Well I can’t believe it has been two weeks since our Christmas celebration and break, the children were so excited to be back in the atrium. We started off by recalling the birth of Jesus in the manger and the people that came to visit him, like the poor shepherds. The children were presented a work about the adoration of the Magi also known as the three Kings or astrologers. It is a beautiful work that reminds us that Jesus came for everyone, the rich and the poor.
We lifted up the word, “homage” which means to show respect and honor by kneeling and bringing gifts. We also discussed the meaning of the three gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh) to help us ponder the true identity of this child, Jesus.
It is sometimes easy to forget the meanings of the gifts in which gold was a gift for a King, frankincense was used by a priest and myrrh is holy oil used to anoint a person’s body after they died. After the presentation, some of the children would be called to the work and we would reread the scripture (Mathew 2: 1-12) as the children moved the figures to reenact the event. Some children also enjoyed tracing pictures of the work.
Connected
It is amazing how one work will flow and be connected to another work. Each work builds on each other and helps deepen the children’s love and understanding of God. When talking about the word, homage, we also discussed that we give Jesus homage every time we genuflect at church. We talked about the gifts of bread and wine that we bring to Mass. Children seem to intuitive know that gifts are brought to special people. We presented a work about preparing the cruets. The cruets are the containers that hold the wine and water. At All Saints the cruet of water is on the altar table whereas the cruet of wine is brought with the other gifts. Make sure you point out the gifts that are brought up during Mass and the cruets; it is a wonderful way to help the children be more involved at Mass. This is a favorite work of the 3-6 year olds as it helps them master controlled movement of pouring, learn new words and being more involved at Mass.
I’m sure you have already experience this with 3-6 year olds, but don’t be surprised then your children want to start pour more of their own drinks at home.
This coming week we will be learning the parable of leaven. It is work that helps us contemplate how the Kingdom of Heaven grows. A concept that is honestly still a mystery to me. I encourage you to read the short passage Matthew 13:33 and do your own contemplation. Don’t be surprised if your children come home telling you they made bread as the presentation does involve flour and yeast (leaven).
We don’t let the children bring this work home, but feel free to stop in and look at it and ask questions. I have seen many children find a sense of peace and joy in this work as they slow stir the mixture. It is as if they are talking to God.
God’s Blessing,
Michelle Moore, CGS Catechist
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