Joy 8-11 years

Advent Cube

Advent is a special time during which we prepare for Christmas. We prepare our homes, classrooms, the streets and shops. Everything is beautifully decorated; but the most important thing we need to prepare is OUR HEARTS.

During the four weeks of Advent, we will reflect on and pray for: Hope, Love, Joy and Peace.
(it is not imperative that this order is kept, but no matter the order these four virtues are important as we prepare our hearts for Jesus)

(for ages between 4 -7 please visit here.)

  1. Print on white construction paper
  2. Cut around the outer lines (if not done already in the previous week)
  3. Colour the candle of Joy and the words, ‘ADVENT, preparing our hearts for Jesus’
Advent cube week 3Download

The joy that Jesus gives is different from the happiness we feel when we for example receive a much awaited gift. We will be happy for some time, but this happiness fades away with time. The joy we receive from Jesus, and the joy we have from knowing that Jesus has saved us, and he is always with us, never fades. Remember that we have joy in our hearts when we avoid sin and when we obey God.

Read about the joy and love of God when we return to him, after we acknowledge that we have sinned. Read one of these parables, the lost sheep, the lost coin, the prodigal son (Luke 15, 1-24)

Practice ways of how you can have joy in your heart, by:

  • Attending mass
  • Praying, and reading the bible
  • Pray for others
  • Help and love others
  • Know that God will always love you
  • Go to confession

Lord Jesus help us not only to experience your joy in our hearts, but also to pass on this joy to others. Amen.