Third Sunday of Advent – Year B
December 11, 2006

Intermediate Session
Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11
John 1:6-8, 19-28

Opening Prayer

Let us pray.
God of Light, light our path each day.
Help us to value the good that is within ourselves and others.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection

The theme for this Third Sunday of Advent is discernment. To begin provide red, white and/or green ribbon for the children. Invite the children to share with a partner an example of a good and loving choice that someone their age can make. Give some examples of children making good choices at home, in school and with friends. After the children have shared, have each child tie a ribbon on the wrist of their partner. Explain that we are a gift to one another when we help each other make good and loving choices. Discuss:

• Who helps you to make good and loving choices?
• How do you know when you have made a good choice?
• How does Jesus help us to make good choices?
Allow time for discussion. We can count on Jesus to help us make good decisions in our daily lives. On this Third Sunday of Advent we rejoice and celebrate Jesus’ presence in our lives.

Listening to the Word of God

In the Old Testament reading listen to what the Prophet Isaiah is announcing.

Read Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters

• What good news does the Prophet Isaiah announce?
• Why does Isaiah rejoice?
• What will the Lord do before all the nations?

In the gospel today listen to the Prophet John tell the people about the coming of Jesus.

Read John 1:6-8, 19-28.
Allow for silence.

• Who is John the Baptist?
• What does John tell the people about the coming of Jesus?
• Why does God send the Prophet John?

Scripture Background

Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using the Catechist Background section.

On this Third Sunday of Advent the readings focus our attention on the Lord who is already present among us. Today we rejoice and celebrate the presence of God in our midst.

In the Old Testament reading today, Isaiah announces a year of favor from the Lord. The prophet brings a message of healing and hope to the people of Israel. In the midst of their hardship and destruction, the Prophet announces good news. In the dark days following Israel’s return from exile, the Prophet Isaiah rejoices over the light that he sees dawning just over the horizon. This passage brings hope to all those who look forward to the coming of Jesus, the Light of the world.

In today’s gospel the Jewish leaders question John about whether or not he is the messiah. John the Baptist makes it clear that he has been sent by God to prepare for the coming of Jesus. The people hear from John that he is not the one. John points to the one in their midst whom they do not recognize.

Questions for Deeper Reflection

• What do the readings on this Third Sunday of Advent focus on?
• Why is Jesus called the Light?
• How do you recognize Jesus in your daily life?

[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Discernment
The word discernment comes from the Latin term discernere, which means to separate, or to distinguish. We understand discernment to be a way of reflecting on daily events in order to respond to the direction that God is leading us. We discern when we pray and examine our lives in order to hear God’s voice.

We believe that God loves and cares about us. God sent Jesus into the world to give us direction and lead us to a closer relationship with God. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to help us, console us, and guide us. The guidance of the Holy Spirit is the basis for the Christian understanding of discernment. Discernment requires trust in God, a posture of listening to the voice of the Spirit, and the ability to examine one’s life with humility. Discernment is making choices prayerfully.
• What is discernment?
• How does the Holy Spirit help us in our daily lives?
• How can we listen for God’s voice when we make choices?

Sacrament Connection
When we are baptized, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. In the Sacrament of Baptism we are reborn as adopted children of God. Throughout our lives the Holy Spirit helps to lead us to the truth.

Connecting to Faith Firs® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 24
Grade 4, p. 243
Grade 5, p. 243
Grade 6, p. 243 and chapter 14

Connecting to Faith First®
At Home Family Guide, theme 24
Grade 4, p. 282
Grade 5, p. 282
Grade 6, p. 282 and chapter 14

The Gospel in Life
What is one loving choice that you can make this week?