How would you answer the question: "What exactly do we celebrate at Christmas?" You might say, "Peace on earth," or, "The innocence and wonder of young children," or "Christmas is the celebration of the Incarnation, the coming of Christ." All are correct responses.

But there is more to celebrate. Jesus Christ comes to us every day of every year. He comes in the needs of the poor and the homeless. He comes in our happy times and in our disappointments. He comes to those who don‘t recognize him or even want him in their lives. And he comes to us when we live as his disciples.

There is even more to celebrate. Jesus Christ will come again to this earth, to our world. He will not be born again in a stable in Bethlehem. Instead, God promises to send Jesus Christ to us as our Eternal King. This second coming will be the completion of God‘s kingdom on earth. There will no longer be any reasons not to celebrate, for there will be only joy, peace, and perfect love to be shared by all God‘s children.

Family Activity

	Have the group make a manger scene from modeling clay.

	•		Provide them with enough clay to make the Nativity figures. Use a salt box or oatmeal for the manger. Use straw or yellow yard strips as hay for the manger.
	•		Display the manger scene in the prayer corner.
	•		If time permits, conclude the activity by reading an appropriate Nativity story.

See the Liturgical Calendar on this site for additional information.
See also Catechist—Lent or Teacher—Lent for Liturgy.