November 27, 2018 WBB Primary, WBB Advent & Christmas, REL Seasons - Advent/Christmas, REL Asset - Activity, REL Catechetical - K–6, REL Catechetical - Early Childhood, REL Asset- English/Spanish
By: Allie Johnston
This month, the season of Advent will begin. This year, the season of Advent starts on Sunday, December 2. It will last four weeks. Download the Advent Blooms Activity in English or Spanish and share it with the children in your home or religious education program as the season of Advent begins.
The word Advent means “coming.” The season of Advent helps us to prepare for the coming of the Son of God, the Light of the World. Children in primary and intermediate grades learn that the season of Advent is a time to prepare to celebrate the coming of the Savior. The Advent season is a time to pray to God, seek his forgiveness, and work for peace. Young children can strive to help other people see God’s love during Advent.
The Christmas cactus is a popular indoor house plant that typically blooms during the Advent season. Like all plants, to bloom, it requires some care and the proper conditions. In this Advent Blooms Activity, children will color the blooms on an image of a Christmas cactus to represent times during Advent in which they share God’s love with others. The activity is a lovely way to help introduce young children to Advent and keep them focused on sharing God’s love throughout the season.
Before you share the activity with the children in your religious education program or home, you’ll need to gather the following materials: a copy of the printable activity for each child; art supplies like crayons, markers, or colored pencils; and a Christmas cactus (a live plant, or images of the plant in bloom).
If possible, begin the Advent Blooms Activity activity by displaying a Christmas cactus. Ideally, bring a live plant into the prayer space at home or in the religious education classroom so that children can experience it firsthand, especially as it flowers. If this is not possible, collect images of a Christmas cactus and add to the prayer space after showing the images to the children.
Distribute a copy of the Advent Blooms Activity sheet to each child. Ask a volunteer to read the directions aloud. Then, ask the children to color the pot, the cactus leaves and the background. Encourage the children to put their pictures in a convenient place at home. Remind the children to color a bloom each time they help people see God's love.
If you’re interested in more free Advent resources for your home, religious education program, or parish, explore the Sadlier Religion resources featured in this article.