Children's Liturgy Guide

3rd Sunday of Advent

Year C · Advent

Sharing What We Have

Reading: Luke 3:10-18

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

People came to John the Baptist asking what they should do to get ready for Jesus. John told them to share what they have with others who need it. If you have two coats, give one to someone who has none. This is how we prepare our hearts for Jesus.

Key Points

  • John the Baptist taught people how to prepare for Jesus by being kind and fair to others
  • Sharing what we have with those who need it is a way to make room for Jesus in our hearts
  • Advent is a time to get ready for Jesus by loving others through our actions
  • John was helping people understand that Jesus was coming and they needed to change their hearts

Background

This reading shows John the Baptist's practical moral teaching as the crowds ask, 'What should we do?' His answers are concrete: share your extra coat, share your food, be honest, do not cheat. John is preparing the way for Christ by calling people to conversion through justice and charity. Theologically, John is the precursor announcing the Messiah, and his baptism of repentance differs from Christian baptism. He points beyond himself to the 'one mightier than I' who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. For children, emphasize the simple, concrete instruction to share what we have, especially with those who have less, as a way to prepare our hearts for Jesus this Advent. Set aside the distinctions between John's baptism and Jesus' baptism, and the eschatological imagery of winnowing fork and fire.

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 time of Advent when we get ready for Jesus. Help us to share what we have with others and to make room in our hearts for your Son. 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 something extra, like two toys or two snacks, and you gave one to someone who did not have any?

Example: One time my friend forgot her lunch at home and I had two granola bars so I gave her one and she was really happy.

Bridge to the reading: That feeling of sharing something you have with someone who needs it is so special. In today's reading, we will hear about John the Baptist teaching people that sharing what we have is exactly how we get our hearts ready for 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 were the people coming to see and asking for help?

    Example: The people were coming to see John the Baptist and they were asking him what they should do.

  2. What did John tell people to do if they had two coats?

    Example: John told them that if they have two coats they should give one coat to someone who does not have any coat at all.

  3. What else did John say people should share with others?

    Example: John also said that people who have extra food should share their food with people who are hungry and do not have any.

  4. Why do you think John wanted people to share before Jesus came?

    Example: I think John wanted people to share because sharing makes your heart kind and ready to love Jesus when he comes.

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 inside when you share something with someone who really needs it?

    Example: It feels really warm and happy inside my heart, like I did something good and it makes me smile.

  2. If you saw a friend at school who forgot their mittens on a cold day, what could you do?

    Example: I could let them borrow my mittens for a little while or I could tell the teacher so we can help them stay warm.

  3. This week at home, what is one thing you could share with someone in your family?

    Example: I could share my favorite blanket with my little brother when we watch a movie together on the couch.

Recap

Today we heard that John the Baptist told people how to get ready for Jesus. He said if you have two coats, give one to someone who has none. If you have extra food, share it. This Advent, we can prepare for Jesus by sharing what we have with others.

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 children and families who do not have enough warm clothes or food this winter, that we may share what we have with them, 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 teaching us through John the Baptist that sharing is how we get ready for Jesus. Help us this week to share what we have with others who need it. 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

Sharing What We Have

Luke 3:10-18

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.

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

Words to find

  • John
  • share
  • coat
  • food
  • give
  • Advent
  • prepare
  • Jesus
  • heart
  • kind
  • help
  • ready

ChildrensLiturgy.org