Advent Celebration

The word Advent means "coming." During the season of Advent, we prepare our hearts once again for the arrival of Jesus. The following prayer celebration is penitential in nature. Use this liturgy as a non-sacramental opportunity to deepen awareness of the need for healing and forgiveness.

See Liturgical Calendar–Seasons–Advent for additional background information and prayer.


"St. Nicholas as Shepherd" Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Being light in times of darkness.
Materials		Prayer table with Bible and Advent wreath, activity page, crayons or markers, safety scissors, dish of holy water, music, read-to-me story. Click here to print the sheep activity page.
Reading		Ezekiel 34:11-15
Music		"He Came Down," Blest Are We Music CD 1; "Come, Lord Jesus," Jack Miffleton (WLP); "This Little Light of Mine," (Spiritual); "Gift of God," (GIA Publications)
Preparation		Print out and make copies of the sheep. Cut the sheets so that each child has one. Practice the role of leader for the prayer celebration. Children will not need copies of the liturgy. Write their response on the chalkboard in advance, or say "We give praise to God" and have the children repeat it with you.
Adaptation		Read the story of St. Nicholas to the children. Click here for a read-to-me story. At the end of the story, give each child a piece of candy or other treat. Explain that it is tradition for anyone who receives a treat on St. Nicholas Day to repay the kindness by doing a good deed for someone.
Additional Materials		For a full year of liturgies, from which this one was adapted, see: Prayer Celebrations, Primary Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-30567-1 / 9780382305672 Blest Are We Music CD 1 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36652-2 / 9780382366529 Blest Are We Song Book for Grades 1-8 Words and melody for children; contains music for grades 1-8. Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 / 9780382366178 Blest Are We Accompaniment Book for Grades 1-8 Contains accompaniment music for grades 1-8 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2 / 9780382366185