Para la versión en español, haga clic aquí.
Christmas is finally or, depending on when you’re reading this, nearly here! Our Advent time of preparation and anticipation has come to an end, and Christmas Time has begun!
Christmas is such an important feast that we continue to celebrate it through the Baptism of the Lord (celebrated on January 9 in 2022). We realize that most schools and parish programs will take a break from classes from some of this time. Many will, however, be back in session before January 9. We encourage you to keep that Christmas spirit alive in your hearts all year, of course, but especially during the Church’s official Christmas season. We encourage you to greet others with “Merry Christmas!” or “Christmas Blessings!” beyond December 25 and through all of Christmas Time.
Within the Christmas season, the Church celebrates several feast days of note: 12/26 – The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph; 12/27 – Saint John; 12/28 – The Holy Innocents; 12/29 – Saint Thomas Becket; 12/31 – Saint Sylvester I; 1/1 – Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God; 1/1 – World Day of Peace; 1/2 – Epiphany of the Lord; 3 – Most Holy Name of Jesus; 4 – Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (USA); 5 – Saint John Neumann (USA); 6 – Saint André Bessette (USA); 7 – Saint Raymond of Peñafort; 7 – Saint André Bessette (CAN); and 9 – Baptism of the Lord.
Every week in the GROW newsletter, you will find helpful tips for teaching your Gospel Weeklies lesson, a reflection on the Sunday Gospel, and links to many online resources.
Videos of the Gospels (Luke 2:1–14 & Matthew 2:1–12)
Use these videos as you discuss the Gospels for these feasts. Please preview all videos you plan to share with your class:
Saturday, December 25 • The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
The Christmas Story for Kids (Lego Stop Motion)
The Christmas Story in Lego
The Story of Christmas (Jesus Is Born)
Living with Christ Christmas Eve
Vatican Inaugurates Exhibition of World’s Most Beautiful Christmas Mangers
Sunday, December 26 • The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
Holy Heroes
Gospel Readings for Kids
Saturday, January 1 • Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
Holy Heroes (Mary, Mother of God)
Gospel Readings for Kids
Mary, the Mother of God
Sunday, January 2 • The Epiphany of the Lord
Holy Heroes
Gospel Readings for Kids
The Story of Christmas (Jesus and the Wise Men)
Three Wise Men
The Story of the Three Wise Men
The Nativity Story: The Three Wise Men
Share this video with families about the importance of attending Mass, especially at Christmastime:
Seeds
Lesson Theme: We celebrate the coming of Jesus.
This lesson covers both Christmas and Epiphany, yet many schools and programs may not be meeting for class at this time. If that is your situation, please send home the Seeds lesson for December 25 & January 2 for the children to complete over the Christmas break with their families. You may also wish to send home copies of the Parent Teaching Pages.
If your class does meet for this lesson, you will need crayons and a Church Year calendar. Prepare and send home a note to parents requesting photos and stories from their child’s Baptism for next session.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Word of the Week
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Weekly Gospel Videos and Coloring Pages
Bible Bag Gospel Lesson with Mrs. Cole (12/25)
Bible Bag Gospel Lesson with Mrs. Cole (12/26)
Bible Bag Gospel Lesson with Mrs. Cole (Epiphany)
Promise
Lesson Theme: We celebrate the coming of Jesus.
This lesson covers both Christmas and Epiphany, yet many schools and programs may not be meeting for class at this time. If that is your situation, please send home the Promise lesson for December 25 & January 2 for the children to complete over the Christmas break with their families. You may also wish to send home copies of the Parent Teaching Pages, a coloring page to accompany “Lucy’s Christmas,” and a note to parents requesting information about their child’s baptismal name, church of Baptism, and names of godparents for the next session.
If your class does meet for this lesson, you will need pencils, crayons, a Church Year calendar. You may also wish to make copies of a coloring page to accompany “Lucy’s Christmas.” Prepare and send home a note to parents requesting information about their child’s baptismal name, church of Baptism, and names of godparents for the next session.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Word of the Week
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Weekly Gospel Videos and Coloring Pages
Bible Bag Gospel Lesson with Mrs. Cole (12/25)
Bible Bag Gospel Lesson with Mrs. Cole (12/26)
Bible Bag Gospel Lesson with Mrs. Cole (Epiphany)
Good News
Lesson Theme: Jesus is born for all people.
This lesson covers both Christmas and Epiphany, yet many schools and programs may not be meeting for class at this time. If that is your situation, please send home the Good News lesson for December 25 & January 2 for the children to complete over the Christmas break with their families. You may also wish to send home copies of the Parent Teaching Pages.
If your class does meet for this lesson, you will need crayons, pencils, drawing paper, scissors, Christmas music, and a Church Year calendar. It will also be helpful if you prepare one booklet in advance.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Venture
Lesson Theme: God becomes human in Jesus.
These weeks are some of the most sacred in the Church, in which we celebrate the Nativity of Jesus Christ, our Savior, who came to live among all peoples. If you meet the week of Epiphany, make sure to read aloud both Gospels. Spend time on the mystery of the Incarnation, a central teaching in the Church. Encourage the children to continue their Advent practices of prayer and good works as they complete the 2022 resolution activity.
Plan ahead: Send a message to families to ask children to bring items from their Baptisms—pictures, garments, candle—for next week’s lesson.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Video
Bishop Barron on Christmas
Visions
Lesson Theme: God becomes human in Jesus.
These weeks are some of the most sacred in the Church, in which we celebrate the Nativity of Jesus Christ, our Savior, who came to live among all peoples. If you meet the week of Epiphany, make sure to read aloud and discuss both Gospels.
Note: You may wish to make a photocopy of the lesson cover so that you can assemble a sample of the Christmas calendar that is found on pages 2–4. If you send this lesson home, direct attention to the QR code that links to detailed assembly instructions found here.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Video
Bishop Barron on Christmas
Image credit: Patrice THEBAULT/CIRIC
