Faith Theme: On Christmas we celebrate Jesus’ birth

Book title:  The Friendly Beasts by Tomie dePaola (Putnam Juvenile, 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, 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 Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birth. At Christmas, we set up scenes of the first Christmas with statues of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. Many of these scenes also show animals because Jesus was born in a stable, a place where animals stay.  This book, The Friendly Beasts, helps us imagine what the animals saw the night Jesus was born.”

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 and imagine what it was like on the night Jesus was born.”

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 did the animals do to show love to Jesus on the night he was born?”

“What gifts of love can you give to others at 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 celebrate Jesus’ birth with joy.”

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

“God our Father, we thank you for showing us your love by sending us Jesus, your Son. Help us share love with 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.”