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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 8 in 2024). 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 8. 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. If you or someone you know is struggling with difficult emotions at this time of celebration, this article by John Boucher may help.
Within the Christmas season, the Church celebrates several feast days of note: 12/26 – Saint Stephen; 12/27 – Saint John; 12/28 – The Holy Innocents; 12/29 – Saint Thomas Becket; 12/31 – The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph; 1/1 – Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God; 1/1 – World Day of Peace; 1/2 – Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen; 1/3 – Most Holy Name of Jesus; 1/4 – Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (USA); 1/5 – Saint John Neumann (USA); 1/6 – Saint André Bessette (USA); 1/7 Epiphany of the Lord; 1/7 – Saint Raymond of Peñafort; 1/7 – Saint André Bessette (CAN); 1/8 – Baptism of the Lord.
NOTE: If you are not meeting for 12/25 and 12/31, send the lesson home with the children to complete over their Christmas break. Send along the Parent Teaching Pages for this lesson.
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:
Christmas (12/25) Videos
Gospel Reading and Reflection for Kids
The Christmas Story for Kids (Lego Stop Motion)
The Christmas Story in Lego
The Story of Christmas (Jesus Is Born)
Holy Heroes
Find the Perfect Gift
Faith, Fun, and Celebration—Christmas
Living with Christ: Christmas Eve
Holy Family (12/31) Videos
Gospel Reading and Reflection for Kids
Holy Heroes
Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God (1/1) Videos
Holy Heroes
Mary, the Mother of God
Seeds
Lesson Theme: Jesus comes for all people.
For this lesson, you will need crayons; scissors; tape; popsicle or craft sticks (six per child); shoeboxes (one per child), and a Church Year calendar.
You will need to prepare a few items in advance, so the children can create a Nativity scene during class. Make sure you cut six slots in the lid of each shoebox. We suggest you have several aides available to help with this activity.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Parent/Grandparent Assistance for Home Study
Extending Activities
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Word of the Week
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Gospel Reflection and Saint of the Week with Miss Heidi: Christmas
Gospel Reflection and Saint of the Week with Miss Heidi: Holy Family
Bible Bag: Kid-Sized Lessons on the Sunday Gospel with Mrs. Cole: Christmas
Bible Bag: Kid-Sized Lessons on the Sunday Gospel with Mrs. Cole: Holy Family
Bible Bag: Kid-Sized Lessons on the Sunday Gospel with Mrs. Cole: Mary, the Mother of God
Promise
Lesson Theme: God has come to us in Jesus.
For this lesson, you will need crayons, pencils, lined writing paper, and a Church Year calendar. With the start of Christmas, you may wish to add a white candle to the center of your Advent wreath. This is commonly called a Christ Candle and is lit during Christmas Time (through the Baptism of the Lord on 1/8). You will also need the Magi figures the children cut out in the last lesson. We suggest that you fold one Nativity scene in advance.
For the “I Can Share the Good News” activity, we suggest that you print words (i.e., Jesus, Christmas, Mary, Joseph, stable, Bethlehem, angels, shepherds) on the board to help the children with their letter writing. They may also refer to the Gospel on the back of their Nativity scenes. Be prepared to adjust this activity to fit the skill level of the children.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Parent/Grandparent Assistance for Home Study
Extending Activities
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
Gospel Reflection and Saint of the Week with Miss Heidi: Holy Family
Bible Bag: Kid-Sized Lessons on the Sunday Gospel with Mrs. Cole: Christmas
Bible Bag: Kid-Sized Lessons on the Sunday Gospel with Mrs. Cole: Holy Family
Bible Bag: Kid-Sized Lessons on the Sunday Gospel with Mrs. Cole: Mary, the Mother of God
Good News
Lesson Theme: Jesus is born to save all people.
For this lesson, you will need a Church Year calendar, crayons, and pencils. With the start of Christmas, you may wish to add a white candle to the center of your Advent wreath. This is commonly called a Christ Candle and is lit during Christmas Time (through the Baptism of the Lord on 1/8).
Find the solution to the Nativity Coloring Page hidden pictures here.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Parent/Grandparent Assistance for Home Study
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Venture
Lesson Theme: Jesus is born to a holy family.
You may choose to send home this lesson with the children to share with their families over the Christmas break. If so, you may also wish to send home the Weekly Review Template and Parent Teaching Pages so families have the relevant discussion questions and teaching resources.
Encourage the young people to learn about their Baptisms—who are their godparents, where/when were they baptized, and bring any special items—candle, photos, clothing—to the next class session. Plan to share yours as well!
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Parent/Grandparent Assistance for Home Study
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Video
World’s Most Beautiful Christmas Mangers
Visions
Lesson Theme: Jesus is born to a holy family.
You may choose to send home this lesson with the children to share with their families over the Christmas break. If so, you may also wish to send home the Weekly Review Template and Parent Teaching Pages so families have the relevant discussion questions and teaching resources.
The booklet on pages 7–8 of this lesson includes several service opportunities. If you send this lesson home before the Christmas holiday, encourage the students to take advantage of the break from school and other commitments to serve their communities. Students will need Bibles or an online resource to look up the verses related to caring for the stranger on page 5.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Parent/Grandparent Assistance for Home Study
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
#ChristiansAtRisk in Iraq Urgently Need Your Help
Bishop Barron on Christmas
Image credit: Francisco Xavier/Cathopic.com
