Great Joy

Last Sunday, the youngest Faith Formation students gathered at the Advent wreath, lit the first three candles (including the rose-colored candle for joy), and reflected on how Advent joy comes from Jesus. Using a map and Nativity figures, they listened to Luke 2:1–20, tracing Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and hearing the story unfold: Jesus born in a humble stable, the angel’s announcement, and the shepherds hurrying to adore the newborn Savior. They wondered together about what Mary and the shepherds may have felt, and how joy can be carried in their own hearts.

Click on the video to hear our joyful singing!

The class also enjoyed a read-aloud of the book, Great Joy by Kate DiCamillo and talked about how kindness can bring joy, especially to those who may feel forgotten, echoing the way the shepherds were chosen first to hear the good news. Afterwards. students decorated wooden ornaments—either to take home as a reminder of Jesus’ birth or to give away to share joy with someone else.