Faith Theme: We prepare for Jesus’ birthday. 

Book title: Waiting for Christmas: A Story about the Advent Calendar by Kathleen Long Bostrom  (Zonderkidz, 2006)

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, the children might be invited 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 prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth during Advent. Let’s count how many days until Christmas. [Show a calendar and count the days to Christmas.] It isn’t easy to wait patiently for Christmas. This book, Waiting for Christmas, tells the story of how a boy and his family waited patiently for Christmas.”

Invite the children to listen carefully as you read 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 the story to see what this family did to count the days until Christmas.”

Read aloud the story.

3.    Encourage the Children to Reflect and Respond

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

“What does Gerhard do to count the days until Christmas?”

“How is your family preparing for Christmas?”

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 be patient as we prepare to celebrate Christmas.”

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

“God, we thank you for this season of Advent, when we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Help us to wait patiently and prepare well for Christmas.”

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.”