SMA Family Faith Formation

This page is for SMA Family Faith Formation Catechists only. Content for this lesson is linked below.

Summary of Lesson

So far, we’ve covered the themes of God the Father and God the Creator of All Things – including us! Now we see that God the Father loves us so much that he sent His Son to save us. We need saving because we all sin and this separates us from God. Without Jesus, our sin weighs us down and gets us lost. But Jesus came to wipe away our sin and bring us back to the Father. Advent prepares us for the great Feast of Christmas and helps us to meditate and reflect on the fact that we needed saving and that Jesus is our Savior.

Lesson Bullet Points:

• Just like Adam and Eve sinned in the beginning, we all sin.
• Sin weighs us down and makes us lost.
• But Jesus came to find us and free us.
• During Advent we reflect on how we need Jesus.
• During Christmas we celebrate Jesus’ coming

Scripture Passage: Genesis 1:27

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Discussion Prompts/Questions:

1. What are some examples of sin in our lives?
2. How do we feel after we have made a mistake?
3. How do we feel after someone forgives us or helps us correct our mistakes?
4. What are some ways your family celebrates Advent?
5. What are some ways your family celebrates Christmas?
6. What is something you really look forward to during the year? How is this like Advent?
7. What do you think the names – Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace – mean?

Saint of the Month: St. Nicholas (Feast Day: December 6th)

Nicholas’ parents died when he was young, but he didn’t close his heart off to others. Instead, he spent his time helping and serving. He found great joy in giving gifts in secret. He grew up to be a priest and Bishop and continued helping others.

*** If you think this may be difficult to talk about without getting too much into Santa, please skip this part.

Catechist Resources

• Lesson 5 Parent Essay: “In the Fullness of Time” (Included)
• Ch. 6 of the Adult Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Man and Woman in the Beginning” (pp 65-75) (Included)

Songs & Videos

Crafts

• DIY Advent Wreath (here)
• Advent Chain (here)
• My Advent Wreath Brad Wheel Craft (here)
• Nativity Advent Coloring Page (here)
• Advent Prayer Book (here)
• Nativity Stones – We can create them and then have the students tell the story as they pick up a stone (here)
• Symbols of Christmas & mini book (scavenger hunt or just discussion with items) (here)
• Nativity Story Cube (made updated printable by instructions can be found here)
• DIY Manger with Good Deeds Straw (purchased this template here)

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