It is the final Sunday before Christmas, and all of the adults are a bit busy and tired, what with cramming in some last minute work before the holidays, as well as buying Christmas gifts and planning special dinners. So [Caroline] decided to take things easy and do a colouring sheet, though a great one to be sure!
It came from a website that I have just discovered called Activity Village (http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/), one which caters to to parents and teachers, and offers some good (free!) activities for annual religious holidays.
Here are a couple of pictures of the finished product:
It came from a website that I have just discovered called Activity Village (http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/), one which caters to to parents and teachers, and offers some good (free!) activities for annual religious holidays.
Here are a couple of pictures of the finished product:
So I guess you're now wondering.... why did we colour an angel for fourth advent? Isn't the visit of the angel Gabriel usually mentioned earlier in the Advent season? And you would be correct in thinking so. Today's gospel (2015) is from Luke 1, and describes the meeting between Mary and her sister Elizabeth.
"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb."
So the inspiration for today's activity actually originated from the candles of the Advent wreath. Did you know the candles had names and meanings (apart from the pink candle symbolizing joy)?
Neither did I.
In fact, the first candle is called the Prophet candle, and symbolizes hope; the second candle, called the Bethlehem candle, symbolizes faith and the journey of Mary and Joseph; the third candle, the Shepherd candle, symbolizes joy at the coming birth of Jesus; and finally, the fourth candle, called the Angel candle, symbolizes peace, reminding us the message of the angels,
Neither did I.
In fact, the first candle is called the Prophet candle, and symbolizes hope; the second candle, called the Bethlehem candle, symbolizes faith and the journey of Mary and Joseph; the third candle, the Shepherd candle, symbolizes joy at the coming birth of Jesus; and finally, the fourth candle, called the Angel candle, symbolizes peace, reminding us the message of the angels,
“Peace on Earth and Goodwill toward men and women.”
So there you have it! That's where the original idea for today's liturgy actuvity came from. I hope you all enjoyed it :) Only a few more sleeps until Christmas...
Until the new year!
Until the new year!
Advent candle information: https://www.catholiccompany.com/getfed/the-advent-wreath-tradition-meaning/