Advent 4 - Love
Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent and we light the candle of love. When this Sunday comes, I know that Christmas is almost here! How do you feel? What are you expecting to happen on Christmas Day?
Family is very important in the Christmas story. What kind of family do you have What family activities are you planning to do especially in this COVID-19 pandemic? Do you have some family traditions that you love doing? What are they?
Our gospel story today talks about two women who played important roles in the birth of Jesus – the young Mary and her older relative, Elizabeth.
Watch the story on Youtube:
Here are some questions to think about:
When the angel Gabriel visited Mary, how do you think Mary felt? How would you feel if you were visited by an angel? Will you be scared? Excited? Joyful? Confused?
Why do you think Mary would travel to visit Elizabeth who was much older than her? How do you think they viewed each other?
Do you listen to someone older than you? When do you ask someone older or wiser than you for help?
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months! Share what you think they might have done together.
As we embrace LOVE as a symbol of the birth of Jesus, how is love present in your family?
Think of ways how you can share love outside your home.
I hope this Christmas will bring you love in your home as we celebrate the birthday of Jesus and share that love with others.
Response Activity Ideas
Nativity ornament
(modified from: https://homanathome.com/2016/12/nativity-ornament-kids/)
Click to print PDF
Materials: Craft sticks or cinnamon sticks, paper, glue gun/string, colouring tools, small amount of yellow or gold paper.
Colour the picture of Jesus’ family or draw one of your own. Using craft or cinnamon sticks make the shape of a stable and secure with glue or by wrapping joints with string.
Glue or tape in the family picture. If you would like to make the picture part sturdier, cut out a piece of cardstock or construction paper and glue it to the back of the drawing.
Cut a small loop of ribbon and glue it to the top for a hanger. Add a star to the top of the stable!
Family Traditions Song Challenge
Have you seen this video where Olaf goes looking for holiday traditions?
What if Olaf came to your house? What would he see, hear, experience?
Can you write a rhyming verse of the song about your traditions and then make an illustration to go with it?
Illustrated Ministry Advent Package – To choose love
This week’s reflection talks about how Mary opened her heart to God’s call, and opened her experience to others who came to celebrate Jesus’ birth – shepherds, animals, angels, wise ones. She shared the love and that message of love was passed on and on. Like the Magic Penny song says, “Love is something if you give it away.”
Using the instructions on pg 32 and template on page 35, make a love treasure box to look at when you have big negative feelings to help you decide how to respond with love.
If you did not receive an Advent package and would like one, please contact the church office.