Advent provides a reminder for us all to make space in our hearts for Jesus: both the celebration of His birth at Christmas, and the joy with which we can look forward to His return.
December of course also marks the end of the calendar year – a year which has had more unexpected upheaval and loss than many of us, adults and children alike, have experienced before. Therefore, it is more important than ever for us to make space in our busy, disrupted lives to put Jesus at the centre this Advent and Christmastide.
To help us think about what it means to ‘be prepared’, we share this story with you. You might like to read it with your child:
Mrs Pearson’s class were working hard on their stories, when the classroom phone rang. Mrs Pearson was needed at the school office as soon as possible! As she left the classroom, she said, “Be good everyone, keep working hard on your stories, and be quiet! I’ll be back soon!”
But very soon, the class were chatting and laughing. They certainly weren’t being quiet like Mrs Pearson had asked them to be!
No one knew who started it, but suddenly everyone had scrunched up their work and was throwing paper balls at each other! They certainly weren’t working hard like Mrs Pearson had asked them to!
One thing led to another until CRASHHHHH! The beautiful vase of flowers on Mrs Pearson’s desk had crashed to the floor. Water was everywhere!
The class fell silent and they all looked at each other. Chairs had been knocked over, piles of books had fallen down and some of the displays on the walls were ripped. They certainly hadn’t been good like Mrs Pearson had asked them to be!
At that moment, the door opened. In the doorway stood Mrs Pearson.
The class in the story didn’t prepare well for their teacher’s return – in fact, they did the exact opposite of what she asked them to do! John the Baptist’s words from the Sunday Gospel for the week commencing 6th December help us to see how we should prepare for Jesus return.
John the Baptist told people that they needed to prepare their hearts to meet Jesus. They needed to say sorry for the wrong things they had done. Then they were forgiven, which children learned meant all the wrong things they’d done were forgotten about.
To be ready for Jesus to come back, we too need to prepare our hearts by saying sorry, loving God and loving others. Children spent some time reflecting on this, and perhaps you’d like to continue this practice at home.
Why not take a moment to discuss with your child:
· How it feels to say sorry to Jesus and be forgiven.
· The Christmas story, there are versions in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke.
· How you can put Jesus at the centre during Advent and Christmastide.
A Prayer for Advent
Dear Jesus,
Thank you that you love us and gave us your son Jesus.
Thank you for your forgiveness when we do things wrong.
Help us to love others in the ways we think, speak and act.
Help us to make space in our hearts and minds for you this Advent.
