Children's Liturgy Guide

Christmas Vigil

Year A · Christmas

God Keeps His Promise

Reading: Matthew 1:1-25

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

Tonight we hear about how Jesus came into our world. An angel told Joseph not to be afraid because the baby Mary was going to have was very special, sent by God. Joseph trusted God and took care of Mary and baby Jesus.

Key Points

  • God promised long ago to send a Savior, and Jesus is that promise come true
  • Joseph was asked to do something hard, but he trusted God and said yes
  • Jesus was given the name Emmanuel, which means God is with us
  • Christmas celebrates God coming to be close to us as a baby

Background

Matthew's genealogy establishes Jesus' royal Davidic lineage, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. The passage emphasizes that Jesus' conception is 'from the Holy Spirit' and that Joseph, though not the biological father, legally adopts Jesus into David's line by naming him. The title 'Emmanuel' (God with us) encapsulates the Incarnation, the central mystery of Christmas. For children, emphasize that God kept a big promise by sending Jesus, and that Joseph was brave to trust God's plan. Set aside the genealogy details and the complex theology of the virginal conception.

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 this special night when we celebrate that Jesus came to be with us. Help us to be ready to welcome him into our hearts with joy. 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 anyone ever made you a really special promise and then kept it? Maybe someone promised to take you somewhere fun or give you something you really wanted. How did it feel when they kept that promise?

Example: My grandma promised she would take me to the park and she really did! I felt so happy because I knew she loved me and I could trust her.

Bridge to the reading: That happy feeling when someone keeps their promise is wonderful! In tonight's reading, we will hear about the biggest promise ever kept. God promised long, long ago to send someone very special to save the world, and tonight we celebrate that promise coming true with baby Jesus.

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 in a dream?

    Example: An angel came to talk to Joseph while he was sleeping and having a dream.

  2. What did the angel tell Joseph about the baby that Mary would have?

    Example: The angel said the baby was from the Holy Spirit and Joseph should name him Jesus because he would save people.

  3. What does the special name Emmanuel mean?

    Example: Emmanuel means God is with us. It tells us that Jesus is God coming to be close to us.

  4. Why do you think Joseph decided to listen to the angel and take care of Mary and the baby?

    Example: I think Joseph trusted God and wanted to do what was right even though it was scary and hard for him.

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 do you feel knowing that God wanted to come and be close to us by becoming a baby?

    Example: It makes me feel really loved and special that God wanted to be near me like a friend.

  2. Joseph was brave and trusted God even when things were confusing. What is something you can do when you feel scared or unsure?

    Example: I can talk to God and ask him to help me be brave, and I can ask my mom or dad for help too.

  3. This week is Christmas! How can you welcome Jesus into your home and family?

    Example: I can say a prayer thanking Jesus for coming, and I can be extra kind and helpful to my family.

Recap

Today we heard about the night Jesus came into our world. God made a promise long ago to send a Savior, and on Christmas, that promise came true! An angel told Joseph not to be afraid, and Joseph trusted God and helped take care of baby Jesus. Jesus is called Emmanuel because it means God is with us.

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 families gathering tonight to celebrate Christmas, that they may feel God's love and closeness, we pray to the Lord.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you, Lord, for keeping your promise and sending us Jesus. Help us to welcome him with happy hearts tonight and always. 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

God Keeps His Promise

Matthew 1:1-25

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.

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

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • Joseph
  • Mary
  • angel
  • dream
  • promise
  • Emmanuel
  • baby
  • Christmas
  • Savior
  • trust
  • God

ChildrensLiturgy.org