Christmas is the celebration of Jesus, God’s greatest gift to us, coming into our lives. At this time, Jesus—the Word of God—tells us again that he is the God we are in search of and that he has come into our midst.

Christmas is also a season of gift giving, a tradition that originally centered on the Feast of the Epiphany, commemorating the visit of the Magi and the revelation of the Lord to the whole world.

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


"Jesus Is Coming" Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Sharing ways we can show our love for others
Materials		Prayer table with Bible, Advent wreath, copies of liturgy, "Jesus is Coming."
Reading		1 John 4:7–12
Music		"He Came Down," Blest Are We Music CD 1; "Who Shall Come to Worship Him," Janet Vogt (OCP Publications), "Gift of God," Marty Haugen (GIA Publications)
Preparation		Before the prayer celebration, have children draw pictures of ways they can show love to family members or to friends. Display these pictures during the liturgy. Print out and photocopy "Jesus is Coming." Practice your role as leader.
Adaptation		Invite the children to surprise another group of children in the parish by leaving candy canes in their room for them. Leave a card signed by all the children in your group.
Additional Materials		"He Came Down" 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 Blest Are We Song Book Words and melody for children; contains music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 Blest Are We Accompaniment Book Contains accompaniment music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2