Grade 2 – Lesson 6

Key Points  The Christmas story  Virtues are good habits that make you stronger and help you do what is right and good.  Temptation is wanting to do something we should not, or not doing something we should.  Mercy is kindness and concern for those who are suffering.

Materials  A Father’s Love book.  Messengers from Heaven (Active Learning 1)  Craft sticks and self-adhesive felt  Christmas Music  Memorare

Catechist Prayer before the lesson: Almighty God, let my life be a living example to these children on how to share the Good news through my words and actions. Amen.

Before the lesson:  Hand out Messengers from Heaven.

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[5 min] Invite – Glory to God (p. 25)

 Ask the children if there is anything they would like to pray for.  Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be (p. 320)  Recite the prayer and Scripture passage on page 25.

[15 min] Discover – Season of Christmas (p. 26-27)

 Explain that the Christmas season starts on Christmas Eve and goes until the feast day of the Baptism of the Lord (January 9). In the Church Liturgical Year, Christmas lasts over two weeks.  Have the children turn to page 26 and ask them who the people in the picture are.  Why was Jesus born in a stable? o Because there was no room in the inn.  Why are the shepherds there? o Because an appeared to them and told them the Savior was born.  Read the text and discuss Christmas. January 8th is the feast of the , when the three wisemen visited Jesus and gave him gifts.

[15 min} Epiphany Craft

 Three Kings Sticks: Show the example picture and have students choose the size and color of the stick that want to make (they can make up to 3, but it is better to have them work on one at a time).  Help the children cut the felt into shapes and peel off the self-adhesive backing.  Students can write the names of the Three Wisemen on each stick: o Balthazar o Caspar o Melchior  Feel free to play Christmas music while the children work.

[15 min] The Prodigal Son

 Virtues are good habits that make you stronger and help you do what is right and good.  Temptation is wanting to do something we should not, or not doing something we should.  Mercy is kindness and concern for those who are suffering. God has mercy on us even though we are sinners.  Read A Father’s Love.

[10 min] Forgive One Another (p. 144-145)

 Read and discuss the stories about forgiveness.

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[10 min] The Memorare

 At First Reconciliation, the children received a prayer card with the Memorare. This prayer reminds us that Mary is the “Help of Christians” who always listens to our prayers. Practice this prayer as a class.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

[5 min] Sending – Celebrate Christmas (p. 28-29)

 Recite the prayer.  Listen to Away in a Manger (Track 13)

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