Unit 1 begins a study of the New Testament. Young people will read about Jesus' birth, grow in knowledge of how they are called to imitate Christ, and learn the many ways to express devotion. Refer to the Unit Opener in The Story of Jesus for ideas on how to present this unit. Come, Emmanuel Use the unit song before or after opening prayer, during a prayer celebration, at the end of a session, or during special celebrations. The Birth of Our Savior God loved us so much as to send God’s true son, Jesus, to save us from our sins. God with Us The sacrament of Baptism gives us a new identity as members of the Body of Christ. Jesus! Son of God, Son of Man The gift of conscience helps us realize our goal of striving to be Christlike---of living as Jesus did. Jesus, One with God in Prayer Prayer transforms us. It helps us to "put on" the mind, the will, and the heart of Jesus. The stories on these pages follow the last chapter of each unit. They introduce social justice issues from a Catholic perpective. "...today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord." —Luke 2:11 Jesus reveals himself to us beginning with his birth in lowly surroundings. Jesus invites us into a relationship in which the events of his life take on a personal meaning for us and make a difference in our lives. These young people may know about Jesus, but they may not be accustomed to thinking of Jesus as a friend and brother who invites them to know and believe in him. You will help them begin to look at Jesus in this new way by sharing with them the place Jesus has in your own life and how your response to Jesus has grown as you have matured. You can offer them realistic ways to practice and shape their identities as followers of Jesus. It may not seem "cool" for participants to talk about Jesus or express their faith in him. You can help change this perception by understanding their natural hesitancy and not forcing them to "open up." As group members get to know one another better, they will feel more comfortable sharing their feelings and experiences. • How has Jesus revealed himself to me? How can I help others really get to know Jesus? • What difference does knowing Jesus make in my life? Why do I think it is important for the young people in my care to get to know Jesus? Books Faith Alive – A New Presentation of Catholic Belief and Practice Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-89622-408-2 Basics of the Catholic Faith Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 1-58595-109-9 Growing Together: 6 Intergenerational Celebrations Volume I: Fall & Winter Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 1-889108-45-6 Whole Community Catechesis in Plain English Twenty-Third Publications, 2002 Videos The Gospel of Matthew – The Visual Bible (60 min. each) 4-tapes, begins with birth of Jesus Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36072-9 Walks with Jesus – Meditations for Quiet Moments (30 min.) Vol. 1: Eucharist Scripture, prayer, true stories, and music focus on Eucharist Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-87061-219-0 Jesus of Nazareth (6 hrs.) Dramatization of life of Christ on site Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-30961-8 Music "Let Me Be Your Bethlehem," Danielle Rose Defining Beauty CD Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 1-58459-089-0 "The Messiah," Handel "The Lord is My Light," Jeanne Cotter We Are God’s People CD GIA Publications