SMA Family Faith Formation

Lesson 3 Nov: The Widow’s Mite

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

Family Faith Formation Lesson Four: December 15th, 2024

Following Sunday’s Gospel: Lk 1:39-45: The Visitation

DateScriptureSummarySaint
December 15Luke 1:39-45“The Visitation”St. John the Apostle

Gospel Passage:

Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.”

Gospel Summary:

The Visitation is considered an Advent passage because we see Mary bringing unborn Jesus to others, and we get a first glimpse into how He will change everything. He brings great joy, even before he was born. The Gospel says Mary immediately went out to visit Elizabeth, to help her and also tell her the Good News. By being open to God and faithful, like Mary, we too can bring Jesus to others.

Lesson Bullet Points:

  • Advent is a time of expectation, waiting and hope
  • Christmas is about Jesus coming into our lives
  • Like Mary, we can help bring Jesus to others

Discussion Prompts/Questions:

  1. What does Advent mean?
  2. What have you been excited about before?
  3. How can we prepare for Christmas?
  4. How does Jesus come to us in our daily lives?

Saint of the Month: Saint John the Apostle (December 27)

Saint John is one of the 12 apostles and one of the Gospel writers. He was a fisherman, and the brother of James. He meditated on all Jesus had said, and on his experiences, and wrote everything down. The Gospel of John is very deep and prayerful. He also wrote the book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible. St. John was exiled for his faith. We celebrate St. John during Christmas time because of this deep reflection on God becoming man.

Songs & Videos

Craft & Game Options

  • Printable Mary Statue (we have listed this before): here
  • Printable Mary Statue with Jesus (on handout)
  • “Tri-orama” of Nativity Scenes (can purchase): here
  • Pop-out Nativity (I have LOTS of little boxes): here
  • Joy wreath craft: here
  • Homemade Shrine (can be a nativity image): here

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