The Advent season, which begins on Sunday, Nov. 27 this year, is the first gift of Christmas, but one that is often unwrapped.

Advent is comprised of four weeks set aside in the liturgical calendar to prepare the home of our heart for the birth of Jesus and the always perfect Christmas of Bethlehem. It is a time to recall the unrivaled, unconditional love of God which we find in the manger on Christmas morning.

It is also one of the least understood seasons of the Church with the reflective nature of this time often co-opted by the frantic pace with which we plan for Christmas – the decorations, the food, shopping for gifts; the mindset that buying is at the heart of the season deprives us of what should be a time to breath, to wonder, to anticipate the joy that comes with Christmas.

In his book, “A Pilgrims Almanac,” Edward Hayes reminds us, “Take time to be aware that in the very midst of our busy preparations for the celebration of Christ’s birth in ancient Bethlehem, Christ is reborn in the Bethlehems of our homes and daily lives. Take time, slow down, be still, be awake to the Divine Mystery that looks so common and so ordinary yet is wondrously present.”

While teachers cannot change the culture in which students find themselves, religious education classes in both Catholic schools and parish programs may be infused with the beautiful, faith-filled meaning of this holy holiday season.

Prepare the way of the Lord - Give your students the gift of Advent by including them in classroom preparations for welcoming the Baby Jesus. Preparations can include straightening out desks, books shelves, cloak rooms and reading nooks. Share in rearranging the classroom prayer table or corner for Advent, with colors of purple and rose, and an Advent wreath.

It’s important to acknowledge that some families do not go to Mass regularly so children may not see the Advent candle lit in church. Having an Advent wreath in the classroom allows for discussion of the symbolism and the colors and reason to celebrate.

Prayerfully decorate – Give children an opportunity to create decorations for the classroom. In addition to the red and green of Christmas, add purple, the color of Advent symbolizing prayer, penance and sacrifice. Include one or more religious themed Advent calendars to ensure that every child has a chance to open one of the days. Offer an Advent prayer before or after any project.

Gift students with listening moments – Spiritually, Advent is a time to breath, a time to reflect on who we are and who we should be in relation to the Christ child. Young children are not ready for such reflection but providing them times of quiet will prepare them for reflective experiences as they get older.

Times of quiet also help calm busy minds and bodies and keep them connected with things outside themselves. It is also an important aspect of prayer. Provide a few minutes of quiet. Direct students to take a few deep breaths, then ask students to listen to the quiet. At the end of a few moments, ask them to share what they heard – birds or cars going by outside, students or teachers talking in the hallways, the clock on the wall ticking.

Encourage them to imagine what Mary and Joseph might have heard in the quiet the night Jesus was born. Would they have heard the shepherd and sheep off in the distance as they came to visit the newborn King? Would they have heard the three Wise Men on their camels as they came bearing gifts? After any sharing, end with a short prayer, “Thank you God, for time to listen and think about Jesus during Advent.”

In addition to the lessons and information in the RCL Benziger student, teach, and catechist curriculum guides, plan to look at the free, downloadable Advent resources, as well.

About the Author
Mary Clifford Morrell, mother of six and grandmother to ten, is a Catholic journalist, editor, and author who has served the Dioceses of Metuchen and Trenton, New Jersey; Burlington, Vermont, and RENEW International in the areas of religious education and communication.