Parent/Guardian/Catechist – Just Teach Sheet
December Week 1 (2025)
Theme: Advent & Preparation
Focus: Waiting for Jesus
Audience: Children (Ages 7+)
Weekly Goal
The child learns that Advent is a special time of waiting and getting ready for Jesus — both for His birth at Christmas and for His coming again in glory.
They discover that waiting for Jesus means praying, doing good, and keeping their hearts ready every day.
What You’ll Need
This sheet
A children’s Bible
Candle or Advent wreath
Paper and colours or crayons
Opening Prayer (Say Daily)
Come, Lord Jesus!
Light up my heart with Your love.
Help me to wait for You with joy,
to be kind, to pray, and to get ready for Your coming.
Amen.
Day 1 – What Is Advent?
Say aloud:
Advent is the four weeks before Christmas.
The word Advent means “coming.”
We remember when Jesus came as a baby — and we get ready for when He will come again as King.
Isaiah 9:6 – “For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given.”
Mini Homily Reflection:
When we wait for someone we love, waiting is exciting!
Advent is waiting with joy — because Jesus is coming.
Ask:
What are you most excited about this Advent?
How can you make your heart ready for Jesus?
Practice:
Draw an Advent wreath. Each candle stands for one week of waiting for Jesus.
Day 2 – Jesus Comes Into Our Hearts
Say aloud:
We don’t just wait for Christmas — Jesus wants to come into our hearts every day.
When we pray, say sorry, and help others, we open the door for Him.
Revelation 3:20 – “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.”
Mini Homily Reflection:
Our hearts are like houses. We can decorate them with kindness, love, and prayer — to make Jesus feel welcome.
Ask:
What could make Jesus feel welcome in your heart today?
What “clutter” do we need to clear away? (unkind words, bad habits, etc.)
Practice:
Make a “heart house” picture — draw a door, write “Jesus” on it, and inside draw good things you’ll do to welcome Him.
Day 3 – Light the Way for Jesus
Say aloud:
Each candle on the Advent wreath reminds us that Jesus is the Light of the World.
The more we love and pray, the brighter His light shines in us.
John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world.”
Mini Homily Reflection:
When we do good things, we bring light into dark places — just like Jesus.
Ask:
What’s one way you can bring light to someone this week?
Who needs your smile, your help, or your prayer?
Practice:
Light (or imagine lighting) one candle and say:
“Jesus, light up my heart so I can shine for You.”
Day 4 – Mary Waited Too
Say aloud:
Mary waited for Jesus before anyone else.
She said “Yes” to God with love and trusted Him completely.
She shows us how to wait quietly, patiently, and with faith.
Luke 1:38 – “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to Your word.”
Mini Homily Reflection:
Mary didn’t rush — she listened and believed. That’s real Advent waiting: not impatient, but full of trust.
Ask:
What do you think Mary did while she waited for baby Jesus?
How can you be like Mary this week?
Practice:
Pray one Hail Mary slowly with your child, then say:
“Mary, help us wait for Jesus with joy.”
Day 5 – Getting Ready Inside
Say aloud:
Christmas isn’t just about presents — it’s about hearts!
We get ready for Jesus by being kind, forgiving, and prayerful.
Every good deed is like decorating your heart for His coming.
John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and lived among us.”
Mini Homily Reflection:
If Jesus came to your house today, would He find love and joy there?
That’s the kind of “house” He loves to visit — the one filled with goodness.
Ask:
How can you make your home and heart more loving?
Who can you forgive or help this week?
Practice:
Write a short Advent prayer:
“Jesus, help me get ready for You with love.”
Decorate it and place it near your Advent candle.
Weekend Wrap-Up – What We Learned
Advent means “coming” — we wait for Jesus with joy.
Jesus comes to us in our hearts, in the Eucharist, and one day in glory.
Mary teaches us how to wait with love and trust.
Each good deed and prayer helps prepare our hearts.
Reflection prompts:
“I’m getting ready for Jesus by…”
“The light of Jesus shines when I…”
Prayer Prompt or Journal Space
“Come, Lord Jesus! Help me wait for You with joy, love, and peace.
Make my heart Your home.”
Encourage the child to draw themselves holding a candle and smiling as Jesus approaches.
Apologetics for Parents
Q: Why does the Church have Advent before Christmas?
→ To prepare our hearts for Christ — Advent reminds us that holiness begins in longing and hope.
Q: What if children get too focused on presents?
→ Make a daily “thankful prayer” together. Gratitude turns attention back to God.
Q: Why use candles and wreaths?
→ The circle means God’s love has no end; the candles show Jesus is the Light who overcomes darkness.
Catechism Extension
CCC 522–524 – Advent prepares for Christ’s coming.
CCC 2657 – Hope and prayer in waiting for the Lord.
CCC 2676 – Mary’s faith in the coming of Christ.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 