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.
When the people went astray and broke their covenant, God made yet another promise. God would send them a Messiah, someone who would reconcile them again to friendship. The people waited for thousands of years for God to fulfill this promise to them.
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 Discuss how Jesus came into the world to take away the darkness. We call Jesus the Light of the World. • Give each family member a piece of construction paper and a pre-cut paper flame to make candles. Use crayons or markers to draw Christmas symbols, such as the manger scene, angels, and the Advent wreath, on the paper. • Assemble the candles by rolling the paper into round candle shapes, taping the ends, and gluing on the flames. • Display the completed candles to let your family’s light shine! See the Liturgical Calendar on this site for additional information. See also Catechist—Lent or Teacher—Lent for Liturgy.