Prepare an Advent wreath with pine branches or fir. Find a
large ball or small balloon that can fit in the middle. Paint it
blue. When it is dry, use bright colors to paint a simple map of
the world on it. You might hang it over the table from a lamp
or the ceiling. Or you might put it in the middle of the wreath
on a small plate so it does not roll. If you prefer, make a
poster or place a globe close to the table. Fix the four
candles around the wreath. Set the wreath in the middle of the
table. Whenever your family gathers for dinner, light the
candle. (Light one candle the first week of Advent, two candles
the second week, and so on.)
Then pray:
Dear God, you sent us your Son, Jesus, to tell us about your
love.You invite us to work with him for justice, reconciliation
and peace on our beautiful planet Earth.
We pray today especially for…(Mention here one country or
part of the world you want to pray for and say why.)
Please bless this food we are about to share and help us do
our part to make a better world for all. Amen.
The first week, you might read with your family the Gospel of
Saint Luke, chapter 1, verses 26 to 56. Then place Mary and
Joseph in the crib and together make up a prayer to them.
The second week, put the three kings on their way to the crib
(but not in it yet), and fix the star over the crib.
Share your thoughts about how God sends us people in our life to
guide us to Jesus, the way he sent the star to the kings.
The third week, bring the kings closer to the crib and sing
together O Come, O Come, Emmanuel or another Advent hymn. Now
put the shepherds on their way to the crib.
Then plan with your family a special way of completing the
crib on Christmas Eve. For instance, you might gather around the
crib. Read together the Nativity story in Luke's Gospel, chapter
1, verses 1 to 21. Share the roles: One person is the narrator,
others are the shepherds and the angels. You could sing
Gloria in Excelsis Deo or Glory to God in the Highest
during the reading.
At the right time, the designated (youngest) child brings the
baby Jesus while another child (person) brings a large, lit
Christmas candle.
Others place the shepherds and three kings around the crib.
At the end of the reading, the candle-holder lifts the
candle and says, "Lord Jesus, we believe you are the Light of
the world!"
All repeat ; Lord Jesus, we believe you are the Light of the
world!"
After a moment of silent prayer, you might end the ritual
with a favorite Christmas carol and then wish one another a
Merry Christmas.
—From Growing Up a Friend of Jesus: A Guide to
Discipleship for Children
