The Israelites, our ancestors in faith, trusted in God’s promises to them. God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah would make of them ancestors to descendants more numerous than the stars. This was fulfilled when the Israelites became God’s Chosen People. God’s promise of a land flowing with milk and honey was realized when the Israelites, led by Moses, found their way to the Promised Land.
Most people would agree that Christmas is the most beloved of Christian holy days and holidays. The customs and carols, scents and surprises, food and festivals of Christmas warm our winter hearts in unparalleled ways. No wonder we all love Christmas! No wonder many children cherish Christmas as their favorite festival. The Christmas theme builds on the delight of Christmas experienced by children young and old. The lessons endeavor to deepen that delight and point out the ordinary ways we Christians can celebrate the extraordinary meaning of Christmas in our lives! This chapter helps your child learn that Christmas is a bright celebration of Jesus' birth, the birthday of all birthdays! He or she discovers that in Jesus one finds God's greatest gift to the world. Your child will learn that by becoming a gift-giver, he or she becomes a gift of God's love to others. "For the temple of God, which you are, is holy." Daily through our unconditional love of others, we proclaim to the world that we are holy temples of God. Out of us shines God's love for the world.
Christians believe that Jesus is the Promised One sent by God to reconcile all people to God’s friendship. Jesus is God’s own Son born of a woman, Mary, to be our Savior. We celebrate this on Christmas, and we await Christ’s coming again as King in glory on the Last Day. Family Activity Find a special place, perhaps near the Christmas tree, where you can set up a nativity set that is sturdy enough for your child to handle frequently during the Christmas season. It could have statues that family members made of clay, cardboard, or even paper. Do not add the baby Jesus until Christmas day. Include the wise men to arrive on January 6, the Epiphany. See The Visit of the Magi. See the Liturgical Calendar on this site for additional information. See also Catechist—Lent or Teacher—Lent for Liturgy.