Children's Liturgy Guide

Holy Family

Year B · Christmas

Waiting for Baby Jesus

Reading: Luke 2:22-40

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

When Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the Temple, two very old people named Simeon and Anna had been waiting a long, long time to see him. God had promised Simeon he would see the special baby, and when Simeon finally held Jesus, he thanked God with his whole heart.

Key Points

  • Simeon waited many years because God promised he would see the Messiah
  • When Simeon held baby Jesus, he knew God had kept His promise
  • Anna also recognized Jesus and told everyone about him
  • Mary and Joseph followed God's rules and brought Jesus to the Temple
  • God keeps His promises, even when we have to wait a long time

Background

This reading shows the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, fulfilling Jewish law requiring firstborn sons to be consecrated to the Lord (Exodus 13:2). Simeon, described as righteous and devout, had received a revelation from the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. His canticle (the Nunc Dimittis) proclaims Jesus as salvation for all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for Israel. Anna, an 84-year-old prophetess, represents faithful Israel awaiting redemption. The passage also contains Simeon's sobering prophecy to Mary about a sword piercing her soul, foreshadowing the Passion. For children, emphasize Simeon's patient waiting and his joy when God's promise came true, setting aside the deeper theological implications of the Nunc Dimittis and the prophecy of Mary's suffering.

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 always keeping your promises to us. Help us to trust you and wait patiently, just like Simeon waited for baby Jesus. 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.

Have you ever had to wait a really long time for something special, like a birthday or Christmas morning? How did it feel when you finally got what you were waiting for?

Example: I had to wait so many days for Christmas and it felt like forever, but when I finally opened my presents I was so happy and excited!

Bridge to the reading: Waiting can feel so hard, but it makes us even happier when the special thing finally comes! In today's reading, we will hear about an old man named Simeon who waited his whole life to see a very special baby, and what happened when he finally got to hold him.

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. Where did Mary and Joseph take baby Jesus in this story?

    Example: They took baby Jesus to the Temple, which is a special place where people go to pray to God.

  2. Who was the old man waiting at the Temple, and what did God promise him?

    Example: The old man was named Simeon, and God promised him that he would get to see the special baby before he died.

  3. What did Simeon do when he saw baby Jesus?

    Example: Simeon took baby Jesus in his arms and held him, and he thanked God and said beautiful words about Jesus.

  4. Why do you think Simeon was so happy when he finally saw Jesus?

    Example: He was so happy because he had been waiting for such a long time, and God kept His promise to 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 think Simeon felt inside when he was holding baby Jesus after waiting so many years?

    Example: I think he felt so peaceful and happy inside, like his heart was full of joy and thankfulness.

  2. When you have to wait for something at home, like waiting for dinner or your turn to play, how can you be patient like Simeon?

    Example: I can try not to complain and maybe do something else while I wait, and remember that good things come if I am patient.

  3. This week, can you thank God for one promise He has kept for you or your family?

    Example: I can thank God for keeping my family safe and for giving me people who love me every single day.

Recap

Today we heard about Simeon, an old man who waited his whole life to see baby Jesus. God had made a promise to Simeon, and God kept that promise. When Simeon finally held baby Jesus in his arms, he was so thankful and happy. We can trust that God always keeps His promises to us too, even when we have to wait.

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 grandparents and older people in our families, that they may feel loved and cared for, we pray to the Lord.

Mass Connection

If time allows, point out this connection just before returning to Mass. This helps children see that Children's Liturgy is still part of the Mass.

At Night Prayer (Compline) and sometimes referenced in Catholic funeral liturgies, the Church prays Simeon's words: 'Lord, now you let your servant go in peace.' When we hear these words, we remember Simeon holding baby Jesus and thanking God for keeping His promise.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you, Lord, for showing us that you always keep your promises. Help us to be patient and to trust in you, just like Simeon 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.

ChildrensLiturgy.org

Waiting for Baby Jesus

Luke 2:22-40

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.

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

Words to find

  • Simeon
  • Anna
  • Temple
  • promise
  • waiting
  • Jesus
  • Mary
  • Joseph
  • thankful
  • baby
  • blessing
  • joy

ChildrensLiturgy.org