Primary Session
Mark 13:33-37
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Dear God,
During the season of Advent we get ready for Christmas.
Help us to prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
On this first Sunday of Advent the theme is the Second Coming of Jesus. To begin today’s session, invite the children to make mosaic candles to remind them that Jesus is the light of the world. Explain to the children that the candles we light during Advent represent the light of Jesus coming into our lives. Provide an outline of a lit candle cut out of card stock paper for each child. Invite the children to tear small pieces of colored construction paper. Have the children use glue to stick the small pieces of construction paper onto the candle to create a mosaic effect. Discuss:
• How can you bring the light of Jesus to others?
• How does celebrating Advent help us to get ready for Christmas?
• How can you make this Advent season special?
Allow time for discussion. During the season of Advent we wait for the coming of Jesus into our hearts, into our lives, and into the world.
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today, listen to how important it is to keep alert and be ready.
Read Mark 13:33-37.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• Why do we need to keep alert and awake?
• Who is coming?
• When is Jesus coming?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
During the season of Advent the message in the scripture readings is to prepare for the coming of Jesus. We remember Jesus being born as a baby and we also get ready for Christ to come again in glory. The gospel for this First Sunday of Advent tells us to be alert and ready for Jesus’ Second Coming.
Today’s Gospel announces the importance of watchful waiting. Jesus tells a story about a man who leaves his servants in charge while he goes on a journey, and then he returns unexpectedly. Jesus uses this story to teach about the importance of being ready when the Lord comes.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• What are we waiting for during the season of Advent?
• Why does Jesus tell the story about the man who goes on a journey?
• How do you get ready for special days?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Second Coming
Advent is the season that prepares us for Christmas. We get ready for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. During Advent we also look forward to the Second Coming of Jesus at the end of time.
As believers we look forward to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ with hope. We live with the hope that when Jesus comes again we will live forever with him in glory. The season of Advent reminds us to be ready because we do not know when Jesus is coming.
We look forward to the Second Coming of Christ because we believe that Jesus will come to bring an end to suffering and death and he will bring the fullness of God’s kingdom. As we wait, we joyfully pray, “Come, Lord Jesus.”
• What does the season of Advent help us do?
• How do you prepare for Jesus’ coming?
• What Christmas songs help us to prepare for Jesus coming?
Sacrament Connection
In the Eucharist Christ is really made present. In the celebration of the Eucharist we acknowledge the power of Christ to transform everything. Celebrating Eucharist makes us ready for Christ who may arrive at any moment and bring the fullness of the kingdom.
The Gospel in Life
How can you make room in your heart to welcome Jesus this Advent season?
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