Sunday, December 12, 2021
The readings for the Third Sunday in Advent (Gaudete Sunday) for Year C encourage us to rejoice at the new life being offered to us through Jesus Christ. In the first reading (Zephaniah 3:14-18A) we hear that the Messiah is a mighty savior who will bring joy and love. The psalm (Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6) sings “Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.” In the second reading (Philippians 4:4-7) Paul tells us to rejoice for the Lord is near. And in the gospel (Luke 3:10-18), John the Baptist tells his followers that a great savior is coming.
This would be a good time to discuss the Incarnation. Why did God become man and what does that mean for us? Here are some ideas:
Gather for a few minutes to talk about how your advent is going. Talk about the ups and downs of the advent season, what you have done to prepare for the arrive of Jesus, and what you would still like to do.
A Charlie Brown Christmas emphasizes the religious nature of the Christmas holiday. But did you ever notice that Linus drops his blanket during the show?
This Toy Story parody is an explanation of the Incarnation for youth. Show it at an Advent or Christmas themed youth ministry meeting. Covers the topic of the Immaculate Conception also.
The "O Antiphons" are part of the evening prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours for December 17 to December 23. In them, Old Testament imagery is used to proclaim the coming of the Christ child. Incorporate them into your family prayer this advent.
On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, he will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals.
"God became man to turn creatures into sons: not simply to produce better men of the old kind but to produce a new kind of man. "– C. S. Lewis
Racism can be a difficult topic to discuss with teens. It is popular to think that we are "color blind". But the fact is that the playing field is not level and that minorities do not have the same advantages as the majority. This lesson plan on racism introduces the topic of institutional racism.
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