Junior High Session
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14-16
Luke 1:26-38
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Lord God,
As we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth, increase our faith in you.
May we be ready to risk as Mary did, to act as your followers in the world.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
On this Fourth Sunday of Advent the topic is the Incarnation. To begin invite the youngsters to imagine that they are journalists, working for a newsmagazine. Divide the large group into small groups and have the young people create an article that tells the story of someone saying “Yes” to God. Explain that acts of kindness, sacrifice, forgiveness, and love show our ability to say “yes” to God because these actions bring Jesus’ presence into the world. Have each group write an article to present to the large group. Discuss:
• What acts of kindness can you carry out at home or in school?
• Who are some people that you admire because of their ability to make the world a better place?
• How can acts of kindness, sacrifice, forgiveness, and love bring God’s presence into the world?
Allow time for discussion. On this Fourth Sunday of Advent we celebrate the Incarnation, when God became man and dwelt among us. Mary said yes to God and gave birth to Jesus. We too can say yes to God and bring Jesus’ presence into the world through our words and actions.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading today, listen to the story of how God promised David a kingdom.
Read 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14-16.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• What does God promise David?
• What helps David to see that God is in charge?
• How does God bring hope to the people of Israel?
In today’s gospel listen to learn how Mary responds to the angel Gabriel’s announcement from the Lord.
Read Luke 1:26-38.
Allow for silence.
• What message from God does the angel Gabriel deliver to Mary?
• How does the angel help to calm Mary’s fears?
• How does Mary finally respond to the angel’s announcement?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using the Catechist Background section.
The first reading from the Old Testament gives us background to the announcement of Jesus’ birth found in Luke 1:32-33, by telling the story of how God promised David a kingdom. The story of God’s promise to David is interesting because it shows how God is in charge of all David’s great accomplishments. God promises David a kingdom that will last forever. God promises divine protection for all David’s heirs in the future. This passage is a strong reminder of the many times God has entered into human history to save us from our own sinfulness. These events have prepared the way for the birth of Jesus.
In today’s gospel, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will bear a son and he will be heir to the promises that God made to David. Mary is at first confused and frightened by the angel’s message. But the angel calms her fears and explains that God is with her. The author of today’s gospel refers to the virginity of Mary to show the divine and miraculous nature of the birth of Jesus. Mary’s final answer to God’s call is yes and she responds, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” This gospel highlights the divine origin of Jesus, and it shows how his birth fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How had God prepared the way for the birth of Jesus?
• What do you think it was like for Mary to hear the angel’s announcement?
• When is it difficult for you to hear and respond to God’s message?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starter
Incarnation
The Incarnation is our belief that God became man and lived among us. We believe that the coming of Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise of God given to Abraham and Sarah. We believe that in the one person Jesus Christ, God and humanity are united. Jesus is at the same time human and divine. God became flesh to save us from our sins and to show us how to live as sons and daughters of God. The Incarnation shows the great love that God has for us.
• Why is the Incarnation an important event in the history of the world?
• How does the Incarnation help us to live as sons and daughters of God?
Sacrament Connection
In the Sacrament of Baptism we are incorporated into the mystery of Christ. We share in God’s own life and are reborn as sons and daughters of God.
The Gospel in Life
How can you say “yes” to God this week?
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