Children's Liturgy Guide

Christmas Day

Year C · Christmas

Good News for Everyone

Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10

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

A messenger runs over the mountains bringing wonderful news: God is coming to save his people! Everyone is so happy they start singing and shouting for joy because God's love will reach the whole world.

Key Points

  • A messenger brings good news of peace and salvation
  • The watchmen see God coming and shout for joy
  • God comforts his people and shows his saving power
  • All the ends of the earth will see what God has done

Background

Isaiah 52:7-10 is a prophetic poem announcing God's triumphant return to Zion. The messenger's 'beautiful feet' symbolize the joy of bringing good news of salvation, peace, and God's reign. The watchmen on Jerusalem's walls see the Lord returning and break into song. The passage culminates in a universal vision: all nations, to the ends of the earth, will witness God's salvation. Christians read this text on Christmas because Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of this good news, God coming in person to save and comfort his people. For children, emphasize the joy of receiving wonderful news and the image of a messenger running to share it. Set aside the complex theology of eschatological hope and the historical context of Babylonian exile.

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 Jesus to be with us on this happy Christmas Day. Help us to share the good news of your love with everyone we meet. 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 been so excited about some good news that you just had to tell someone right away?

Example: One time my grandma was coming to visit and I was so excited I ran to tell my little brother and we both started jumping up and down together!

Bridge to the reading: You know that happy feeling when you have wonderful news to share? In today's reading, we hear about a messenger running over the mountains to tell everyone the most exciting news ever, that God is coming to be with his people!

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 does the messenger run to bring the good news?

    Example: The messenger runs over the mountains to bring the good news to the people in the city.

  2. What do the watchmen do when they see God coming?

    Example: The watchmen lift up their voices and start singing and shouting for joy all together.

  3. In the reading, it says God comforts his people. What do you think that means?

    Example: I think it means God makes people feel better and safe, like when my mom hugs me when I am sad.

  4. The reading says all the ends of the earth will see God's salvation. Why do you think God wants everyone to know?

    Example: Because God loves everyone in the whole world and wants all the people everywhere to be happy and know about 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 does it feel inside when someone shares really good news with you?

    Example: It makes me feel so happy and warm inside, like my heart is smiling and I want to smile and laugh too.

  2. Who is someone at school or in your family you could share happy news with this week?

    Example: I could tell my friend at school about Christmas and how Jesus was born because that is really good news.

  3. On Christmas Day, how can you show Jesus that you are happy he came?

    Example: I can say a special thank you prayer to Jesus and I can be extra kind to my family today.

Recap

Today we heard about a messenger running over the mountains to share the most wonderful news: God is coming to be with his people! Everyone shouted and sang for joy. On Christmas, we celebrate because Jesus is that good news. God came to be with us and wants the whole world to know his love.

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 people around the world who have not yet heard the good news of God's love, 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.

When we sing the Gloria at Mass on Christmas, we echo the angels and the watchmen in today's reading, all shouting for joy because God has come to be with us.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Jesus on this Christmas Day. Help us to be messengers of your joy and love to everyone we meet. 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

Good News for Everyone

Isaiah 52:7-10

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.

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

Words to find

  • messenger
  • mountains
  • peace
  • watchmen
  • singing
  • joy
  • salvation
  • comfort
  • Jesus
  • Christmas
  • news
  • love

ChildrensLiturgy.org