Fourth Sunday of Advent – Year B
December 18, 2006

Intermediate Session
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14-16
Luke 1:26-38

Opening Prayer

Let us pray.
Dear Jesus, we look forward to celebrating your birth at Christmas.
May our words and actions help to make your presence known in the world.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection

The theme for this Fourth Sunday of Advent is the Incarnation. To begin invite the children to create personalized Christmas cards that announce the birth of Jesus. Provide various colored construction paper, markers, and crayons. Invite volunteers to share their Christmas card with the large group. Discuss:

• What part of celebrating Christmas do you look forward to most?
• Why is Christmas a joyful season?
• How can you share the joyful event of Jesus’ birth with others?
Allow time for discussion. On this Fourth Sunday of Advent we celebrate the Incarnation, when God became man and came among us. We can share the joyful event of Jesus’ birth with others through acts of kindness.

Listening to the Word of God

In the Old Testament reading today, listen to find out what God promises David.

Read 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14-16.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters

• What does God promise David?
• Who makes it possible for David to be a great leader?
• How does God bring hope to the people of Israel?

In the gospel today the angel Gabriel announces the birth of Jesus. Listen to find out how Mary responds.

Read Luke 1:26-38.
Allow for silence.

• How does the angel Gabriel announce the birth of Jesus?
• What does the angel tell Mary to help calm her fears?
• How does Mary finally respond to the angel’s message?

Scripture Background

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

Today’s Old Testament reading gives us background to the announcement of Jesus’ birth found in Luke 1:32-33, by telling the story of how God promised David a kingdom. The story of God’s promise to David is interesting because it shows how God is in charge of all David’s great accomplishments. God promises David a kingdom that will last forever. God promises divine protection for all David’s heirs in the future. Today’s passage is a strong reminder of the many times God has entered into human history to save us. These events have prepared the way for the birth of Jesus.

In today’s gospel the angel Gabriel tells Mary that she will bear a son and he will be heir to the promises that God made to David. Mary is at first confused and frightened by the angel’s message. But the angel calms her fears and explains that God is with her. Mary’s answer to God’s call is yes and she responds, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” This gospel highlights the divine origin of Jesus, and it tells that his birth fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies.

Questions for Deeper Reflection

• How does God’s promise to David prepare the way for Jesus’ birth?
• How does Mary show great faith in God?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Incarnation
The Incarnation is our belief that God became man and lived among us. We believe that the coming of Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise of God given to Abraham and Sarah. We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ, God and humanity are united. Jesus is at the same time human and divine. God became flesh to show us how to live as sons and daughters of God. The Incarnation shows the great love that God has for us.

• What is the Incarnation?
• How does the Incarnation teach us about Jesus?
• How does Jesus show us how to live as children of God?

Sacrament Connection
In the Sacrament of Baptism we are incorporated into the mystery of Christ. We share in God’s own life and are reborn as sons and daughters of God.

Connecting to Faith Firs® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 24
Grade 4, p. 245
Grade 5, p. 245
Grade 6, p. 245

Connecting to Faith First®
At Home Family Guide, theme 24
Grade 4, p. 284
Grade 5, p. 284
Grade 6, p. 284

The Gospel in Life
How can you share the love of God with others this Christmas?