Just Teach Sheet – Children December Week 3 2025

Parent / Guardian / Catechist – Just Teach Sheet

December Week 3 (2025) – Gaudete Sunday
Theme: Advent & Preparation
Focus: Rejoice! The Lord Is Near
Audience: Children (Ages 7+, First Holy Communion Prep)

Weekly Goal

The child learns that Christian joy is real and deep, not just excitement or fun.
Gaudete Sunday reminds us that even while we are still waiting and preparing, Jesus is already very near, and that closeness is the reason for our joy.

What You’ll Need

This sheet

A Bible or printed verses

Advent wreath (with pink/rose candle if possible)

Paper and crayons

Opening Prayer (Say Daily)

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for being close to me.
Help me to rejoice in You,
even when things are hard.
Fill my heart with Your joy
as I wait for You to come.
Amen.

Day 1 – What Does “Gaudete” Mean?

Say aloud:
Today the Church says “Gaudete!”
That word means “Rejoice!”
Even though Advent is a time of waiting, today we remember that Jesus is very close.

Philippians 4:4–5
“Rejoice in the Lord always… The Lord is near.”

Mini Homily Reflection:
When someone you love is almost here, your heart starts to feel happy — even before they arrive.
That’s the joy of Gaudete Sunday.

Ask:

What makes you feel joyful inside?

Why does knowing Jesus is near make us happy?

Practice:
If you have an Advent wreath, light the pink candle and say together:

“Jesus, we rejoice because You are near.”

Day 2 – Joy Is Different from Fun

Say aloud:
Fun can come and go.
But joy stays, even when things are hard — because joy comes from knowing Jesus loves us.

John 15:11
“My joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete.”

Mini Homily Reflection:
You can feel sad and joyful at the same time.
Joy means knowing you are loved by God no matter what.

Ask:

Have you ever felt happy inside even on a hard day?

How does Jesus give us joy?

Practice:
Draw two hearts:

One labelled “fun”

One labelled “joy”
Talk about how joy lasts longer because it comes from God.

Day 3 – Joy Grows When We Do Good

Say aloud:
Joy grows when we love others.
Helping, sharing, forgiving — these things make our hearts joyful.

Acts 20:35
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Mini Homily Reflection:
When we do good, we become more like Jesus — and that always brings joy.

Ask:

How can you bring joy to someone today?

Who might need kindness this week?

Practice:
Choose one joyful action today:
help, share, encourage, or forgive someone.

Day 4 – Mary Rejoiced in God

Say aloud:
Mary was joyful even though she didn’t understand everything.
She trusted God and rejoiced because He was working in her life.

Luke 1:47
“My soul rejoices in God my Saviour.”

Mini Homily Reflection:
Mary shows us that joy comes from trusting God, not from having everything easy.

Ask:

What do you think made Mary joyful?

How can we trust God like Mary did?

Practice:
Pray one Hail Mary slowly, thanking God for something good in your life.

Day 5 – Rejoicing as We Wait

Say aloud:
We are still waiting for Christmas — but we rejoice because Jesus is already close.
He comes to us in prayer, in love, and in the Mass.

Psalm 126:3
“The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.”

Mini Homily Reflection:
Waiting with joy means trusting God and thanking Him before we see everything clearly.

Ask:

What are you thankful for today?

How can you show joy this week?

Practice:
Make a short joyful prayer:

“Jesus, thank You for being near to me.”

Weekend Wrap-Up – What We Learned

Gaudete means Rejoice!

Jesus is near — that is why we are joyful.

Joy is deeper than fun and lasts longer.

Doing good helps joy grow.

Mary teaches us joyful trust in God.

Reflection prompts:

“Jesus gives me joy when…”

“I can share joy by…”

Prayer Prompt or Journal Space

Encourage the child to finish or draw:
“Jesus, You make me joyful when…”

Apologetics for Parents

Why does the priest wear pink?
→ Rose shows joy breaking into waiting — hope is growing stronger.

Why talk about joy before Christmas?
→ Because Christian joy comes from Christ’s nearness, not from presents.

Is joy the same as happiness?
→ No — joy stays even when life is hard because it comes from God.

Catechism Extension

CCC 524 – Advent prepares us joyfully for Christ’s coming.

CCC 736 – The Holy Spirit gives joy.

CCC 1832 – Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for being near to me.
Fill my heart with true joy
as I wait for You.
Help me to share that joy with others.
Amen.