Faith Theme: Christmas is Jesus’ birthday.

Book title:  Saint Francis Celebrates Christmas by Mary Caswell Walsh (Loyola Press, 1998)

1.    Set the Environment

Invite the children to sit on a rug or carpet squares, arranged so each child can see the pictures as you read the book, but with sufficient space around them to minimize distractions. Since the story will be followed by prayer, you might invite the children to sit near the Prayer Center, arranged with items related to the faith theme. If needed, remind the children of the rules for listening to storybooks: “Everyone listens to the story and allows others time for quiet.”

2.    Introduce and Read the Book

Introduce the storybook and relate the story to the lesson:

“Today we are learning that we celebrate Jesus’ birthday at Christmas. This book, Saint Francis Celebrates Christmas, tells us what Saint Francis did to help people remember that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday.”

Invite the children to listen carefully as you read aloud the story. You might hint at the kind of reflection that will follow by indicating something that the children should listen for as you read:

“Listen carefully to learn about the nativity scenes that help us remember the story of the first Christmas.”

Read aloud the story.

3.    Encourage the Children to Reflect and Respond

Invite the children to reflect on the connection between the story and the faith theme. Ask one or more of the following questions:

“What did Saint Francis do to help the people celebrate Christmas?”

“What will you remember about Christmas when you see a nativity scene?”

Remember to allow enough time for the children to arrive at well-considered responses. Encourage all the children to answer each question quietly for themselves before inviting them to respond.

4.    Invite the Children to Pray

Invite the children to prepare for prayer, encouraging them to become as quiet and still as possible. Give directions such as the following:

“Be sure you have space around you to be comfortable and not distracted by anyone. Place your hands quietly in your lap. Try to keep your feet very still. Listen for the sound of your breathing.”

You might suggest that the children close their eyes for prayer.

When everyone is quiet, make a simple suggestion that connects the faith theme and the prayer:

“As we pray, let’s ask God to help us remember that we celebrate Jesus’ birthday at Christmas.”

After a few moments of quiet, pray aloud a simple prayer:

“God, thank you for giving us Jesus to show us your love. Help us to show love to others, at Christmastime and all the time.”

Bring the time of prayer to a close with a simple prayer gesture, such as inviting the children to place their hands together as they say, “Amen.”