First Sunday of Advent

Reflection

“May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you, so as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones.” -1 Thessalonians 3:12

In the second reading, we are reminded that we need to grow in love for each other so that we can be prepared for the coming of the Lord.

Do you remember what the word Advent means?

Advent means coming. Christmas is the celebration of Jesus coming into the world as a little baby. He came to show us how to love, and during this advent season, we are especially called to love our families.  

You heard in the video how St. John Paul II said that families are called to be a school of love.

What do you do in school? You learn, you are taught how to read, you have fun with your friends, etc.

In our family, we learn how to love when we make sacrifices, share with our brothers and sisters, do good deeds for each other, and when we show love even when we don’t feel like it. This is how we shine the love of Christ in our homes. It's like the Vital Verse says, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Jesus is coming, and we want to be prepared for him. Let us start by loving those who are closest to us: our family.

Discussion Question:

1.     What do you think Jesus did to show love to his family when he was a young boy?

Note for parents: Give your kids extra encouragement this week and notice those little acts of love that they do. Remind them that they are preparing their hearts to welcome Jesus at Christmastime.

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. We've included two fun activities you can do either today or sometime during the week. Send us a picture of your completed project and you might be featured on our Cat.Chat Instagram account.

NEW Activity: Advent Wreath

Color your very own Advent Wreath to put in your home or in your bedroom to remind you of the coming of Christ. Say the prayer on the back with your family. 

Click here to download the Advent Wreath printable

Activity: Cool Coupons

Here's something that might help you with this week's Cat.Chat Challenge. Cool Coupons are a tangible way to show love to your family. Love can be practiced in so many different ways, such as helping your mom or dad with chores or playing a game with your younger siblings. It feels good to give! Be creative and have fun. Feel free to colour your coupons and make them super special!

Click here to download your Cool Coupons

Activity: Cookie Creations

Cookie Creations make a great Christmas gift for family members, neighbors, or friends. It's another way you can show your love!

Click here to download the instructions for Cookie Creations

Christmas Audio Drama Part 1

Every week your family can listen to a section from Cat.Chat's Christmas audio drama.

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 Cool Coupons or Cookie Creations.

Every week your family can listen to a section from Cat.Chat's Christmas audio drama in the video below.

Vital Verse 

The Vital Verse today is from Matthew 5:16. Watch the video and download the Scripture Coloring Page.

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16

Click the Vital Verse Coloring Page to Download

Cat.Chat Challenge

This week, do something extra loving for someone in your family. Something that they will remember for a very long time.

Thank you for joining us this week for Cat.Chat's Advent Activities. We will see you next week. Happy Advent!