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December 25, 2009
(see other dates)
The Nativity of the Lord (solemnity, holy day of obligation)
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Reading 1 Reflection
Have you ever been so glad to see someone who was bringing you good news that you thought even his or her feet were beautiful? That's the way it as with the author of today's reading. He envisions a messenger rushing over the mountains to tell God's people that they have been freed and saved from their enemies. Their God is King! The watchmen on the towers of Jerusalem shout out the news. The Lord has come to save the people and will comfort them and give them peace.
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Discussion Questions for Reading 1
How can we be messengers of peace in our families? among our friends? in our neighborhood? Recall ways in which you have felt the comfort and peace of Jesus' presence at Christmastime. Thank him in prayer and action.
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Reading 2 Reflection
The author of this reading has a great advantage over the Old Testament prophets who looked forward to the coming of the Messiah. For him Jesus is not a mysterious figure who will appear at some future time. Christ has come into the world, has shown the Father's glory, and has cleansed us from our sins. The Son of God is God's greatest "Word" to us. The writer rejoices in the Son of God, whose greatness and perfection even the angels must worship.
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Discussion Questions for Reading 2
How can you grow in appreciating the importance of Jesus in your life? How will you celebrate his birth in your family and parish?
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Gospel Reflection
The prologue, or opening section, of John's Gospel is a beautiful description of Jesus as the Word of God. He is identified as the source of life and light for all who believe in him. Sadly, many in the world did not, and do not, recognize Jesus. But to us, whom he calls his own, Jesus gave the power of becoming daughters and sons of the Most High God. The closing words of today's gospel tell us why we have good reason to rejoice on this Christmas day.
Pray them now together with devotion:
And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father's only Son,
full of grace and truth.
Amen! Alleluia!
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Discussion Questions for Gospel
In our hemisphere, this season is the darkest of the year. We have the least amount of hours of sunlight. Yet we rejoice, for into that darkness the Light of the World has come.
To appreciate light, sometimes we have to experience darkness. Think about any "darkness" in your life. Ask Jesus to come into that darkness. Ask him to shine his light upon it.
How can you bring the light of Jesus to others this season, others who may be experiencing darkness in some way?
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Proclaiming Faith Activities for Primary Grades
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The Greatest Gift
Put a picture of baby Jesus in a small box. Wrap it as many times as you have children in your class.
Gather children in a circle. Tell them that in this box is a special gift for Christmas. Pass the box around the circle, having each child unwrap one layer until the box is completely unwrapped. Open the box and show that Jesus is the special gift of the season.
A Birthday Celebration
Christmas is Jesus' birthday. Have a birthday celebration with the children. Provide a cupcake for each child. Place one birthday candle in each cupcake. Light these candles and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. Have children blow out the candles and enjoy their cupcakes.
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Proclaiming Faith Activities
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Celebrating His Coming
Christ, the Word of God, is born! Let's celebrate. Read the messages written here. In the space below or on another sheet of paper, draw or write one way you and your family will make the joyful message come alive.
Break out together in song!
Suggestion: We will plan to sing Christmas carols in our neighborhood.
Let all the angels (and "saints-in-the-making") worship him!
We will celebrate as a family at Christmas Mass.
We have seen his glory!
We will show special hospitality and warmth to all who visit us.
Completing Your Gift List
What gifts of self will you give during the Christmas season? Look at the list below. Select items from this "catalogue" or offer your own ideas.
A. Being a patient listener
B. Working for a good cause
C. Giving to the needy
D. Sharing your faith
E. Visiting the sick
F. Playing with or reading to younger children
Jesus, Light of the World
Try to experience darkness and light during this Christmas season. Have meals by candlelight or by the light of the Christmas tree. Take a special walk or drive just to see the Christmas lights in your neighborhood or in store windows. Some are put up only for commercial purposes, but all of them can remind us of Jesus, the Light of the World. Enjoy their beauty as you ask Jesus for more of his light in your life!
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For Bibles and other scripture resources, please see the
Sadlier religion catalog.
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www.sadlier.com
Copyright © 2009
William H. Sadlier, Inc.
All rights reserved.
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