2022-23 November #2: Advent
Welcome to the His Little Way blog, where early childhood teachers find great resources for teaching a Catholic curriculum!
This year is flying by! It’s time to start thinking about the advent season! We hope our 2nd booklet in November is a great resource to help your littles prepare their hearts and minds for Jesus’s coming.
And as always, if you have any questions, suggestions, or anything to share – please email us!
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Tiny Treasures
Page 1:
In the Catholic church the “waiting” time before Christmas is called advent. Advent is the first season in the liturgical year and lasts four weeks. It is well known that lent is a time of prayer, penance and sacrifice, but so is advent! This year, advent begins on Sunday, November 27th. During the first, second and fourth weeks of advent, the priest wears a purple chasuble to remind us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. The third week, he wears a pink chasuble during the celebration of mass. This is called Gaudete Sunday. The word “gaudete” is derived from the Latin words “gaudium”, joy, and “gaudeo”, to rejoice or be glad. It is because of the nearness of the feast of Christmas, that we rejoice.
Page 2:
Advent Themes for each week and the Advent Wreath:
During advent, one of the most common traditions Catholics have is the lighting of the Advent Wreath. The advent candles remind us of the strong contrast between darkness and light. Jesus referred to himself as the “Light of the World”. His light overcomes the darkness of sin: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). It also reminds us that we are meant to shine Christ’s light to the world.
The round shape of the advent wreath reminds us of God’s complete and unending love for us.
The four candles represent each week of advent, but also it represents 1,000 years for each candle. This is a symbol of the 4,000 years that humanity waited for the world’s Savior. Sometimes, the advent wreath has a fifth candle that is white. This is lit on Christmas and is usually placed in the middle.
- Week 1: Hope
- We reflect on the Old Testament prophets who foretold Jesus’s coming, and we hope along with the Church.
- Week 2: Peace
- We reflect on Jesus as the Prince of Peace. It is our hope to be filled with this deep and abiding peace to be shared with everyone around us.
- Week 3: Joy
- This symbolizes rejoicing. We should be filled with joy for the near arrival of Jesus on Christmas day.
- Week 4: Love
- We rejoice in the endless love that God has for us.
Page 3:
St. Cecilia lived in Rome during the Christian persecution. She sang to the Lord in her heart as she was getting married. She converted her new husband to her Christian faith. Legend says that when he returned from his baptism, he found Cecilia standing next to an angel who crowned both of them with roses and lilies.
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Have your littles color, cut and paste the advent candles and wreath. Place the wreath in the prayer corner at school or at home. This can be a great way to celebrate advent in a personal way for your littles.
Social/Emotional Learning
Remember, advent is a time of prayer, penance and sacrifice.
- On pages 2 and 3 of your booklet, have your littles try the “action to do” items
- Have an advent wreath in your home or classroom, pray as a family or class
- Advent is also called “little lent”. Think of a sacrifice you and your littles can make this advent season. (Giving up color sheets, only using crayons and no markers, giving up your favorite cup, putting away a few toys until the advent season is over, etc.).
Days to Watch for
- Nov 22-Feast Day of Saint Cecilia
- Nov 27-Beginning of the Advent Season
Extras
Our featured word for this booklet to indicate the page numbers is COME. We chose this because during the advent season, we focus on Jesus’s coming at Christmas.
St. Cecilia Extras
- Play musical chairs using religious or classical music.
- Get out classroom instruments or homemade ones and make music together
- Sing songs together
Advent Extras
All About Advent Coloring Book: 30 Coloring & Activity Pages to Teach Children about Advent by Tiny Expressions LLC, Kate Pienovi
Teach children about Advent this season through coloring and interactive lessons for kids.
The Advent Storybook: 25 Bible Stories Showing Why Jesus Came by Laura Richie
Beginning with Creation, The Advent Storybook invites your family on a beautiful, chronological journey through ancient stories, tracing God’s faithful promise to send a Rescuer—Jesus. Each of the 25 Bible stories begins with a key verse and ends with a thoughtful question, helping you and your children think and talk about the reason we celebrate Jesus’ birth.
6 Pieces Advent Candle Magnet Advent Wreath and Candles Magnetic for Christmas Brand: Frienda
This Advent magnet wreath would be a great addition to your dry erase board in your classroom or your refrigerator at home to help your littles follow along with the weeks of Advent.
Digital Resources
If you are a subscriber for the 2022-23 His Little Way booklets, visit our Subscribers page for access to your digital resources (including a digital version of all booklets)! Can’t remember your password? Email us!
Don’t forget to check out our Teacher’s Guide for more information on how to use your booklets in the classroom!
And in case you need it again… here’s our Prayer Table Starter Guide.
