The students will be able to
Talk about the many different things they do during the Christmas season. (eat special foods, visit relatives, sing songs, exchange presents) Because the birth of Jesus is so important, we celebrate it over a number of days.
Ask: When do we begin to prepare for Christmas in the Church? (the first Sunday of Advent) Explain that today they are going to learn about the Christmas season and how it lasts for three weeks.
Begin by reading the Student Handout A, The Promised One. Then read Luke 2:1–7. Ask: Which feast is described in this reading? (Christmas) What will happen next? (Angels will tell shepherds that Jesus is born, and the shepherds will go to visit him.) Read the next two parts of the story, Luke 2:8–14 and 2:15–20.
Explain that the next feast day after Christmas is the feast of the Holy Family. Read the story about the Holy Family, Luke 2:41–52.
Then tell the children that Epiphany is the feast day following the feast of the Holy Family. Ask: What does this feast celebrate? (the three Wise Men visiting Jesus) Read Matthew 2:1–12 to the children.
Then ask them what the final feast of the Christmas season celebrates. (the baptism of Jesus) Read to the children the account of the baptism in Matthew 4:13–17.
Using the Student Handout B, Hidden Message Crossword, have the children complete the puzzle and find the hidden message. Use this activity to see if the children have an understanding of the main parts of Jesus’ life celebrated during the Christmas season.
Using the Prayer Service, Student Handout C read Matthew 2:1–11. Make sure you allow time after the reading for silent reflection.