Primary Session
John 1:6-8, 19-28
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Jesus our Light,
Fill our hearts with joyful hope,
as we wait to celebrate your coming into the world.
Guide us each day with the light of your love.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The main theme for this Third Sunday of Advent is discernment. Begin today’s session with an activity about choices that reflect light or darkness. Divide the meeting space into two sections and explain to the children that the right side of the room will represent the “light” of a good choice and the left side of the room will represent the “darkness” of a bad choice. Instruct the children to move either to the right or left side of the room when a choice is called out. Some examples of choices that reflect light: helping someone who is sad, saying thank you, telling the truth, saying I’m sorry, praying, etc. Some examples of choices that reflect darkness: staying angry, lying, holding a grudge, refusing to share, teasing someone at school, etc. Mix up the choices so that the children can move from one side of the room to the other. Discuss:
• Who helps you to make good choices?
• How can you help others make good choices?
• How does Jesus help us to make good choices?
Allow time for discussion. We can count on Jesus to help us make good choices. On this Third Sunday of Advent we rejoice in the light of Jesus’ presence in our lives.
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today, John the Baptist points to the light of the world. Listen to what the Prophet John tells the people about Jesus.
Read John 1:6-8, 19-28.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• Who is John the Baptist?
• How does John point to the light of the world?
• Why is Jesus called the Light of the world?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
On this Third Sunday of Advent the readings focus our attention on Jesus, the Light of the world who is already present among us. Today we rejoice and celebrate that God is present in our daily lives.
In today’s gospel the Jewish leaders question John the Baptist to find out the truth. They want to know if John is the promised messiah. John the Baptist makes it clear that he has been sent by God to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus, the light of the world. John tells the people that he isn’t the light. John points the way to Jesus.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• Why do we rejoice on the Third Sunday of Advent?
• Why does John point the way to Jesus?
• Where do you find Jesus in your daily life?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to theGospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Discernment
Our faith teaches us to think and pray before making choices. Discernment is the process of thinking and praying about daily events in order to follow the way that God is leading us. We discern when we listen for the voice of God’s Spirit in our lives. We believe that God loves and cares about us. God sent Jesus into the world to show us the way. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to help us and guide us.
• Why do we think and pray before making choices?
• How does the Holy Spirit help us make choices?
• How can we try to follow the way God is leading us?
Sacrament Connection
When we are baptized, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. In the Sacrament of Baptism we are reborn as adopted children of God. Throughout our lives the Holy Spirit helps to lead us to the truth.
The Gospel in Life
How can you think and pray before making a choice this week?
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