesson Theme: John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus.
For this lesson, gather an Advent wreath, a Church Year calendar, drawing paper, pencils, crayons, and your Advent calendar from the 12/3 lesson.
John the Baptist tells people to prepare for the Messiah and notes that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a helper and guide. The children will draw or write a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to help them: “Holy Spirit, help me to . . .” Offering prayer starters like this helps the children learn to pray in simple yet personal ways.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Parent/Grandparent Assistance for Home Study
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Video
What Is the Holy Trinity? | “Trinity Is a Mystery” Song
Venture
Lesson Theme: Jesus calls us to change.
This lesson is about making decisions and choosing paths. It includes foundational teaching about sin, specifically the difference between mortal and venial sins. Make sure to have Bibles available for when the children look up the Scripture passages on the cover.
Remind the children that Advent is a season of prayer and preparation. Model this by making sure that you leave ample, unrushed time for your gathering and closing prayer rituals.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Parent/Grandparent Assistance for Home Study
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
The Meaning of the Advent Wreath
10 Commandments for Kids (Venial & Mortal Definition)
Saint Jane Frances de Chantal
Visions
Lesson Theme: John the Baptist preaches repentance.
This lesson features a play. Don’t feel as though you need to create elaborate staging. Whether you have simple props or costumes, encourage the students to read their parts as if they are acting. This will make this story more engaging and memorable for everyone. Make sure you have Bibles for the students and make several copies of the Merry Christmas gift letter on page 7 in case the young people would like to write more letters for this activity.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Parent/Grandparent Assistance for Home Study
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
The Meaning of the Advent Wreath
The Human Condition You Can’t Escape (No Matter Where You Live)
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