Sunday, December 24, 2023

Christmas Eve: Nativity of the Lord: At the Vigil Mass (A, B, C) 13

Key Passage

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel (Matt 1:23).

Questions

Adults: Where do you recognize God's presence in your life?

Children: What is your favorite part of the Christmas story?

Readings

First Reading • The Anointed One

Isaiah 62:1-5 (NRSVCE | GNT | MSG | NLT | NRSVACE)

Psalm

Psalms 89:4-5, 16-17, 27+29 (NRSVCE | GNT | MSG | NLT | NRSVACE)

Second Reading • Paul's Address in the Synagogue

Acts of the Apostles 13:16-17, 22-25 (NRSVCE | GNT | MSG | NLT | NRSVACE)

Related activities & tools

Learning Centers series: Learning Centers for Advent & Lent
- Advent • Chapter 1: The Jesse Tree • p.4-7 • Mt 1:1-17; Jer 33:15; Acts of the Apostles 13:22-23

Gospel • The Genealogy and Birth of Jesus

Matthew 1:1-25 (NRSVCE | GNT | MSG | NLT | NRSVACE)

Related activities & tools

Learning Centers series: Learning Centers for Advent & Lent
- Advent • Chapter 1: The Jesse Tree • p.4-7 • Mt 1:1-17; Jer 33:15; Acts of the Apostles 13:22-23
- Advent • Chapter 2: The O Antiphons • p.8-10 • Is 9:6; Mt 1:22-23
- Advent • Chapter 7: Names for Jesus • p.24-27 • Mt 1:20-21; Rom 10:6
- Advent • Chapter 10: St. Joseph • p.36-37 • Mt 1:18-24
52 Interactive Bible Stories: A Collection of Action, Echo, Rhythm, and Syllable Stories
- Chapter 22: Jesus: Born in Bethlehem • p.37 • Mt 1:18-25; Lk 2:1-20
Wows series: Sciency-Fun WOWS! Ages 3-7: 54 Surprising Bible Object Lessons
- Chapter 1: An Angel Announces Jesus’ Birth » Paper Stretch • p.8-9 • Lk 1:26-38; Mt 1:18-25
Wows series: Sciency-Fun WOWS! Ages 8-12: 54 Surprising Bible Object Lessons
- Chapter 1: An Angel Announces Jesus’ Birth » Believe It • p.8-9 • Lk 1:26-38; Mt 1:18-25
Wows series: Makerific WOWS! Ages 8-12: 54 Surprising Bible Crafts
- Chapter 1: An Angel Announces Jesus’ Birth » Flying Cups • p.8-11 • Lk 1:26-38; Mt 1:18-25
Wows series: Makerific WOWS! Ages 3-7: 54 Surprising Bible Crafts
- Chapter 1: An Angel Announces Jesus’ Birth » Announcing Angels • p.8-9 • Lk 1:26-38; Mt 1:18-25
Building Faith Brick by Brick: An Imaginative Way to Explore the Bible with Children
- Chapter 31: The Birth of Jesus • p.80-81 • Mt 1:18-25; Lk 2:1-20
Big Picture Bible Crafts: 101 Simple and Amazing Crafts to Help Teach Children the Bible
- Chapter 55: God Reveals His Plan to Mary and Joseph • p.126-127 • Mt 1:18-25; Lk 1:26-56
Fun Bible Skits 2: Ready-to-Go Scripts & Activities
- Chapter 10: God Promises Us Immanuel • p.32-34 • Is 7:1-14; Mt 1:18-25
Fun Bible Skits 3: Ready-to-Go Scripts & Activities
- Chapter 25: Christmas Play: A Different Kind of King • p.80 • Mt 1:18-2:2

Christmas Eve: Nativity of the Lord: Mass at Midnight (A, B, C) 14

Key Passage

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. (Isa 9:5)

Questions

Adults: Why is knowing Jesus important in your life?

Children: How do you experience Jesus when you give a gift to someone else?

Readings

First Reading • The Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:1-6 (NRSVCE | GNT | MSG | NLT | NRSVACE)

Related activities & tools

52 Interactive Bible Stories: A Collection of Action, Echo, Rhythm, and Syllable Stories
- Chapter 19: Isaiah: God’s Promised Gift • p.33 • Is 9:2-7, 11:1-9
Learning Centers series: Learning Centers for Advent & Lent
- Advent • Chapter 2: The O Antiphons • p.8-10 • Is 9:6; Mt 1:22-23

Psalm

Psalms 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 11-12, 13 (NRSVCE | GNT | MSG | NLT | NRSVACE)

Related activities & tools

100 Creative Techniques for Teaching Bible Stories
- Telling the Story Through Drama • Practice the Parts • p.50-51 • Ps 96
100 Activities Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church: For Grades 1 to 8
- Intermediate Activities: Christian Prayer • Chapter 66: Praying with Psalms • p.79-80 • Ps 22:2-22, 23:1-6, 96:1-13

Second Reading • Transforming of Life

Titus 2:11-14 (NRSVCE | GNT | MSG | NLT | NRSVACE)

Gospel • The Birth of Jesus

Luke 2:1-14 (NRSVCE | GNT | MSG | NLT | NRSVACE)

Related activities & tools

52 Interactive Bible Stories: A Collection of Action, Echo, Rhythm, and Syllable Stories
- Chapter 22: Jesus: Born in Bethlehem • p.37 • Mt 1:18-25; Lk 2:1-20
Building Faith Brick by Brick: An Imaginative Way to Explore the Bible with Children
- Chapter 31: The Birth of Jesus • p.80-81 • Mt 1:18-25; Lk 2:1-20
LearningCycles series: Emmanuel, God with Us: Creative Activities for Teaching Advent
- Chapter 1: Art Workshop • p.13-16 • Lk 1:26-2:20; Mt 2:1-12
- Chapter 2: Publishing Workshop • p.17-18 • Lk 1:26-2:20; Mt 2:1-12
- Chapter 3: Drama Workshop • p.19-21 • Lk 1:26-2:20; Mt 2:1-12
- Chapter 4: Movie Workshop • p.22-23 • Lk 1:26-2:20; Mt 2:1-12
- Chapter 5: Story Workshop • p.24-26 • Lk 1:26-2:20; Mt 2:1-12
- Chapter 6: Kitchen Workshop • p.27-29 • Lk 1:26-2:20; Mt 2:1-12
- Chapter 7: Music Workshop • p.30-32 • Lk 1:26-2:20; Mt 2:1-12
Wows series: Sciency-Fun WOWS! Ages 3-7: 54 Surprising Bible Object Lessons
- Chapter 2: The First Christmas » Mystery Gifts • p.10-11 • Lk 2:1-7
- Chapter 3: Jesus, The Light of the World, Is Born » Need the Light • p.12-13 • Lk 2:1-20
100 Creative Techniques for Teaching Bible Stories
- Telling the Story Through Drama • Script the Scripture • p.53-54 • Lk 2:1-20
LearningCycles series: Be Alert, Shepherds!: Creative Activities for Teaching Advent
- Chapter 1: Art Workshop • p.12-16 • Lk 2:8-20
- Chapter 2: Publishing Workshop • p.17-20 • Lk 2:8-20
- Chapter 3: Drama Workshop • p.21-24 • Lk 2:8-20
- Chapter 4: Movie Workshop • p.25-27 • Lk 2:8-20
- Chapter 5: Story Workshop • p.28-30 • Lk 2:8-20
- Chapter 6: Kitchen Workshop • p.31-34 • Lk 2:8-20
- Chapter 7: Music Workshop • p.35 • Lk 2:8-20
All-in-One Bible Fun series: Stories of Jesus: 13 Lessons for Busy Teachers - Elementary
- In the Stable • p.10-19 • Lk 2:1-20
All-in-One Bible Fun series: Stories of Jesus: 13 Lessons for Busy Teachers - Preschool
- In the Stable • p.10-19 • Lk 2:1-7
Experience the Saints: Experience the Saints: Activities for Multiple Intelligences - Volume 2
- St. Francis of Assisi • Christmas Story Scripture Script • p.11-14 • Lk 2:1-20
Wows series: Sciency-Fun WOWS! Ages 8-12: 54 Surprising Bible Object Lessons
- Chapter 2: The First Christmas » Putting Things in Order • p.10-11 • Lk 2:1-7
- Chapter 3: Jesus, The Light of the World, Is Born » The Word Revealed • p.12-13 • Lk 2:1-20
Wows series: Makerific WOWS! Ages 8-12: 54 Surprising Bible Crafts
- Chapter 2: The First Christmas » God’s Gift Ornaments • p.12-15 • Lk 2:1-7
- Chapter 3: Jesus, The Light of the World, Is Born » Light of the World Lanterns • p.16-17 • Lk 2:1-20
Wows series: Makerific WOWS! Ages 3-7: 54 Surprising Bible Crafts
- Chapter 2: The First Christmas » Bethlehem Barns • p.10-13 • Lk 2:1-7
- Chapter 3: Jesus, The Light of the World, Is Born » Crafty Candles • p.14-15 • Lk 2:1-20
Big Picture Bible Crafts: 101 Simple and Amazing Crafts to Help Teach Children the Bible
- Chapter 56: God’s Son Is Born • p.128-129 • Lk 2:1-7
- Chapter 57: God Announces the Savior’s Birth • p.130-131 • Lk 2:8-20
Learning Centers series: Learning Centers for Advent & Lent
- Advent • Chapter 11: A Special Christmas Card • p.38-39 • Lk 2:1-7; Rom 13:11-14
- Advent for the Whole Community • Chapter 4: Mary and Joseph at Bethlehem • p.98-99 • Lk 2:1-7
Enriching Faith series: Lessons, Prayers and Activities on Mary
- Chapter 7: Birth of Jesus, Mother of God • p.18-19 • Lk 2:1-20; Mt 2:1-12
33 Mass Lessons and Activities for Young Children
- Introductory Rites • Chapter 8: Give Praise to God: Glory to God • p.14-15 • Lk 2:14
70 Church Year Lesson Starters for Kids: and Those who Teach Them
- Christmas: Season of joy • Chapter 2: Play a Christmas word guess game • p.19 • Lk 2:1-20
- Christmas: Season of joy • Chapter 6: Make a Christmas nativity craft • p.23 • Lk 2:11
Fun Bible Skits 1: Ready-to-Go Scripts & Activities
- Chapter 25: Christmas Play: A Surprise in the Stable • p.79 • Lk 2:1-20
Fun Bible Skits 2: Ready-to-Go Scripts & Activities
- Chapter 25: Christmas Play: The Shepherds Find Peace • p.77 • Lk 2:8-20
Coloring Creations: 52 Creative Bible Lessons
- Chapter 36: Mary and Joseph Travel to Bethlehem • p.76-77 • Lk 2:1-5
- Chapter 37: Jesus Is Born for Us! • p.78-79 • Lk 2:1-20
Coloring Creations 2: 52 More Creative Bible Lessons
- Chapter 26: The Son of God Is Born! • p.56-57 • Lk 2:1-7
- Chapter 27: Angels Announce Jesus’ Birth to Shepherds • p.58-59 • Lk 2:8-14
The Humongous Book of Bible Skits for Children's Ministry
- Chapter 24: Birth of Jesus • p.92-95 • Lk 2:1-20
Snip & Tell Bible Stories: Captivate Children with Simple Paper Cutouts That Unfold as the Story Is Told
- Chapter 21: Jesus is Born • p.61-63 • Lk 2:1-7
- Chapter 22: Shepherds in the Field • p.64-65 • Lk 2:8-20

4th Sunday of Advent: Acceptance of God's Will (B) 11

Key Passage

Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38)

Questions

Adults: How do you open your heart to what God wants for you? How do you follow the pathway that leads to happiness?

Children: Is there something hard you need to do this week? What might make it easier?

Readings

First Reading • The Lord's Promises to David

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 (NRSVCE | GNT | MSG | NLT | NRSVACE)

Psalm

Psalms 89:2-3, 4-5, 27+29 (NRSVCE | GNT | MSG | NLT | NRSVACE)

Second Reading • Doxology

Romans 16:25-27 (NRSVCE | GNT | MSG | NLT | NRSVACE)

Gospel • The Annunciation of the Lord

Luke 1:26-38 (NRSVCE | GNT | MSG | NLT | NRSVACE)

Related activities & tools

Wows series: Sciency-Fun WOWS! Ages 3-7: 54 Surprising Bible Object Lessons
- Chapter 1: An Angel Announces Jesus’ Birth » Paper Stretch • p.8-9 • Lk 1:26-38; Mt 1:18-25
Wows series: Sciency-Fun WOWS! Ages 8-12: 54 Surprising Bible Object Lessons
- Chapter 1: An Angel Announces Jesus’ Birth » Believe It • p.8-9 • Lk 1:26-38; Mt 1:18-25
Wows series: Makerific WOWS! Ages 8-12: 54 Surprising Bible Crafts
- Chapter 1: An Angel Announces Jesus’ Birth » Flying Cups • p.8-11 • Lk 1:26-38; Mt 1:18-25
Wows series: Makerific WOWS! Ages 3-7: 54 Surprising Bible Crafts
- Chapter 1: An Angel Announces Jesus’ Birth » Announcing Angels • p.8-9 • Lk 1:26-38; Mt 1:18-25
Big Picture Bible Crafts: 101 Simple and Amazing Crafts to Help Teach Children the Bible
- Chapter 55: God Reveals His Plan to Mary and Joseph • p.126-127 • Mt 1:18-25; Lk 1:26-56
Enriching Faith series: Lessons & Activities on Prayer
- Traditional Prayers • Chapter 4: The Hail Mary • p.18-21 • Lk 1:26-56
- Traditional Prayers • Chapter 5: Guardian Angel Prayer • p.22-25 • Lk 1:26-38
LearningCycles series: Emmanuel, God with Us: Creative Activities for Teaching Advent
- Chapter 1: Art Workshop • p.13-16 • Lk 1:26-2:20; Mt 2:1-12
- Chapter 2: Publishing Workshop • p.17-18 • Lk 1:26-2:20; Mt 2:1-12
- Chapter 3: Drama Workshop • p.19-21 • Lk 1:26-2:20; Mt 2:1-12
- Chapter 4: Movie Workshop • p.22-23 • Lk 1:26-2:20; Mt 2:1-12
- Chapter 5: Story Workshop • p.24-26 • Lk 1:26-2:20; Mt 2:1-12
- Chapter 6: Kitchen Workshop • p.27-29 • Lk 1:26-2:20; Mt 2:1-12
- Chapter 7: Music Workshop • p.30-32 • Lk 1:26-2:20; Mt 2:1-12
LearningCycles series: A Voice Crying in the Wilderness: Creative Activities for Teaching about John the Baptist
- Chapter 1: Art Workshop • p.13-16 • Lk 1:1-80, 3:1-21; Mt 3:1-17
- Chapter 2: Publishing Workshop • p.17-19 • Lk 1:1-80, 3:1-21; Mt 3:1-17
- Chapter 3: Drama Workshop • p.20-25 • Lk 1:1-80, 3:1-21; Mt 3:1-17
- Chapter 4: Movie Workshop • p.26-27 • Lk 1:1-80, 3:1-21; Mt 3:1-17
- Chapter 5: Story Workshop • p.28-31 • Lk 1:1-80, 3:1-21; Mt 3:1-17
- Chapter 6: Kitchen Workshop • p.32-36 • Lk 1:1-80, 3:1-21; Mt 3:1-17
- Chapter 7: Music Workshop • p.37 • Lk 1:1-80, 3:1-21; Mt 3:1-17
Learning Centers series: Learning Centers for Advent & Lent
- Advent • Chapter 9: Mary the Mother of Jesus • p.32-35 • Lk 1:26-45
Enriching Faith series: Lessons, Prayers and Activities on Mary
- Chapter 3: Annunciation: Spouse of the Holy Spirit • p.10-11 • Lk 1:26-38
- Chapter 5: Magnificat: Blessed Virgin • p.14-15 • Lk 1:46-55
- Chapter 16: Coronation: Queen of the Universe • p.36-37 • Lk 1:26-38
The Big Book of Bible Stories to Make
- Chapter 10: The Angel Gabriel • p.48-65 • Lk 1:26-38
Coloring Creations 2: 52 More Creative Bible Lessons
- Chapter 25: The Angel Gabriel Comes to Mary • p.54-55 • Lk 1:26-38
LearningCycles series: Stations of the Créche: Creative Activities for an Advent Journey of Hope
- Chapter 3: Drama Workshop • p.19-23