Children's Liturgy Guide

4th Sunday of Advent

Year A · Advent

Joseph Listens to God

Reading: Matthew 1:18-24

Leader Prep

Don't worry about doing this perfectly. If the children hear one good idea about God, Jesus, prayer, kindness, forgiveness, or the Gospel, this time has been worthwhile.

Summary

In today's reading, an angel comes to Joseph in a dream with a very important message. Joseph was confused and worried, but he listened carefully to God and did what the angel asked. This helped him take care of Mary and baby Jesus.

Key Points

  • Joseph faced a confusing situation but trusted God's messenger
  • God sent an angel to help Joseph understand his special role
  • Joseph said yes to God even when things were hard to understand
  • The baby would be called Emmanuel, which means God is with us
  • Joseph's obedience helped God's plan for Jesus to happen

Background

This passage presents the annunciation to Joseph, paralleling Luke's annunciation to Mary. Joseph, described as a righteous man, faced a profound dilemma when he discovered Mary was pregnant. His initial plan to divorce her quietly shows his compassion. The angel's message in a dream reveals the divine origin of Mary's child and assigns Joseph the role of naming the child, thereby claiming legal paternity and incorporating Jesus into David's line. The name Jesus (Yeshua) means 'God saves,' and Emmanuel means 'God with us,' both pointing to the incarnation and salvation history. For children, emphasize Joseph's willingness to listen to God's message and do what was asked, even when it was confusing or scary. Set aside the theological complexities of the virginal conception and Davidic lineage.

Session Flow

Opening Prayer

Invite the children to pray with you, then read the opening prayer below. If many don't know the sign of the cross, teach the whole group.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Dear God, thank you for sending angels to help people know what you want them to do. Help us to listen carefully to you, just like Joseph did. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Warm-up

Ask the warm-up question before the reading. There are no wrong answers; this is just to help the children connect today's reading to their own lives.

Has a grown-up ever asked you to do something important, and even though you did not really understand why, you did it anyway because you trusted them?

Example: One time my mom told me I had to leave the playground right away and I did not know why, but I went with her because I trust her and she always takes care of me.

Bridge to the reading: It can be hard to do something when we do not understand why, but sometimes we trust the person asking us. In today's reading, we will hear about a man named Joseph who got a very important message from God's angel in a dream, and even though it was confusing, he trusted God and did what was asked.

Read the Scripture

Read the day's selected passage aloud. The full Scripture text is not included here. Use a Children's Lectionary if your parish has one available. A children's Bible may also be helpful for younger children. Otherwise, read from a standard lectionary, Bible, or USCCB.org. Read slowly, with short pauses.

Reading Questions

Ask the questions conversationally. You do not need to use every question if time is short. The example answers are for leader preparation, not scripts or required answers.

  1. Who came to speak to Joseph while he was sleeping?

    Example: An angel came to Joseph in a dream to give him a special message from God about Mary and the baby.

  2. What did the angel tell Joseph to name the baby?

    Example: The angel told Joseph to name the baby Jesus because he would save his people from their sins.

  3. How do you think Joseph felt when he woke up from that dream?

    Example: I think Joseph felt surprised and maybe a little scared but also happy because God talked to him and told him what to do.

  4. What did Joseph do after he heard the angel's message?

    Example: Joseph listened to what the angel said and he took Mary to be his wife just like God wanted him to do.

Application Questions

Use these questions to help the children connect the reading to their own lives this week. Simple, concrete answers are best.

  1. How does it feel when someone you love asks you to do something that seems really hard or confusing?

    Example: It feels kind of scary and I wonder if I can do it, but if I love them I want to try my best to help.

  2. What could you do when you feel unsure about something but you know God wants you to be kind or brave?

    Example: I could close my eyes and say a little prayer asking God to help me be brave enough to do the right thing.

  3. This week at home, how can you practice listening carefully to what your family needs from you?

    Example: I can pay attention when my mom or dad asks me to help with something and do it right away instead of waiting.

Recap

Today we heard about Joseph, who got a very special visit from an angel in a dream. The angel told him not to be afraid and to take care of Mary and her baby. Joseph listened to God's message and said yes, even though it was confusing. Because Joseph trusted God, he helped take care of baby Jesus. We can listen to God too and trust him even when things are hard to understand.

Prayer of the Faithful

Before returning to the assembly, invite the children to share their own prayer intentions. Their prayers may be serious, simple, funny, or very specific. After each child's prayer, the group may respond: "Lord, hear our prayer." Lastly, include the suggested prayer below.

For all the children who are waiting for something important this Advent season, that God will help them be patient and trust in his plan, we pray to the Lord.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Loving God, thank you for the story of Joseph who listened to your angel and said yes to your plan. Help us to listen for your voice and to trust you, even when we do not understand everything. Bless our families as we get ready to celebrate Christmas. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ChildrensLiturgy.org

Joseph Listens to God

Matthew 1:18-24

Word Search

Optional activity: use the word search after the discussion if you have time, or send it home with the children. The words relate to today's Children's Liturgy Scripture passage.

E T S U R T N X N Y O S S E M
S S U S E J I I B G Q O R R A
E K P H T W V A W D Z Q O T R
M A E R D V B F W Q A P N U Y
Q U T S A N G E L O Z U J A P
Q E H R G T N E V D A K A H P
N N U N Y V J D U A I M B D H
U L M K H X Y I L T T E I B X
Q H P E S O J I H Z X S F I Y
I J P B J X S T Q L J S U S S
C N M B C T Z J R R Z A X I T
S C G H E H I R X O L G X N I
S U P N J X P T L J A E L O X
K K L E U N A M M E E G R I P
N K X X T K L L B T A W G M S

Words to find

  • Joseph
  • angel
  • dream
  • Jesus
  • Mary
  • Emmanuel
  • listen
  • trust
  • baby
  • Advent
  • message

ChildrensLiturgy.org