1st Sunday in Advent – Year B (2023)

The readings for the First Sunday in Advent for Year B are a call to be alert in waiting for the coming of the Lord. The first reading (Isaiah 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7) begs the Lord to return to us and save us. The psalm (Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19) also asks God to look upon us and have mercy. The second reading (1 Corinthians 1:3-9) calls us to remain steadfast in our discipleship. And in the gospel (Mark 13:33-37) Jesus warns us to be watchful. Not everyone will be ready in the final hour.

So perhaps this Sunday talk about some ways we can make ourselves ready to be transformed by the Advent season. Here are some ideas:

Make a Jesse Tree

A Jesse tree is a traditional Advent craft which shows the relationship of Jesus to famous people from the bible. Every day you read the story of somebody related to Jesus from the Bible and hang an ornament on the tree with a symbol which represents the person you just read about. This helps our families understand our salvation history and that God has been working with a purpose through the ages to bring about our salvation.

Have an Advent Prayer Service

Today, say a simple Advent prayer service together. It doesn't need to be lengthy. In fact, with very young children, shorter is sometimes better.

Be Watchful! Be Alert! – Reflection and Discussion Questions

This reflection and discussion helps youth understand what it means to be ready for Jesus. How are we preparing?

Set Up an Advent Table

Now is the time to set up and Advent table in your home or youth ministry room. If at home, put it in your family room or another room your family uses every day. Use it as a focal point to remember to observe Advent.

Advent Stations

Advent Stations are a devotion which is similar to the Stations of the Cross. They encourage the participant to take a journey through prayer and scripture. In the case of Advent Stations we are taking a journey which shows us God's preparation for the coming of Christ through the ages.

Advent Wreath with Purple Ribbons

This beautiful Advent wreath will help your family focus on the hopeful expectation of the Advent season.

We Are the Clay. You Are the Potter.

Yet, O Lord , you are our father; we are the clay and you the potter: we are all the work of your hands.

Make an Appreciation List

Your kids might have made a list of some things they'd like to receive for Christmas. So for today's advent activity, encourage them to make a list of all the things they already have which they are thankful for.

Be Watchful! Be Alert! (Video)

This video from Holy Heroes tells us to be watchful and alert, which is the gospel for the First Sunday in Advent for Year B. A coloring sheet and Mass quiz are also available for each week. Use these to prepare for Sunday Mass at home or for Children's Liturgy of the Word.

Welcome Baby Jesus: Advent and Christmas Reflections for Families

At only $1.99, Welcome Baby Jesus is money well spent for Catholic families. This book will help your family focus on the hopeful waiting of the Advent season and then truly celebrate Christmas when it arrives.

Celebrating a Merry Catholic Christmas: A Guide to the Customs and Feast Days of Advent and Christmas

This book by Father William Saunders is a resource to learn about Catholic traditions related to Advent and Christmas. It also gives you practical ways to practice these traditions in your home. It covers the liturgical event  from the beginning of the Advent season through Candlemas (Feb 2).

Advent Candle Kit – Make Your Own Beeswax Candles for Your Advent Wreath

This beeswax Advent candle kit provides everything you need to make three violet candles and one rose candles. It also includes a book of Advent prayers. As a bonus, there is a page which explains the significance of beeswax candles.

Homemade Model Magic Recipe

I have made homemade play-dough before,  but it tends to be kind of crumbly and a little messy for our carpeted youth ministry room. So I decided to try making model magic type dough instead.  I like model magic, but it tends to be kind of expensive if you buy it at the store. #YouthMinistry #YouthGroup #VBS

Lego Advent Wreath Kit

Kids will enjoy making an Advent wreath out of Legos. What a wonderful way to help inquisitive young ones learn about the Advent season! And it is great for locations where using real candles is not allowed or practical.

First Sunday of Advent – Year B: Life Teen Summit Reflection

In this video from Life Teen, Joel Stepanek helps us understand the readings for the First Sunday of Advent for Year B. Advent calls us to a period of waiting and watching.