Second Sunday of Advent
Hello and welcome back!
Watch the video to get started on your reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent.
Reflection
“The Lord has done great things for us, we are filled with joy.” - Psalm 126:3
In the Psalm, we are reminded that true joy often comes from recognizing all the blessings God has given us. This week, we are focusing on gratitude, but we are also remembering what it means to be filled with joy. Did you know that kids teach adults a lot about joy? Sometimes older people can get pretty serious, and it takes the contagious laughter of a baby or the wonderful smile of a child to help bring more joy into their life.
Parents, take a minute to thank your child for all the joy they bring into your life. Tell them how grateful you are for them. "Julie, thank you for your beautiful smile, and the joy that you bring to our family." "Max, I love your laugh because it always makes me want to laugh too."
Who is the most joyfilled person that you know? Everyone can have a chance to answer.
Christmas is a season of JOY! How can we be filled with joy like these people that we just mentioned? The Psalm reminds us that first we need to recognize the great things that God has done for us, and that will help fill us with joy.
Jesus is coming, and we want to be prepared for him. Last week, we started by loving those who are closest to us: our family. During this week, let’s remember to count all the blessings that God has so graciously given us, so that we can be filled with joy.
Discussion Question:
1. Kids, what are some things your mom and dad do that you are grateful for?
Note for parents: Remind your kids throughout the week how grateful you are for them, and how much joy they bring to you. Take a few minutes everyday to listen to them laugh, not because it's loud and you want them to be quieter, but simply for the joy that they are bringing to your home.
Fun Activities
The Advent Season is a great opportunity for families to be more intentional about spending time together. We encourage you to set aside one evening a week to do something that involves your whole family. For the First Sunday of Advent, you received the Cool Coupons and the Cookie Creations. If you didn't get a chance to do them yet, it's not too late. You can still go back to them!
We loved seeing pictures from people around the world with their Advent activities! One little girl sent us a picture all the way from Ireland! Send us a picture of your completed project and you might be featured on our Cat.Chat Instagram account.
Activity: Gratitude Ornaments
This week, you get to make special ornaments for your Christmas Tree. During the Advent and Christmas season, we are often blessed with gifts and goodies from our family and friends. It’s important that we remember to be grateful for all these amazing blessings in our life. By hanging these ornaments on our Christmas Tree, it’ll remind us to thank God for all the great things he has given us.
Click Here to Download Your Gratitude Ornaments
Christmas Audio Drama - Part 2
Every week your family can listen to a section from Cat.Chat's Christmas audio drama in the video below.
In A Christmas to Remember Papa, Josh, Hannah and Moses 'The Amazing Talking Cat', visit Grandma and Grandpa on the farm for the holidays. Moses meets Sneak 'The House Mouse' and together they discover the true meaning of Advent and Christmas! Tune in next week to listen to what happens next :)
P.S. You can play this while you're making your Gratitude Ornament.
Vital Verse
The Vital Verse today is from Psalm 126:3. Watch the video and download the coloring page.
“The Lord has done great things for us, we are filled with joy.” - Psalm 126:3
Click the Vital Verse Coloring Page to Download
Cat.Chat Challenge
This week, we're focusing on gratitude. Gratitude means being thankful, and recognizing all the amazing blessings God has given us in our life. Let's practice being thankful for all things, even our struggles. Post a picture of your gratitude list when you're done, or share some of the things in your life that you're grateful for!
Click on the poster to download your Gratitude List!
Thank you for joining us this week for Cat.Chat's Advent Activities. We'll see you next week. Happy Advent!
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