In Advent we wait in hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Introduction: As the students arrive, ask them to write a two to three paragraph journal entry titled “Waiting is Hard.” Ask them to share a particular occasion they found waiting for Christmas hard when they were a young child. How does this type of waiting compare to the first century Jews and Gentiles of Palestine who longed for a Messiah? How does this type of waiting compare to people today who long for Christ’s return?

Choose a student to read the Gospel from the first Sunday of Advent.

Gospel (Mark 13:33-37)

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be watchful! Be alert!
You do not know when the time will come.
It is like a man traveling abroad.
He leaves home and places his servants in charge,
each with his own work,
and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch.
Watch, therefore;
you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming,
whether in the evening, or at midnight,
or at cockcrow, or in the morning.
May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.
What I say to you, I say to all: 'Watch!'”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Response: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Play this short music reflection: Advent: Waiting in Silence

Call on students to share their stories of Christmas waiting with a partner. After a short time for discussion, ask a few volunteers to share their stories with the entire class.