session essentials...elizabeth, is pregnant, too, and people thought she was too old to have a...

© 2014 Published by Morehouse Education Resources, http://www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

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Question of the WeekAccording to today’s gospel, what is really important about Christmas?

Helps for Catechists ◆ More about Today’s Scriptures◆ Reflection◆ The Scriptures and the Catechism◆ Faith Formation and the Arts, Part 4◆ The World of the Bible: Angel

Enrichment ◆ Welcome the Good News◆ Singing Together◆ Story-Review Games (optional:

stopwatch)◆ Jesse Tree Poster (tape or tacks, collage

materials such as fabric and paper scraps, yarn, trim, etc.; optional: biblical picture books)

◆ Christmas Collage Cards (tissue paper, optional: gold glitter, gold markers, gold paint and brushes, gold paper doilies)

◆ Info: Where You’ll Find Everything Else

Core Session ◆ Getting Started◆ Gospel Story: Good News for

Mary (optional: crèche figures of Mary and the angel)

◆ Story-Review Game◆ Praying Together (matches,

Advent wreath and candles,)

Like Mary, we joyfully await the birth of Jesus.◆ In today’s gospel an angel announces to Mary the birth of God’s own child ◆ By this time, children are often impatient for Christmas. Likewise, the Church waits

expectantly for the fullness of God’s kingdom realized in Jesus.◆ In today’s session we explore the gospel story and the seasonal themes of Advent and

Christmas through story, crafts and games.

Mystery Revealed

ScriptureLuke 1:26-38

4 th Sunday o f A d ven t – B

Living the Good News | Primary | 4th Sunday of Advent – B

http://www.MorehouseEducation.org

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Getting Started (5-10 minutes)Children share good news in preparation for hearing about the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary.

Gather in a circle. Begin by briefly sharing some good news of your own. Invite children to take turns telling good things happening in their lives, being sensitive that some may not feel happy or have positive news.

When all those who wish to share have done so, explain that there’s good news in today’s gospel story, too. Say:◆ In many Bible stories, God delivers messages by

using special beings, called angels.◆ We don’t know what angels look like, but it’s

probably not like pictures we’ve seen. The first thing angels often say to people is, “Don’t be afraid!”

Invite children to listen to a story of really good news.

Gospel Story (5-10 minutes)Good News for MaryYou may wish to use crèche figures of Mary and the angel as visual focal points for today’s story. For a more comprehensive version, read aloud Luke 1:26-38 from the Bible as children follow along.

Mary was walking along a dusty road in Galilee, heading to the well. She and her mother had spent the morning cleaning, baking and talking. They were busy planning Mary’s upcoming wedding.

Bugs buzzed in the still, hot air. When she came to the well, Mary sat on the ledge and stared into the water below.

Suddenly, an angel messenger from God appeared, startling Mary from her daydreams. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Peace be with you. God is with you and has blessed you greatly!”

Mary was troubled by these strange words. What could they mean? The angel continued, “You’ll become pregnant with a son, whom you’ll name Jesus. He’ll be great, the son of the Most High God, and the king of a kingdom that’ll go on forever.”

Mary asked, “How can that be? I’m not even married yet!”

Gabriel explained, “It’ll be a miracle from God; God’s power can do anything! Your cousin,

Elizabeth, is pregnant, too, and people thought she was too old to have a baby.”

Mary didn’t understand it all, but she knew she loved and belonged to God. “I’m God’s servant,” she said. “I’ll accept and do whatever God wants.”

Just as suddenly, Mary was alone again. She filled her jug with water and headed home. Lifting her eyes to the sky she whispered, “I’m yours, God.”

After reading, ask:◆ Have you ever gotten some good news? What was

it? How did it make you feel? ◆ What good news did we hear in today’s story? ◆ What does the good news of Jesus’ birth mean for

us today?

Story-Review Game (10-15 minutes)Children play a variation of Hide-and-Seek based on today’s story.

Ask a volunteer to be the angel. Ask another volunteer to be Mary. While the angel closes his or her eyes, Mary hides somewhere in the room.

At your signal, the angel opens his or her eyes and looks for Mary. The other children can help, either by giving clues to the angel or by saying “cold,” “warm” or “hot” to indicate how near/far the angel is to Mary. When the angel finds Mary, he or she can deliver good news, for example:◆ You’ll have a baby.◆ Your cousin is having a baby, too.

Praying Together (5 minutes)Gather around the Advent wreath and four pillar candles in Advent colors. Light all the candles and say:◆ Our Advent wreath reminds us that we’re getting

ready for Christmas and for Jesus.◆ While we’re waiting, what would you like to say to

Jesus today?

Close by praying aloud:◆ We’re ready and waiting for you. We’re excited to

meet you. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Note: If you use At Home with the Good News, distribute this week’s paper to the children before they leave, or e-mail it to their parents after the session.



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Welcome the Good News (10-15 minutes)On page 1 of today’s Welcome the Good News, children will find an illustrated version of today’s gospel story.

In Welcome God’s Word on page 2, children consider today’s gospel and find directions for making a simple angel ornament. They’ll also find a With Your Family activity they can lead at home or practice in the group.

Singing Together (5-10 minutes)From Singing the Good News, sing together:◆ “All the Angels” (songbook p. 17)◆ “Prepare the Way” (songbook p. 16, also available as

an MP3)

Note: To access both the songbook and its attached MP3 files, open your Winter-B Seasonal Resources folder, then click on Singing the Good News.

You might also teach an Advent hymn, such as “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” attached to this document.

Story-Review Games (15-20 minutes)Children play story-review games.

Angel Drawing: In this variation of Hangman, children draw a picture of the angel Gabriel as they review today’s story.

On the board or newsprint, draw a simple picture of an angel. See the illustration below; you can draw this picture with just nine lines.

Directions:◆ I’ll ask questions about today’s story.◆ For each question you answer correctly, you can

draw one line of a picture of God’s angel.

◆ Help each other answer questions so that you can draw the whole angel.

Possible questions:◆ What was the name of the woman in today’s story?

(Mary)◆ Where did Mary live? (Galilee)◆ Who brought her a message? (an angel)◆ What was the angel’s name? (Gabriel)◆ Who sent the angel? (God)◆ What did the angel say would happen to Mary?

(She would become pregnant and have a son.)◆ What would Mary’s son become? (a king)◆ Why did she think she couldn’t have a baby? (She

wasn’t married.)◆ Who else was going to have a baby? (her cousin,

Elizabeth)◆ How did Mary answer the angel? (She said she’d

accept whatever God wants.)

Good News Relay: Children share good news as they run a relay race.

Review the good news heard in today’s story:◆ Mary would have a special baby, by God’s power.◆ The baby would be Jesus.

Ask children to form a line. Directions:◆ We’re going to run a relay race. The first person in

line tells some good news before he or she runs, for example, “My mom and dad really love me!”

◆ The good news can be from our own lives or from today’s story.

◆ After you’ve shouted out your good news, run to the opposite wall, and then run back, as quickly as you can. Be careful not to fall or run into something!

◆ When you get back to the line, the next person in line calls out some good news, and then runs to the wall and back.

◆ We’ll shout good news and run until everyone in line has had a chance to play.

You can make it more interesting and more complex by having each runner repeat the good news of all of the prior runners before shouting his or her own good news and running.

Children may enjoy timing themselves against a stopwatch.



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Jesse Tree Poster (10-15 minutes)Activity Soundtrack: Play Kimberly Braun’s “O Antiphons.” (Open your Winter-B Seasonal Resources folder, then click on Companion Music for options on obtaining this music.)

Children finish decorating the Jesse Tree poster in today’s session. See the session for the 1st Sunday of Advent for background information about the Jesse Tree. If your group has not already done so, you may wish to incorporate the scaled-down version of the tradition using the poster attached to this document.

Gather children around the poster. Remind them:◆ These are the names of God’s people that came

before Jesus.◆ Today we’ll make another ornament for some

special people who came before Jesus: Mary and Joseph.

Invite children to recall stories about Mary and Joseph. Ask volunteers to work together to cut and decorate circles with pictures representing Jesus’ parents. For example, a drawing or collage that includes an angel, a bright star and a baby might symbolize Mary and Joseph. Add the finished ornaments to the Jesse Tree.

We recommend that you continue to provide picture books from the local library of Old Testament people and stories for children to explore. Each week we suggest a title, but you may find others. Make these, together with children’s versions of the Bible, available in a reading corner near the Jesse Tree poster.

If time allows, you may wish to read one or more books to the children. This week we recommend:◆ David He No Fear by Lorenz Graham, illustrated

by Ann Grifalconi (New York: Thomas Y. Crowell, 1946, 1971). This classic book is a moving retelling of the story of David in African idiom. Both text and illustrations are powerful reminders that God is the God of all peoples. If you enjoy this book, look for other biblical tales retold by Graham.

◆ The Book of Jonah retold and illustrated by Peter Spier (New York: Doubleday, 1986). This well-loved story is told and illustrated with perception, grace and accuracy. See the historical background included at the back of the book.

Christmas Collage Cards(10-20 minutes)Children make collage pictures of today’s gospel story.

Make available heavy paper, crayons or felt pens, colored tissue paper and glue sticks. You can also provide gold-toned materials, such as gold glitter, gold markers, gold paint and brushes or gold paper doilies Set all materials on a work surface. Gold materials can heighten the rare and beautiful sense of this story.

Directions:◆ Use the materials to create a scene related to today’s

story, for example, the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary. Or you can make another Christmas-themed scene.

◆ If you’d like to use the scene you create to make a Christmas card, first fold your paper in half.

Children who make Christmas cards may wish to sign their names or write other personalized messages inside. Encourage them to include words from the angel’s message in Luke 1:28-33, for example, Peace be with you this Christmas season. Younger children may need help with this task.

Where You’ll Find Everything Else

◆ Attached to this Session Plan you will find:— Backgrounds and reflections for today’s

readings, titled More about Today’s Scriptures.— A printable version of today’s Gospel Story: Good

News for Mary— Printable lyrics to O Come, O Come Emmanuel.— An optional activity, Wooden Crèche Figures.— An optional information piece titled To Parents,

which facilitates a discussion of angels.— A Jesse Tree Poster to use in the activity of the

same name.◆ Open your Winter-B Seasonal Resources folder, then

click on Seasonal Articles to find:— Information on Winter-B’s Models of the Faith.— For catechists and/or families, an Advent

Overview and a Christmas Overview.— For catechists and/or families, an article

exploring A Season for Mary.— Two articles for catechists and/or families by

Roger Hutchison titled Tapping into the Power of Art and Faith Formation and the Arts.


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More about Today’s ScripturesToday’s readings invite us to respond to the wonder and mystery of God with a clear and joyful “yes.” In 2 Samuel, God surprises David with the promise of an eternal kingdom to David’s heir. In his letter to the Romans, Paul proclaims that in Jesus Christ the mystery of the ages is revealed. In today’s gospel, Mary opens her spirit, soul and body to the mystery and word of God.

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 161 and 2 Samuel tell of David’s reign. They are court histories probably written during Solomon’s reign. Chapter 7 explains why David, whose reign was considered the high point of Jewish history, did not build the temple, although he desired to do so. The

chapter is divided into Nathan’s prophecy (vv. 1-17) and David’s prayer (vv. 18-29).

The Hebrew word sometimes translated “house” is alternately played on in several ways in the passage. It

means “palace” (v. 1), “temple” (v. 5), “dynasty” (v. 11) and “family status” (v. 18). This chapter became the basis for the establishment of the Davidic covenant, in which God swore that David’s line on the throne would never cease.

After the fall of Jerusalem and the overthrow of the monarchy (587 BC), the Davidic covenant came to be understood as God’s assurance of a future ideal king from David’s line, and this hope became an essential part of the Jewish expectation of the Messiah.

Romans 16:25-27Today’s reading is an expression of praise or doxology closing Paul’s letter to the Romans. The good news that Paul makes known, the proclamation about Jesus Christ, is the “revelation of the mystery” (v. 25) of God’s plan of salvation not only for Jews but also for Gentiles that was hidden in the Old Testament and now has been made known in Christ.

Though the Old Testament did not explain this mystery in advance, now, in retrospect, it reveals the significance of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection as the fulfillment of God’s plan and the inclusion of the Gentiles. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit enabled

Christians to comprehend the prophecies of the Old Testament and through them to discover God’s astounding plan for the salvation not only of Jews but for Gentiles as well.

Luke 1:26-38 Luke’s infancy narratives show that the meaning of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection was already implicit in the events of his conception and birth. He emphasizes the theological significance of these events and so proclaims the gospel message.

The annunciation to Mary is similar to the annuncia-tion to Zechariah in 1:5-23. Gabriel, the angel who heralds the fulfillment of God’s salvation in Daniel (Daniel 9:20-25), now appears to Mary to herald the birth of Jesus.

The angel greets Mary as God’s wonderfully graced one. He then reveals that she is to bear a son who will be a powerful Davidic King and, in fact, God’s own Son. Mary questions how this can be, but Gabriel replies that God’s power, the Holy Spirit, will come upon Mary and create this new life in her. Thus, the divine origin of Jesus’ earthly history is affirmed.

As with Mary, so the life of God is conceived and nurtured in each of us. But it happens only through God’s power, not our own. We need only cooperate as God’s willing servants.

ReflectionSome commentators point to a pattern in Mary’s encounter with Gabriel that parallels the process many people have when God enters their lives. The first response is fear or awe. Mary “was much perplexed by his words” (Luke 1:29), just as any of us would be, finding it incomprehensible that we have found favor with God. Surely the all-powerful God doesn’t need one who’s as scatter-brained, selfish, disorganized or downright shifty as we think ourselves?

The next stage is puzzlement. Mary asks, “How can this be?” (v. 34). The angel, used to human limitations, doesn’t strike her down for honest wonder. We mustn’t be afraid to voice our questions and doubts to God; God can handle them. The angel’s words open a third stage: “Nothing will be impossible with God” (v. 37). That hinge makes what seems preposterous doable. Such assurance of a larger plan enables Mary to respond generously and confidently.

“God comes to our aid so that our eyes, accustomed to darkness, may be gradually opened to the full light of truth.”

—St. Gregory of Nyssa


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The only door through which we pass into the future is trust. Mary models total acceptance of whatever God wants: “Let it be with me according to your word” (v. 38). Next time we encounter a project or relation-ship which first makes us fearful, we should remember Mary’s process. It doesn’t happen instantly, but it ends perfectly.

The Scriptures and the CatechismThe long preparation (CCC, #50–67) for celebrating Jesus’ incarnation (CCC, #456–78) is once again almost completed. Like Mary, each of us is invited to respond with a resounding “yes” to the invitation to have the gift of God’s life (grace) begin in us (CCC, #1987–2005). As individuals and as the community of disciples, we are the body of Christ and must continue his saving work in our world today (CCC, #770–76).

Faith Formation and the Arts, Part 4 by Roger W. HutchisonAweRun your fingers across the carved marble of the baptismal font in your worship space. Gaze up at the

contemporary banners that fill the walls. Watch as the small pieces of stained glass explode with light and glitter like colored jewels filling the space around you with a peaceful and healing glow.

Have you ever seen a baby begin to lift its head and look around the church? There are colors everywhere! There are candles that flicker. There are sounds and sensations. The baby’s eyes are wide, full of curiosity and excitement.

These are AWEsome moments. Our challenge is to find a way to hold fast to this sense of awe from childhood throughout adulthood.

King David wrote in Psalm 8:

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Yet you have made them a little lower than God…

The World of the BibleAngelAn angel (Greek, angellos) was a spiritual messenger sent by God for a particular purpose. Sometimes they conveyed information while at other times they carried out God’s judgment or punishment.

Especially in the earlier books of the Old Testament, it is not always clear whether the angel of the Lord is the form that God takes to interact with humans or is actually a different being from God. By the New Testament time, angels were thought of as distinct spiritual beings whose task was to serve God by their

heavenly worship and by sharing in God’s struggle against evil.

The three named angels from the Bible—Michael, Gabriel and Raphael––are venerated in both Jewish and Christian traditions. They also represent the primary

roles of angels. Michael (Hebrew, Who is like the Lord?) is a warrior against evil, “captain of the heavenly host” (Revelation 12:7-9) and special protector of Israel (Daniel 12:1) and of the Church. Gabriel (Hebrew, God is mighty) is a messenger who announces the Messiah’s coming (Daniel 9) and the births of John the Baptist and Jesus (Luke 1). Raphael (Hebrew, God heals) serves as a guardian angel protecting Tobiah on his journey (Tobit 5-12).

“There are three forms of visual art: Painting is art to look at, sculpture is art you can walk around, and architecture is art you can walk through.”

––Dan Rice

“The heart is a small vessel, but all things are contained in it. God is there, the angels are there, and there also is life and the Kingdom, the heavenly cities and the treasures of grace.”

––Dimitri of Rostov


Winter • Year B

©2014 by Morehouse education resources • all rights reserved • www.livingthegoodnews.coM • 1-800-242-1918Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

More about Today’s Scriptures4th Sunday of Advent

00-WB-AD04-SB-C-More about Today_s Scriptures

Today’s readings invite us to respond to the wonder and mystery of God with a clear and joyful “yes.” In 2 Samuel, God surprises David with the promise of an eternal kingdom to David’s heir. In his letter to the Romans, Paul proclaims that in Jesus Christ the mystery of the ages is revealed. In today’s gospel, Mary opens her spirit, soul and body to the mystery and word of God.

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16

1 and 2 Samuel tell of David’s reign. They are court histories probably written during

Solomon’s reign. Chapter 7 explains why David, whose reign was considered the high point of Jewish history, did not build the temple,

although he desired to do so. The chapter is divided into Nathan’s prophecy (vv. 1-17) and David’s prayer (vv. 18-29).

The Hebrew word sometimes translated “house” is alternately played on in several ways in the passage. It means “palace” (v. 1), “temple” (v. 5), “dynasty” (v. 11) and “family status” (v. 18). This chapter became the basis for the establishment of the Davidic covenant, in which God swore that David’s line on the throne would never cease.

After the fall of Jerusalem and the overthrow of the monarchy (587 BC), the Davidic covenant came to be understood as God’s assurance of a future ideal king from David’s line, and this hope became an essential part of the Jewish expectation of the Messiah.

Romans 16:25-27

Today’s reading is an expression of praise or doxology closing Paul’s letter to the Romans. The good news that Paul makes known, the procla-mation about Jesus Christ, is the “revelation of the mystery” (v. 25) of God’s plan of salvation not only for Jews but also for Gentiles that was hidden in the Old Testament and now has been made known in Christ.

Though the Old Testament did not explain this mystery in advance, now, in retrospect, it reveals the significance of Jesus’ life, death and resur-rection as the fulfillment of God’s plan and the inclusion of the Gentiles. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit enabled Christians to comprehend the prophecies of the Old Testament and through them to discover God’s astounding plan for the salvation not only of Jews but for Gentiles as well.

Luke 1:26-38

Luke’s infancy narratives show that the meaning of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection was already implicit in the events of his conception and birth. He emphasizes the theological signifi-cance of these events and so proclaims the gospel message.

The annunciation to Mary is similar to the annunciation to Zechariah in 1:5-23. Gabriel, the angel who heralds the fulfillment of God’s salvation in Daniel (Daniel 9:20-25), now appears to Mary to herald the birth of Jesus.

The angel greets Mary as God’s wonderfully graced one. He then reveals that she is to bear a son who will be a powerful Davidic King and, in fact, God’s own Son. Mary questions how this

“God comes to our aid so that our eyes, accustomed to darkness, may be gradually opened to the full light of truth.”

—Gregory of Nyssa

Winter • Year B


More about Today’s Scriptures4th Sunday of Advent

00-WB-AD04-SB-C-More about Today_s Scriptures

can be, but Gabriel replies that God’s power, the Holy Spirit, will come upon Mary and create this new life in her. Thus, the divine origin of Jesus’ earthly history is affirmed.

As with Mary, so the life of God is conceived and nurtured in each of us. But it happens only through God’s power, not our own. We need only cooperate as God’s willing servants.

ReflectionSome commentators point to a pattern in Mary’s encounter with Gabriel that parallels the process many people have when God enters their lives. The first response is fear or awe. Mary “was much perplexed by his words” (Luke 1:29), just as any of us would be, finding it incompre-hensible that we have found favor with God. Surely the all-powerful God doesn’t need one who’s as scatter-brained, selfish, disorganized or downright shifty as we think ourselves?

The next stage is puzzlement. Mary asks, “How can this be?” (v. 34). The angel, used to human limitations, doesn’t strike her down for honest wonder. We mustn’t be afraid to voice our questions and doubts to God; God can handle them. The angel’s words open a third stage: “Nothing will be impossible with God” (v. 37). That hinge makes what seems preposterous doable.

Such assurance of a larger plan enables Mary to respond generously and confidently.

The only door through which we pass into the future is trust. Mary models total acceptance of whatever God wants: “Let it be with me according to your word” (v. 38). Next time we encounter a project or relationship that first makes us fearful, we should remember Mary’s process. It doesn’t happen instantly, but it ends perfectly.

Winter • Year B


Gospel Story:Good News for Mary

You may wish to use Crèche figures of Mary and the angel as visual focal points for today’s story. For a more comprehensive version, read aloud Luke 1:26-38 from the Bible as children follow along.

Mary was walking along a dusty road in Galilee, heading to the well. She and her mother had spent the morning cleaning, baking and talking. They were busy planning Mary’s upcoming wedding.

Bugs buzzed in the still, hot air. When she came to the well, Mary sat on the ledge and stared into the water below.

Suddenly, an angel messenger from God appeared, startling Mary from her daydreams. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Peace be with you. God is with you and has blessed you greatly!”

Mary was troubled by these strange words. What could they mean? The angel continued, “You’ll become pregnant with a son, whom you’ll name Jesus. He’ll be great, the son of the Most High God, and the king of a kingdom that’ll go on forever.”

Mary asked, “How can that be? I’m not even married yet!”

Gabriel explained, “It’ll be a miracle from God; God’s power can do anything! Your cousin, Elizabeth, is pregnant, too, and people thought she was too old to have a baby.”

Mary didn’t understand it all, but she knew she loved and belonged to God. “I’m God’s servant,” she said. “I’ll accept and do whatever God wants.”

Just as suddenly, Mary was alone again. She filled her jug with water and headed home. Lifting her eyes to the sky she whispered, “I’m yours, God.”

After reading, ask:

❉❉ Have you ever gotten some good news? What was it? How did it make you feel?

❉❉ What good news did we hear in today’s story?

❉❉ What does the good news of Jesus’ birth mean for us today?

PR-WB-AD04-DL-C-Gospel Story_Good News for Mary

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Today’s readings invite us to respond to the wonder and mystery of God with a clear and joyful “yes.” In 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16, God overwhelms David with the promise of an eternal kingdom

to his heir. In Romans 16:25-17, Paul proclaims that in Jesus Christ the mystery of the ages is revealed. In Luke 1:26-38, Mary opens her spirit, soul and body to the mystery and word of God.

Preschool/Kindergarten children heard the story of

the angel’s message to Mary. They explored again the

holiday themes of angels, babies and gifts. Activities

included reviewing Advent with a calendar and

rhyme and dressing dolls as angels. The children

played a story-review game and a variation of Hide

and Seek.

Primary (Grades 1-3) expressed their feelings about

news—positive or negative. They heard and discussed

the good news the angel brings to Mary: she would

bear the Son of God. The session included playing a

story-review game, running a relay race and making

collage pictures.

Intermediate (Grades 4-6) participants explored

messages from God. They pantomimed contempo-

rary messengers, then explored the role of God’s spe-

cial messengers: the angels. Contemporary roleplays

invited group members to consider messages God

might give people today. Members used broad strokes

of color to portray the Annunciation.

Fourth Sunday of Advent • Year B

With your children, make two

paper dolls or sock puppets of

Gabriel and Mary. Invite the

children to use these and act out

their dialogue.

Some commentators point to a pattern in Mary’s encounter with Gabriel that parallels the process many people have when God enters their lives. The first response is fear or awe. Mary “was much perplexed by his words” (Luke 1:29), just as any of us would be, finding it incomprehensible that we have found favor with God. Surely the all-powerful God doesn’t need one who’s as scatter-brained, selfish, disorganized or downright shifty as we think ourselves?

The next stage is puzzlement. Mary asks, “How can this be?” (v. 34). The angel, used to human limitations, doesn’t strike her down for honest wonder. We mustn’t be afraid to voice our questions and

doubts to God; God can handle them. The angel’s words open a third stage: “Nothing will be impossible with God” (v. 37). That hinge makes what seems preposterous doable. Such assurance of a larger plan enables Mary to respond generously and confidently.

The only door through which we pass into the future is trust. Mary models total acceptance of whatever God wants: “…let it be with me according to your word” (v. 38). Next time we encounter a project or relationship which first makes us fearful, we should remember Mary’s process. It doesn’t happen instantly, but it ends perfectly.

Read Luke’s account of the nativity together, in a children’s Bible or an illustrated children’s version of the story.

To increase children’s familiarity with today’s gospel, list words such as Galilee, Nazareth,

Gabriel and Elizabeth. Ask children how many hidden words they can find in each long word. (For instance, from Gabriel come rib, bear, lie...)

According to today’s gospel, what is really important about Christmas?

© 2014 Morehouse Education Resources. All rights reserved. www.livingthegoodnews.com • 1-800-242-1918 • Permission is hereby granted to reproduce these pages for use in the purchasing congregation only.

Winter • Year B


PR-WB-AD04-DL-A-To Parents

Today your child heard the story of Gabriel’s good news to Mary: She would bear God’s own Son (Luke 1:26-38).

Christmas stories are filled with visits from angels. How do we respond when our primary children say to us, “I don’t believe in angels”?

When we listen with open ears, minds and hearts, we assure them that our faith is strong—strong enough to hear their honest feelings.

Your child may ask, “What do you believe?” How can you answer? Perhaps you might hon-estly say:

❉❉ You know, I’m not really sure. I’ve wondered about angels, too. Maybe we could pray and ask God to let us know what’s true.

❉❉ I’ve never seen an angel, but I believe that in God’s world, anything—even an angel—is possible.

❉❉ If angels are real—and I think they just might be, because the Bible says so—I think they still do today what they did in many Bible stories: Angels always bring news to God’s people.

To Parents

Winter • Year B


PR-WB-AD04-DL-A-O Come, O Come Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear.

Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!O Come, thou Wisdom from on high, Who orderest all things mightily; To us the path of knowledge show, And teach us in her ways to go.

O come, o come, thou Lord of might, Who to they tribes on Sinai’s height In ancient times didst give the law, In cloud, and majesty, and awe.

O come, thou Branch of Jesse’s tree, Free them from Satan’s tyranny That trust thy mighty power to save, And give them vic’try o’er the grave.

O come, thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heav’nly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery.

O come, thou Dayspring from on high, And cheer us by thy drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadow put to flight.

O come, Desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of humankind; Bid thou our sad divisions cease, And be thyself our King of Peace.

"O Come, O Come Emmanuel"

Play “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” for the children. (Open your Winter-B Seasonal Resources folder, the click on Companion Music for options on obtaining this music.) Invite children to follow along as the music plays. The words are printed below:

Abraham

Miriam

Sarah

JesseTree

Noah

Adam & Eve

Mary & Joseph Ruth David

Moses

Living the Good News: Jesse Tree Poster

NoahGod told Noah, “Build an ark. It will rain for forty days and forty nights.”

AbrahamGod promised Abraham, “You will have as many children as there are stars in the sky.”

Moses God sent Moses to Egypt, where God’s people were slaves. Moses led God’s people to freedom.

Miriam Miriam played the tambourine and danced. She sang, “I will sing to the Lord.”

Ruth Ruth traveled with Naomi to the town of Bethlehem. “Your God will be my God,” Ruth said.

David David was a shepherd boy. He played the harp and sang, “Hallelujah!”

Mary & Joseph Mary said to the angel, “Yes, I will be the mother of Jesus.” Joseph helped Mary care for Jesus.

Adam & EveGod made Adam and Eve. God gave them a garden for their home.

Sarah Sarah made bread for three holy visitors. God promised, “Sarah will have a special baby.”

Abraham

Sarah

Miriam

Ada

Sarah

JesseTree

Moses

Noah

m & Eve

Mary & Joseph Ruth

Living the Good News: Jesse Tree Poster

Winter • Year B


PR-WB-AD04-DL-A-Wooden Creche Figures

Materials: twigs, branches, fabric scraps, glue, craft saws or whittling tools

Children begin making a Crèche set from natural materials.

Explain that many Christians still enjoy remembering the birth of Jesus by displaying a Crèche: a model of the stable with figures from the Christmas story. Invite children to brain-storm figures that can be included, for example:

❉❉ Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, shepherds, 3 kings, etc.

❉❉ Sheep, donkeys, cows, horses, chickens, doves, etc.

Provide craft materials and invite them to work together to make Crèche figures. If desired, an ongoing work center can be set up throughout the season of Advent.

Note: Provide sharp tools only with close supervision. One option is ask an adult volunteer to be the whittler while younger members dress the crafted figures.

Wooden Crèche Figures

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