Children Liturgy of the Word resources for the First Sunday of Advent Year C.
Advent Season
What is Advent?
PRAYER TABLEE
1st Sunday of Advent C
Items you can place on a prayer table that reflect the themes and symbolism found in this week’s Sunday readings.
FIRST READING
- A sprouting plant or seeds: Symbolizing new life, growth, and the fulfillment of God’s promises in Jeremiah 33:14-16.
- A heart-shaped object or image: Representing God’s promise to write the law on our hearts, as mentioned in Jeremiah 31:33, referenced in the first reading.
SECOND READING
- A small cross or crucifix: Reminding us of the salvation offered through Jesus Christ, as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2.
- A set of praying hands or a rosary: Encouraging prayer and faithfulness, as emphasized in 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13.
- A white cloth or banner: Symbolizing the purity and holiness of God’s people, as referenced in 1 Thessalonians 3:13.
GOSPEL
- A lantern or candle: Symbolizing the light of Christ and His coming, as described in Luke 21:25-28.
- A world map or globe: Illustrating the passages in Luke 21, referring to events happening in various parts of the world.
- A book or scroll: Representing the word of God and the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of the Lord’s words in Luke 21:33.
- A dove or olive branch: Symbols of peace, reflecting the call for hope and preparedness in Luke 21:34-36.
- A clock or hourglass: Representing the need for vigilance and the importance of time in Luke 21:34-36.
Key words and topics appropriate for young children related to the Sunday readings:
FIRST READING
Keywords and Topics:
- Promise: God making a special agreement with His people
- Righteousness: Being good and doing what is right
- Safe: God keeping us protected and secure
Summary for Children:
God makes a promise to send someone special who will help us do good things and be safe.
SECOND READING
Keywords and Topics:
- Love: Caring for others and being kind to them
- Holiness: Being close to God and living like Jesus
- Hope: Looking forward to good things from God
Summary for Children:
We should love each other and be kind like Jesus, to be close to God and wait for His amazing gifts.
GOSPEL
Keywords and Topics:
- Signs: Special events that help us understand God’s message
- Watch: Paying close attention and staying ready
- Hope: Trusting in Jesus and believing in a better future
Summary for Children:
Jesus tells us about signs to watch for and reminds us to stay close to Him, always trusting and hoping for good things to come.
SOURCE: Holy Family FdL
Join Fr. Edward as we kick off the Catholic Church’s New Year and learn more about one of the most known symbols of the season: the Advent Wreath.
SOURCE: Mary Jo Cole
It’s Advent! Today we begin the wonderful season of Advent, where we prepare for Jesus’ birth on Christmas and His return one day to earth. As we light the Advent wreath, how can you bring Jesus’ light to your family and friends this week? God bless you during Advent and always!
SOURCE: Edmonton Catholic School District
Advent is a time of hope, mercy, and reflection, encouraging Christians to prepare for the coming of Christ through kindness, compassion, and prayer while fostering community and family bonds.
he Advent program emphasizes the importance of preparation, prayer, and hope as children learn about and await the coming of Jesus Christ.
SOURCE: Redemptorist Publications
Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus, encouraging vigilance, prayer, and trust in Him amidst the chaos and challenges of life.
SOURCE: Most Sacred Heart Parish, Eureka, MO
Being honest is essential to prevent the development of negative habits and larger issues that arise from lying.
CATHOLIC MOM
- Sunday Mass Readings from USCCB
- Sunday Coloring Page
- Mass Worksheets
- Word Search
- Dec 3: St. Francis Xavier
Dec 6: St. Nicholas - Advent Wreath
HANDOUTS
1st Sunday of Advent C
Download 8 1/2 x 10 (PDF)
S.D.C. is a Catholic Society that works in the field of Catechesis and the spreading of the Word of God in different ways. READ MORE
SOURCE: SDC Sunday Liturgy Resources
Download 4-pages (PDF)
The Kids’ Bulletins are a resource for Catholic kids who would like to have some fun while learning about the readings from the Sunday Mass every week. (Ordinary Form) They are made by a mom in Canada who is happy to share them with anyone who can use them to help learn or teach about the truth and beauty of the Faith.
SOURCE: Catholic Kids Bulletin
Download Activity (PDF)
Enjoy Catholic coloring pages, lesson plans, Mass worksheets, puzzles, and more to help you prepare for Sunday Mass. These activities, prepared by the Catholic Mom Sunday Gospel Team, are free for you to print and share with your family, classroom, or parish.
SOURCE: Catholic Mom
Jesus is Coming Again
OBJECTS: Christmas Decorations
We’re entering the season of Advent. Advent means “the coming of something very important.” It is a period of time when we look forward to the celebration of Jesus’ birth at Christmas–and we also look forward to Jesus’ return.
Jesus promised to come again, and we look forward to it, just as people 2,000 years ago looked forward to the Savior being born. No one knows exactly when Jesus will come back. It isn’t marked on the calendar, but we’re watching and waiting, expectantly.
As we prepare to celebrate the birthday of our Savior, let’s also be sure we prepare for His exciting return.
SOURCE: Sermon 4 Kids
Getting Rid of Shadows
OBJECTS: None
I think everyone worries a little bit from time to time, even kids. Sometimes we worry about silly things that we know are not likely to happen. Have you ever been frightened at night by a shadow on the ceiling? You worry about what it could be until you turn on the light and it goes away. It turns out to be the shadow of your bedpost or perhaps the corner of a table.
Some people worry about the weather. They worry that it will be too hot, too cold, or will rain. Of course there is nothing we can do about the weather. We may have to change our plans, but there is no use to worry about it.
Sometimes we worry about serious things. If someone you love is sick you may worry about them and want them to feel better. We can understand this kind of worry, can’t we?
Jesus says this about worry: “So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with… (the) cares of this life” (21:34).
Worry is not a helpful thing. It makes us feel uncomfortable and fearful. Worry can feel like a heavy thing that we carry around.
SOURCE: Sermon Writer
MR. BRAGG’S LIBRARY (5:21)
Word of the Week
INTEGRITY
Stand Tall
In Stand Tall, a little girl tells her story about how important it is to believe in yourself and to believe in being your best self. Throughout the story, children are presented with opportunities to understand the differences between right and wrong, how to make positive decisions, how to keep promises, and how to remain true to themselves. This book also provides discussion questions, games, and activities.