Children's Liturgy Guide

Christmas Vigil

Year C · Christmas

Jesus Is Coming!

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 the story of how Jesus came to be born. An angel told Joseph in a dream that Mary's baby was from God, and Joseph trusted God and took care of Mary and the baby Jesus.

Key Points

  • Joseph was a good man who listened to God's message in a dream
  • The angel told Joseph not to be afraid
  • Jesus's name means 'God saves' because he came to save all people
  • Joseph trusted God even when things seemed confusing
  • This is the story of how God kept his promise to send a Savior

Background

Matthew 1:1-25 contains the genealogy of Jesus followed by the annunciation to Joseph. The genealogy establishes Jesus's royal lineage through David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. The theological emphasis is on Emmanuel, 'God with us,' and the virginal conception by the Holy Spirit. Joseph's righteousness is shown in his willingness to obey the angel despite social consequences, modeling faith and obedience. For children, emphasize the simple narrative: Joseph had a special dream where an angel told him not to be afraid, that Mary's baby was from God, and to name him Jesus. Set aside the genealogy and complex theology about the virgin birth. Focus on Joseph's trust in God and his courage to do what God asked.

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 your Son Jesus to be with us. Help us to listen to you and trust you, just like Joseph did. We are so happy that Jesus is coming! 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 a dream that felt really important or special? What was it like when you woke up?

Example: One time I had a dream about my grandma and it felt so real. When I woke up I wanted to tell my mom all about it right away.

Bridge to the reading: Sometimes dreams can feel very important to us. In tonight's story, Joseph had a very special dream where an angel brought him an important message from God about a baby named 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 talk to Joseph in his dream?

    Example: An angel came to talk to Joseph while he was sleeping. The angel had a message from God for him.

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

    Example: The angel told Joseph to name the baby Jesus. That was the special name God wanted for him.

  3. The angel said Joseph should not feel a certain way. What feeling was that?

    Example: The angel told Joseph not to be afraid. Joseph might have been scared or worried, but the angel said do not be afraid.

  4. Why do you think Joseph listened to what the angel said in the dream?

    Example: I think Joseph listened because he trusted God and knew the angel was telling the truth. He wanted to do what God asked 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 do you think Joseph felt when he woke up from that special dream?

    Example: I think Joseph felt happy and maybe a little surprised. He probably felt brave because the angel said not to be afraid.

  2. Sometimes God asks us to do things that are hard or new. What is something you could do to be brave like Joseph?

    Example: I could be brave like Joseph by trying something new at school even if it feels scary at first.

  3. This week, how can you listen for ways God might be asking you to help your family?

    Example: I could help my mom or dad with chores without being asked, or I could be extra kind to my brother or sister.

Recap

Today we heard about Joseph and a very special dream. An angel told Joseph not to be afraid and to take care of Mary and the baby Jesus. Joseph trusted God and did what the angel said. This is how Jesus came to be with us, and we are getting ready to celebrate his birth tonight!

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 families who are waiting and hoping for something special this Christmas, that God will bring them peace and joy, 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, God, for sending Jesus to be with us. Help us to be brave and trust you like Joseph did. Fill our hearts with joy as we 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

Jesus Is Coming!

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.

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

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • Joseph
  • Mary
  • angel
  • dream
  • baby
  • trust
  • brave
  • Christmas
  • God
  • listen
  • name

ChildrensLiturgy.org