May we take time today, following the example of the children, to prepare to adore the Newborn King.
The third layer of the pondering of the Incarnation during the Advent Season in the Atrium is focused around Infancy Narratives. Often these Scripture passages are thought of "cute, sweet stories." However, they contain deep theological truth which can only be heard a bit at a time. By revisiting these Scriptures often in the Atrium the children, we hope and pray, begin to tune their ears to the fullness of what God desires us to know about Himself and His presence through the Incarnation. The Scriptures given to the children in Level 1 include the Annunciation, the Nativity and Adoration of the Shepherds, the Visitation, the Adoration of the Magi, and the Presentation in the Temple. In Level 2 we add in the Flight into Egypt and also enjoy a synthesis celebration as we ponder a particular theme weaving throughout the Scriptures. Several examples of such themes include light, joy, prayer, and Mary's role. This same synthesis is enjoyed in Level 3 where the children begin to hear parallels to the Infancy Narratives in their Old Testament Typology studies. The great event of the Incarnation is about to be celebrated around the whole world. May we realize in a deeper way this Christmas the great gift of Christ's coming in to the world, into our lives and hearts, and also grow in longing for Him to come in fullness, bringing unimaginable peace to all. In addition to a study of geography during the Advent season, the children also spend time enjoying the prophetic words of the Old Testament. In the Level 1 Atrium the season always begins with an Advent Procession and an enjoying of the Prophecy of the Light from Isaiah 9:1: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light." The five prophecies pondered in Level 1 continue to be enjoyed by the Level 2 children both individually and as a celebratory synthesis. Additional prophecies as well as additional layers to the prophecies - Jesus coming as a baby, within our hearts today, and in the fullness of time at Parousia - begin to show forth as the children hear them in light of the three moments of the History of the Kingdom of God. In Level 3 the pondering of prophecies continues and deepens through the reading of how prophets were called by God to serve Him.
In their preparations for Advent, many of the children have been working with the Land of Israel map, recalling this tiny place God chose as His home on earth as well as the three principle cities in the life of Jesus: Nazareth, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem. Now that Advent has begun we are often referring back to these maps as we look more closely at the Scriptures which tell about the moments that happened within them. How beautiful it is to have this time set aside for preparing for the great Feast of Christmas! The elementary children have also been returning to the map of Israel, adding to their knowledge of the regions, waterways, and three main cities by exploring additional cities and landforms including mountains, mountain ranges, and deserts. |
Carolyn Kohlhaas
CGS Catechist and Formation Leader (Levels I, II, and III) Categories
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