You may remember that Gabriel appeared to Mary with glad tidings. She was chosen to be the mother of baby Jesus, the savior and light of the world. Joseph received assurance of this when an angel appeared to him in a dream. Both of these experiences helped Mary and Joseph in the great task that lay ahead. Together, they journeyed to Bethlehem where Jesus was born in a stable. Imagine how Mary and Joseph felt as they gazed upon baby Jesus in the manger.
Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus are traditionally known as the Holy Family. What is the great family that we belong to? During Christmastime, we think about hope, peace, joy, and love. How do we show love at Christmastime?
Matthew 1 ... Advent 4A ... Interfaith Theme: Home and Family Relations ... Curriculum Information ... Menu
Peter, James, and John went up a high mountain with Jesus. When they reached their destination, the three disciples had an amazing experience. First, they saw Jesus with two others shining in heavenly light. Then, a bright cloud came over them, and they heard a voice say, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” The disciples were very afraid, and they fell on their faces in awe and worship. When the cloud disappeared, the disciples found themselves alone with Jesus.
Discussion Questions
Talk about the divine voice and the meaning of what was said. Why do you think the three disciples were given this magnificent experience? Sometimes people say that they’ve had a spiritual experience. What is meant by that?
Mark 9:2–13 ... Transfiguration Sunday B ... Interfaith Theme: The One Supreme God ... Curriculum Information ... Menu
What do you think many people wanted but were disappointed? Fortunately, the apostles stayed with Jesus. They were steadfast in their loyalty to him. What does that mean? Why do you think the apostles remained loyal to Jesus?
John 6:60–71 ... Proper 16B ... Interfaith Theme: Patience and Steadfastness ... Curriculum Information ... Menu
When Jesus’ boat landed, a man named Jairus begged Jesus to heal his daughter who was near death. Jesus agreed to go with him to his home. After a short delay, they arrived and were told the girl had died. Jesus said, “Fear not, only believe.” They entered the house and saw people weeping and wailing. But Jesus said the girl was not dead, just sleeping. Jesus went to the bedside of the girl, took her hand, and told her to rise up. At this, the girl awoke, rose up out of bed, and walked.
Discussion Questions
Jesus spoke to the family and disciples about this saying, “Tell no man,” about it. Why? When Jesus arrived, he said, “Fear not, only believe.” That is good advice for all of us. What do we believe about God that helps us when we feel fearful?
Mark 5:21–43 ... Proper 8B ... Interfaith Theme: Trust and Guidance ... Curriculum Information ... Menu
Jesus sat in a boat on the Sea of Galilee and taught a large crowd that had gathered on the shore. He told the people a parable saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field.” The joyful man, who found the treasure, sold everything he owned in order to buy the field that contained the hidden treasure. Jesus told parables like this so people could easily remember what he said and begin to understand more about the kingdom of heaven.
Discussion Questions
What does this parable tell us about the kingdom of heaven? What kind of treasure would we find in the kingdom of heaven? Remember that Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God,” and “The Kingdom of God is within you.”
Matthew 13:44 ... Proper 12A ... Interfaith Theme: Righteousness and Virtue ... Curriculum Information ... Menu
