Advent Family Podcast: Recent Episodes
St. John the Evangelist - Severna Park MD
Join us as we prepare for Christmas by hearing from those who were part of the Nativity story at the beginning. Listen as they teach us simple lessons to prepare our hearts to welcome Christ.
Narrated by kids and written for kids, families, and adults, our Advent podcast is a delightful family-friendly way to make the most of the season!
Episode 27: Blessed Mother Mary
"In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. He came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ...And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her." Luke Chapter 1: verses 26 – 38.
I said YES…… Wait! Gabriel! Don’t leave! …..And, just like that, I was to become the mother of God’s only begotten son, Jesus.
I know nothing about being a mother! I am still a child myself. But God sees something in me. He trusts me. So I must trust in him. God doesn’t give us anything that isn’t within our capacity. I could have said no. I could have asked for details…or made conditions. But that’s not how love and trust works, so I said YES. If God believes in me, then I am ALL IN!
God wants to get inside your heart. Your bold YES to him will allow you to do great things in his name. Don’t hesitate. Just say “YES, Lord!” God’s plan for you is even greater than anything you can imagine. You just have to say, “YES!”
This Advent, pray for Mary’s intercession that you will love God, your family, your friends, and everyone you meet. Pray that, like Mary, you will put all your trust in God. Love without limits. Love without conditions. Love without restrictions. We will never be perfect, but that’s okay. God loves us and is always willing to forgive. Once you love others with a pure heart, you will start to understand the depths of God’s love for you.
God our Father, we thank you for choosing Mary to be the Mother of our Lord, and our mother too! We are amazed at her “yes” to you. We know how much we sometimes struggle to say yes to your plan. So, we are thankful that she gave you a generous yes without any conditions. Please help us to do the same this Christmas and to welcome Jesus, your Son, into our hearts. Amen!
Prayer Starter for Parents
Even the youngest of our kids have the capacity and power to say "Yes" to God. At first, it's a small yes, maybe not very different from the yes they give when you offer them a snack or ask them if they want to do something. But as they get older, their power to choose grows and so does their "Yes" to God. On this final day of Advent, with Christmas Eve just hours away, pray with your kids today in a way that teaches them and encourages them to give their "Yes" to God just like Mary did.
Here's a simple way to pray with them today:
Start by praying through the Scripture we used for today's podcast (above):
"In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. He came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ...And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her." Luke Chapter 1: verses 26 – 38.
Then, with your children, offer a decade of the Rosary, meditating on the mystery of the Annunciation: pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys, and one Glory be. (If you've never really prayed the Rosary or want to learn more about it, here's a great link.) As you pray, let your heart and mind keep the image of Mary and the Angel Gabriel before you... Think and pray about Mary's "yes" to God. As you pray, ask Mary to intercede and pray for you and your kids, that each of you might offer your own "Yes" to God. Let each one of the prayers be your way of giving your own new "Yes" to God.
When you say "Yes" to God, it gives him more room to work in your heart. The Holy Spirit really comes to you in a new way! What does God want to do in you as you open your heart to him? How will he work through you today because of your "Yes"? What good fruit will he bear this Christmas because of your new "Yes" to him?! Every time we say "Yes" to God he is able to do more in us and through us. Just like Mary, he wants us to bring Jesus into the world. How will he do that through you this Christmas because of your "yes" to him? This is exciting and amazing stuff!
Episode 2: Simeon
"Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 'Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.'" Luke 2:25-32
My name is Simeon and I am a simple Jewish man. What is that one thing in the world you have always wanted to see? There are so many amazing things! Soaring mountains, crystal clear tropical waters, exotic animals, ancient buildings that are thousands of years old… so, so many things.
While there are so many things one can see in this life, all I have wanted is to see God! I have wanted to see Him face to face! And guess what? Just the other day, I know that I saw Him. His name is Jesus which means ‘God saves’. I even got to hold Jesus for He is just a little baby.
My Jewish ancestors and I have been waiting and waiting for the promised coming of God’s Holy One who will be a king and savior. We have desired to see this promised Savior more than anything else, even more than all the wonders of the world and the universe! Why? Because He will be God with us! Because God keeps His promises, I have believed that I shall see Him with my own eyes. And now that I have, there is nothing more that I want.
When we see the presence of God in our lives, there is nothing else that will satisfy us like Him. This Advent, learn from me: a relationship with Jesus is the one necessary thing we need; everything else will fall into place!
Dear Lord, one day we will see you face to face. What an amazing, joyful day that will be. But even now you make Yourself known to us. During this Advent season, help us prepare ourselves prayerfully so that our eyes and hearts may be open to seeing you in our lives, even now as we await that moment when we will see You, Lord, face to face in Heaven.
Prayer Starter for Parents
Did you know that in Heaven we will really be able to see God face to face? St. John writes: "We shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:2) St. Paul wrote about heaven saying: "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face." (1 Corinthians 13:12) This gift of being able to see God as he is, face-to-face, is something that only God can make happen. But he does! He really will give all those in heaven the capacity to see him. The Church calls this contemplation of God in his heavenly glory "the beatific vision". That's a fancy way of saying that our ability to see God face to face will be the cause of our complete happiness and blessedness:
"How great will your glory and happiness be, to be allowed to see God, to be honored with sharing the joy of salvation and eternal light with Christ your Lord and God, . . . to delight in the joy of immortality in the Kingdom of heaven with the righteous and God's friends." (St. Cyprian)
Today, as you begin your prayer time with your kids, teach them or remind them that we really believe this is true! What do they think about being able to see God face to face? What do they think it will be like? Far greater or more beautiful than the most beautiful sunset, or starry night, or anything that we've ever seen that takes our breath away!
Here's part of a Psalm you can pray with your kids today, to help them express a desire and longing to see God face to face:
**One thing I ask of the Lord;
this I seek:
To dwell in the Lord’s house
all the days of my life,
To gaze on the Lord’s beauty,
to visit his temple.
“Come,” says my heart, “seek his face”;
your face, Lord, do I seek!
Do not hide your face from me;**
**I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness
in the land of the living.**
Psalm 27: 4,8,9,13
Episode 20: One of the Wise Men from Afar
"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way." Matthew Chapter 2: verses 11-12
Throughout my life, I have seen so much beauty, especially in creation. The beauty of the earth… the beauty of the seas… the beauty of the air… The beauty of the animals, of the flowers; the beauty of the mountains and of the skies, the sun and the moon and the stars!
Tonight, I gaze upon this one particular star. Never before have I seen this star, but it shines so brightly! How could I have ever missed it? “Why are you so beautiful? How did you come to be this way,” I ask the star. The star seems to respond to me, “Yes, I am beautiful. I am this way because I was made by God. Join me in praising God the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth.”
I have spent my life studying the earth and the skies. Every new discovery points to a Marvelous Mystery. This Mystery is the Creator, the Artist, God! I adore Him! I know that he made everything, even me. He is Awesome!
The new, radiant star continues to dance as if it is praising God and asking me to follow it. I must follow it! “Star above me, shining so brightly! I will join you in praising the Lord of Heaven and Earth!”
This Advent, let the beauty of creation point you to God and lead you to Jesus, the one who made all things. Whether it’s the stars in the sky, the snowflakes that fall, or the cold wind that blows, let the beauty of everything that God made lead you back to him!
Lord Jesus, you are mighty God, Prince of Peace, the Lord of all creation. Help me to see the many ways you make yourself known to me especially in your great gift of creation, in the great gift of my family members and friends, and in your sacraments, especially the gift of your Body and Blood in the Eucharist. Help me, like this Wise Man, to acknowledge You and pursue you with great faith and trust. Amen.
Prayer Starter for Parents
"This Advent, let the beauty of creation point you to God and lead you to Jesus, the one who made all things." All creation, everything God made, reflects his glory! All of creation, in its own way, gives glory and praise to God. From the tiniest bug to the biggest of stars, everything God made is a reflection of his great beauty and glory. the Bible knows this and teaches us how to join all of creation in praising God!
Today, as you take time to pray with your kids and teach them how to pray, here's a great prayer from Scripture that teaches us to join with all of creation in blessing and praising God. You can use this as a litany with your kids. One person reads the regular text while your kids respond to the italicized words "Bless the Lord." It's a bit long, so you may want to shorten it if your kids are young. But as you pray through it, encourage them to think about all of the different parts of creation that are blessing and praising God. What would they add in? What part of creation most inspires them? This is a symphony and each part of creation is like its own instrument, offering its own song of praise to God!
Here's a way you can start your prayer together:
Lord God, we thank you for the beauty of all creation! Teach us, through all you have made, to see your eternal beauty. Help me to see the many ways you make yourself known to me especially in your great gift of creation, in the great gift of my family members and friends, and in your sacraments, especially the gift of your Body and Blood in the Eucharist. Help me, like this Wise Man, to acknowledge You and pursue you with great faith and trust.
**Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord;
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord;
You heavens, bless the Lord;
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord; bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord;
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord;
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord;
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord;
Frost and cold, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord;
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness bless the Lord;
Lightning and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord;
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord;
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord;
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord;
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord;
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
You sons of men, bless the Lord;
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord;
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord;
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.**
Daniel 3:57-87
Episode 19: Augustus Caesar
"In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child." Luke Chapter 2: verses 1 - 6
I am Augustus, the great emperor of Rome! There has never been an empire as great or as vast as mine. I am the one who decreed that there should be a census so that we could count every person. I wanted to know exactly how many people we ruled over and how many people we had conquered.
But I never imagined that God would use my census to fulfil his promise that the Messiah, Jesus, would be born in Bethlehem. I thought I was great! But God must be even greater that he could use my census to make sure that Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem at just the right time.
During my life as emperor, I brought peace by crushing all our enemies. But this newborn King has come to bring a different, greater peace. During these days of Advent learn from me: there is a deeper and better peace that only the great God, Jesus, can bring. Let him fill your hearts with his peace this season!
Lord Jesus, help me to understand that it is in knowing you, loving you, and following you as your disciple that I find joy and peace. Life isn’t about the clothes I wear or how many sports I play or the games and toys that I have. These are good things, but they are not as important as you, Jesus. Only you can give lasting peace and joy to my heart. Help me to make you the center of my life by daily prayer and good deeds like loving my parents and siblings and being generous and kind to my neighbors. Amen.
Prayer Starter for Parents
Jesus came to bring us peace! Not just a peace on the outside (like the kind of peace we think of when everything is perfect and just the way we like it...) He came to give us peace on the inside, deep in our heart. It's the peace that comes when we are right with God and we know he's taking care of us, even if everything seems to be falling apart. Sometimes we try to force peace by making everything around us just the way we want it or like it. That's what Caesar Augustus tried! But then we spend all of our time and energy trying to control everything and it never really works. It's like playing a never-ending game of Whack-a-Mole as we try to beat down everything we don't like. There's no peace in that! The peace that Jesus came to give us is different. It's a deeper peace that doesn't depend on external circumstances. It's a peace in our hearts that comes from God alone.
Slowly pray through these verses with your kids during your prayer time today, to help them hear God's promise of peace:
**Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”**
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid."
**Psalm 4:9 "In peace I will lie down and fall asleep,
for you alone, Lord, make me secure."**
Psalm 29:11 "May the Lord bless his people with peace!"
And when we welcome this peace, it brings us contentment in every situation. Pray through these words of St. Paul:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus... I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:4-7,12-13)
Lord Jesus, King of Peace, come and bring your peace to our hearts today. Even when things aren't the way we would like it, help us to experience your peace in our hearts. Help us to know that we can be at peace even in situations that are hard or difficult. Only you can bring us this peace. Only you can give our hearts a peace that is beyond all understanding. Please give each of us and our whole family your gift of peace this Christmas. Amen.
Episode 18: Isaiah the Prophet
"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us;
upon his shoulder dominion rests.
They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,
Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
His dominion is vast
and forever peaceful,
Upon David’s throne, and over his kingdom,
which he confirms and sustains
By judgment and justice,
both now and forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!"
(Isaiah Chapter 9, verse 5)
I am the Prophet Isaiah. I lived 700 years before Jesus was born in Bethlehem. But God let me know what he was doing, and I was inspired to write what he showed me about Jesus the Messiah. Let me share with you some of the awesome things he taught me about Jesus:
He is wonderful! In every situation, God knows what to do because He knows everything. He even knows you and me. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He is a Hero! He is a champion! He will always fight for us to keep us safe from all evil. He is a Father who walks hand in hand with us, his children. He is the Prince of Peace, bringing comfort and hope to those who are sad or struggling. And who doesn't want Peace and Hope? And he is “God with us”. God is with us in His Son Jesus Christ, born for us on Christmas day!
And guess what! He knows you and loves you. Don't you want to know and love him?
During these special days of Advent, let us prepare a home for him in our hearts. It’s easier to welcome him when we already know something about him. I guess that’s why God let me know what he was doing and inspired me to write it down 700 years before it happened, so that the world, and especially you, could be ready to welcome him!
Lord Jesus, you are our Champion, our Hero, the Prince of Peace. Thank you for coming to dwell among us and for dying for us. Help us to be holy by imitating you. You are welcome in my heart. Come Lord Jesus! Amen.
Prayer Starter for Parents
Isaiah's words are a great place to start your prayer with your kids today. Speaking of the Messiah, Jesus, Isaiah says:
He is a Wonderful Counselor! In every situation, God knows what to do because He knows everything. He even knows you and me. He knows us better than we know ourselves.
He is a Hero! He is a Champion! He will always fight for us to keep us safe from all evil.
He is a Father who walks hand in hand with us, his children.
He is the Prince of Peace, bringing comfort and hope to those who are sad or struggling. And who doesn't want Peace and Hope?
And he is “God with us”. God is with us in His Son Jesus Christ, born for us on Christmas day!
Which of these do you most need Jesus to be for you right now? With your kids reflect on all that is going on in your life and the life of your family right now. Which of these is the most comforting title for Jesus? Which of these does your family most need right now? Maybe there is a loved one who is sick and you most need Jesus to your family's Prince of Peace in the midst of worry or anxiety? Maybe you feel a little alone or isolated these days and you need Jesus to be "God with us"? Maybe you have big decisions before you and you need help to figure out what to do and you need Jesus to be your Wonderful Counselor? Draw your kids into this reflection. Our daily prayer should be connected to and flow out of what is really going on in our life. Sometimes we go into prayer trying to leave our real life behind, or run from our real life. But good prayer is always realistic and allows God into the very stuff we're going through at the moment. Today is a great day to teach your kids that lesson!
After you reflect on which of those titles you most need Jesus to demonstrate in your life right now, ask him to do it. In your own words let Jesus know what you and your kids and your family most need right now. You'll probably find that just giving it to Jesus out loud in your prayer already brings some extra peace and a lighter heart as you let him carry your worries and concerns.
Episode 16: King David
"The Lord spoke to King David through the prophet Nathan and said: “The Lord will make a house for you: when your days have been completed and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, sprung from your loins, and I will establish his kingdom. He it is who shall build a house for my name, and I will establish his royal throne forever. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. Your house and your kingdom are firm forever before me; your throne shall be firmly established forever.” 2 Samuel Chapter 7: verses 11to14 and 16
I am King David, the King of Israel. I have not always been a good king. I have been unfaithful and betrayed others. I have been selfish. I have worshipped false gods.
But the Lord God has never abandoned me. He has always been faithful. He made an amazing promise that one of my own descendants would rule as king forever and ever. God promised that his kingdom would be without end! He made that promise even though I have been very imperfect and have sinned much. God is so good, and he is always faithful, even when we are not.
God fulfilled his promise when he sent his son, born in the very city that I was from! Jesus is that descendant of mine who rules as king forever.
As you prepare for Christmas, I want to teach you the lesson of God’s faithfulness and mercy. He is always faithful to his promises and always merciful. Even when you sin God will remember his promises. And he is always ready to forgive.
I praise the Lord God for being the one who is really in charge, the one who is the true king of Israel!
Dear Lord Jesus, in these days of Advent, I want my heart to be a place that is ready to receive you. I know there have been times when I have been disrespectful, impatient, and selfish. I ask forgiveness for my sins. Thank you for your mercy and for always offering me a fresh start, especially in the sacrament of Reconciliation. Help me to know that you are always faithful. Come Lord Jesus; you are the king of my heart! Amen.
Prayer Starter for Parents
Some of our children struggle with whether or not they can really be forgiven. Sometimes we, their parents, can reinforce that struggle by not clearing demonstrating our forgiveness for them. Or we say we forgive them, but then we keep bringing up they past failures and sins. Today, let's pray with our kids to help them really know that God, and we, are always ready to forgive.
Over and over in Scripture the Lord keeps reminding us that he really wants to forgive us. To convince us, he uses different images. Here's a simple but powerful one from Psalm 103 that you can pray with your kids and then talk with them about:
**The Lord shows mercy and is kind.
He does not become angry quickly, and he has great love.
As high as the sky is above the earth,
so great is his love for those who respect him.
He has taken our sins away from us
as far as the east is from west.
The Lord has mercy on those who fear him,
as a father has mercy on his children.
He knows how we were made.
He remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103:8,11-14**
Use the images in the Psalm to help your kids realize what God is saying to us: As high as the sky is above the earth, so great is his love... On a clear night in the middle of the month you can see Saturn with the naked eye. Saturn is 950 million miles away from earth! As far as the sky is above the earth - that's really far! - so great is his love for us!
He has taken our sins away from us as far as the east is from west... Help your kids appreciate that east and west go in opposite directions and you can't get further away than going in two totally different directions. That's how far God takes our sins from us when we let him forgive us!
Pray for your children, asking the Lord to help them know and experience his great forgiveness and mercy, just like King David did:
Lord, we thank you for being so forgiving. We thank for always giving us another chance to start over and try again with your help. Thank you for Jesus, who died so that we could be forgiven. Thank you for giving us your mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and never giving up on us! Please help each of my children to know that you really forgive them and take their sins away from them, as far as the east is from the west. Help them to know that you forgive them because you love them. As high as the sky is above the earth, so great is your love for them. Amen.
Episode 15: John the Baptist
"During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy..." Luke Chapter 1: verses 39-44
My name is John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus. Some babies kick when they are in their mommy's tummy. I do this all the time to let my parents know I hear them and can't wait to meet them! But the other day, I did more than kick. I heard the sweetest voice. It was the voice of a woman. She said, "Hello!! Elizabeth? Zechariah? Are you home?" At the sound of her greeting, I leapt in my mom's womb at the same time as my mom let out a shout of joyful excitement! The woman with the sweet voice was named Mary, my mom's cousin. My mom greeted Mary who was also pregnant with a child, but not just any child, but the child who is the LORD! Mary and her husband Joseph are going to name Him Jesus.
The presence of the Lord Jesus has this special power. The Lord brings peace and hope, and it can even make a baby like me jump in his mom's womb or make a mom shout for joy! I can't wait to meet Jesus and his Mom Mary. When I am born, I want to give my whole life to making Jesus the Lord known to every person I meet. I want everyone to experience the same joy I did on that first day I met him even when I was in my mom’s tummy.
During these days of Advent learn from me and ask the Lord to give you that special joy that only he can give. It’s a greater joy than any new toy, money, or clothes can bring!
Dear Lord Jesus, fill me with joy and peace at the mention of your Holy Name. Help me to love you and by my words and actions to lead others to love you too, especially my family and friends. Amen.
Prayer Starter for Parents
Even in the womb, John the Baptist was responding to God! Your kids need to know that they are not too young to respond to God themselves. Sometimes we make faith more of a "grown-up" thing and our kids get the message that they need to wait until later in life to really respond to God. But that's not true! Even now, especially now, when they are young we should be teaching them to listen for the voice of the Lord and respond to him.
Encourage your kids in your prayer time today to know that just like the John the Baptist in the womb, they can respond to God at the youngest age. So pray through this passage from the Old Testament with them to give them another example of someone young hearing and responding to the Lord:
God Calls Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-10,19-21):
The boy Samuel served the Lord under Eli. In those days the Lord did not speak directly to people very often. There were very few visions.
Eli’s eyes were so weak he was almost blind. One night he was lying in bed. Samuel was also in bed in the Lord’s Holy Tent. The Ark of the Covenant was in the Holy Tent. God’s lamp was still burning.
Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “I am here!” He ran to Eli and said, “I am here. You called me.”
But Eli said, “I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.” So Samuel went back to bed.
The Lord called again, “Samuel!”
Samuel again went to Eli and said, “I am here. You called me.”
Again Eli said, “I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.”
Samuel did not yet know the Lord. The Lord had not spoken directly to him yet.
The Lord called Samuel for the third time. Samuel got up and went to Eli. He said, “I am here. You called me.”
Then Eli realized the Lord was calling the boy. So he told Samuel, “Go to bed. If he calls you again, say, ‘Speak, Lord. I am your servant, and I am listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in bed.
The Lord came and stood there. He called as he had before. He said, “Samuel, Samuel!”
Samuel said, “Speak, Lord. I am your servant, and I am listening.”
The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up. He did not let any of Samuel’s messages fail to come true. Then all Israel, from Dan to Beersheba,[a] knew Samuel was a prophet of the Lord. And the Lord continued to show himself to Samuel at Shiloh. He also showed himself to Samuel through his word.
Parents - offer a prayer out loud for your kids, in your own words, asking the Lord to open their ears to hear his voice, and open their heart and lips to respond as generously to God as Samuel did.
Episode 13: Joseph
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet." Matthew 1:18-25
Where are all these angels coming from?? It was an angel that visited Mary and told her that she would be the Mother of Jesus, and now, an angel comes to me! It was last night in a dream. “Do not be afraid, Joseph,” the angel said. The angel didn't want me to be afraid to take Mary as my wife and to be the father of the baby Jesus! How did the angel know I was afraid? ...I guess God and His angels know a lot about us…
If it is easy for Mary to see that I'm afraid, it's probably easy for Heaven to see too. But you know what? I believe the angel is right. With God leading us, there really is nothing to fear. For days I’ve been thinking about what the angel said to my Mary: “With God, all things are possible.” And now there’s this: “Do not be afraid, Joseph.” The Lord must really be looking out for us. I do not know what will happen tomorrow, but I know that God is with us and for our baby Jesus. Lord, I trust in you. Help me be a good husband and a good dad!
Learn from me in these special days of Advent: Do not let fear keep you from trusting God! You may feel a little afraid or nervous or worried. That's ok. We can't just turn off our feelings. But we don't have to let them completely control us either! Don't be afraid to step out and trust God.
Lord Jesus, during these days of Advent where the days seem so short and night comes quickly, help me like Saint Joseph to not be afraid and to trust that, no matter what, you are always with me to give me strength and light. Thank you for your faithfulness. Jesus, I trust in you. Amen.
Prayer Starter for Parents
Throughout the Bible the Lord tells us over and over again: Do not be afraid! So God obviously knows that we battle fear and that fear often wants to take us over and keep us from doing what is good and right. Your kids have already experienced this in many ways.
For your prayer time today, spend a minute asking your kids what kind of fears they think St. Joseph may have had. Ask them what fears they may have about saying yes to Jesus and following Jesus. You may be surprised what you hear! And then remind them of the lesson from today: Don't let the feelings us fear keep you from doing what is good and right. We need help to do that. And the Lord promises us that help in Psalm 23. Pray this together with your kids and ask then Lord to help each of you to take these words deep into your heart so you can trust the Lord no matter what you may feel:
**Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd.
I have everything I need.
He gives me rest in green pastures.
He leads me to calm water.
He gives me new strength.
For the good of his name,
he leads me on paths that are right.
Even if I walk
through a very dark valley,
I will not be afraid
because you are with me.
Your rod and your shepherd’s staff comfort me.**
**You prepare a meal for me
in front of my enemies.
You pour oil of blessing on my head.
You give me more than I can hold.
Surely your goodness and love will be with me
all my life.
And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.**
Episode 12: The Ox in the Stable
"Bless the Lord, all beasts and cattle, sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever." Daniel 3: 59
Strength... Ever since I was young, people have relied on me for my strength. Day in and day out, I help the farmer with his labors, carrying heavy loads of materials and equipment. I am the ox, and the farmer is thankful for the many ways I help him. Constantly throughout a day's work, the farmer encourages me, embraces me, gives me water, and allows me to take snack breaks! I am thankful for the gift of my strength.
But today is a day of rest. A newborn baby is here in the stable with us. I’m used to working hard, but today all the farmer asked me to do is keep watch over this newborn baby and his family. No plowing. No hauling stone or dirt. Just resting with baby Jesus.
Learn from me during these days of Advent: take time to rest with Jesus. You don’t have to be busy all the time. You don’t have to be working all the time.
Lord Jesus, help me to find quiet time to spend with you. Don’t let me be so busy in these days of Advent that I miss the blessing of being with you. Help me to know that it’s ok to slow down and to rest with you. Amen.
Prayer Starter for Parents
"No plowing. No hauling stone or dirt. Just resting with baby Jesus." A big part of Advent, maybe the biggest part, is waiting in calm and stillness for the coming Savior. That can be super hard for us. Like the ox, we can get used to doing a lot of good, hard work by our own strength. So when we're asked by the Lord to slow down a bit and rest it can be very hard. Why does he want us to slow down and rest and wait? Because the real work of salvation doesn't belong to us. We don't do it. The real work of salvation is done by Jesus. That's why He is the Savior, not us.
As you take time today with your kids for prayer, here is a good place to start: Jesus' teaches us that we need to become like little children in order to enter his Kingdom. He tells us that those who enter into his Kingdom aren't the ones who are strong enough to take, or powerful enough to get there on their own. The ones who enter are the little ones who, like children, receive it from Jesus like a gift. So take a couple minutes to pray with your kids and together ask Jesus for the gift to rest and wait on him:
“Jesus said: 'Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'" (Matthew 18:3-4)
Lord Jesus, help us to find time to rest and slow down and wait for your coming. Even though it is hard, help us remember that we can't save ourselves. Only you can save us. Help us to be more like our Blessed Mother who kept a quiet heart that was open and ready for you. Even though there is a lot to do to get ready for Christmas, please help us find time for prayer each day and rest quietly with you. Amen.
Episode 11: The Manger
"And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." Luke Chapter 2 Verses 7 to 9.
"Jesus said, 'Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.'" Matthew Chapter 18 verse 20.
I am the manger! Several times every day, I am filled with hay and other food for the hardworking animals to eat.
Yesterday, something unusual happened! A young couple was offered to stay here in the stable. Their names are Mary and Joseph. They are expecting their new baby boy any day! Although there is no crib in the stable, they saw me and said I would be a perfect place to let their baby boy rest. I have never held a baby before, so I am little nervous, but I know babies are gentle and loving. Mary and Joseph, seem very kind and excited to welcome their baby, so I am happy and honored to help them by giving their baby a place to sleep.
During Advent, you can prepare your heart to welcome and hold Jesus too! Learn from me and don’t be nervous! Jesus is gentle and loving, so don’t be afraid to welcome him into your heart. All it takes is a simple prayer:
“Jesus, I welcome you into my heart. Please come and rest in me, just as you rested in the manger.”
As we enter into this Advent season, Lord Jesus, we await your coming into our lives in new ways, both extraordinary and ordinary. Gives us eyes to see you, ears to hear you, and a heart to welcome you. Help us to make our hearts like a manger where you can rest and grant us rest and peace in a new way. Amen.
Prayer Starter for Parents
"I have never held a baby before, so I am little nervous!" The manger in today's episode sounds a lot like us when we held a baby for the very first time. Think about your son or daughter holding their baby brother or sister for the very first time. We want to do it right!
In today's episode the manger invites us to hold Jesus in our hearts and not be nervous about it. This is such an important faith lesson to teach our kids! Jesus really wants our hearts to become the manger where we hold him. He really wants to be that close to us! Everything changes when we know and experience how precious we are to Jesus, that he really wants to live within our hearts!
In your prayer time today with your kids, start with this verse from St. Paul and then lead your kids in prayer, either using the words below or praying from your own heart out loud for your children:
"Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16)
Lord Jesus, help us to know that you made us to be your temple, your manger, where you come and live. Jesus, I welcome you into my heart. Please come and rest in me, just as you rested in the manger! Help me to know that you really love me so much that you want to make my heart your home, your resting place. Jesus, I welcome you into my heart today! Help me, through the intercession of your Mother Mary, not to be nervous as I let you into the my heart today. Amen.
Episode 10: The Angel who sang Gloria!
"And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" Luke:2-14
Gloria! Gloria, Gloria! Stop and listen with me! Can you hear it? It is the sound of Heaven coming down to earth! You may have enjoyed the song of the angel chorus, but listen! It is a song, no... a sound more glorious than any you have ever heard or that even we angels could ever sing.
Gloria, Gloria! It’s a song of praise to God! Join us in praising God because tonight, in the dark of this night, he has leapt from his throne on High to dwell among you! Gloria! Gloria!
He loves you so much that he has come down to live among you. He loves you so much that he wants to be close to you, in the flesh, so that you can see him, hear him, and touch him.
Gloria, Gloria!
He is God and His name is Jesus! Come with me! O won't you come? Come! Let us adore Him!
During these special days of Advent, get your heart ready now by praising and thanking God for his great love. The more we praise him now, the more we will be ready to sing Gloria! on Christmas day.
Lord Jesus, you are the King of Glory! Help me to know you and love you as the only one who can bestow true peace, the only one who can bestow true joy, the only one who can show me how to love. Help me to praise you today for your great love! Amen.
Prayer Starters for Parents
Fear. Amazement. Disbelief. Shock. Disinterest. These are just some of the reactions to Jesus' birth that we read about in the Gospels. But the angels who appeared over the fields during the night watch teach us the best response to what God has done: Praise! "Join us in praising God because tonight, in the dark of this night, he has leapt from his throne on High to dwell among you! Gloria! Gloria!"
Teaching our kids to praise God for the wonders of his love is one of the most important things we can do. When we praise God we take the focus off of ourselves and put it on God. Praise causes us to think about how good the Lord is to us and the wonders he has done for us. Praise lets us deliberately stop and remember how amazing the Lord is. In a world that is very self-focused and selfie-oriented, praise offers a healthy corrective to look more at God than at ourselves.
For prayer today, here's a beautiful Psalm of praise you can pray with your kids:
Psalm 148
Praise the Lord from the heavens.
Praise him high above the earth.
Praise him, all you angels.
Praise him, all you armies of heaven.
Praise him, sun and moon.
Praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, highest heavens
and you waters above the sky.
Let them praise the Lord
because they were created by his command.
He set them in place forever and ever.
He made a law that will never end.
Praise the Lord from the earth.
Praise him, you large sea animals and all the oceans.
Praise him, lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
and stormy winds that obey him.
Praise him, mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedar trees.
Praise him, you wild animals and all cattle,
small crawling animals and birds.
Praise him, you kings of the earth and all nations,
princes and all rulers of the earth.
Praise him, you young men and women,
old people and children.
Praise the Lord.
He alone is great.
He is greater than heaven and earth.
God has given his people a king.
He should be praised by all who belong to him.
He should be praised by the Israelites, the people closest to his heart.
Praise the Lord!
Episode 9: Swaddling Clothes
"And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." Luke 2:7
I am nothing but tattered sack cloth, burlap unraveling from years of use. Yet here I am wrapped snuggly around a precious newborn baby, keeping him warm. I am nothing. If you walked over me on the ground you would take no notice of me. Why was I elevated to a position of such importance that I am responsible for keeping such a priceless gift warm in this once dreadful damp and dark cave, now illuminated by the light of a glorious star above? Surely this child is special. Why wasn’t he born in a castle with servants and fine silks and fabrics against his tender body? I am nothing but a remnant, yet there is no other place I’d rather be, right now.
This Christmas you can help keep Jesus warm by offering him your heart to be the swaddling clothes that wrap him tight. You may not think that you’re very special, but learn from me that Jesus, our newborn king, isn’t looking for fancy fabrics or fine silk to keep him warm. What he most wants is to be wrapped in your heart and kept warm by your love.
Jesus, let your mercy make my heart the perfect place for you to rest. Let me offer you my heart and not hold back. Fill me with joy that you want to be so close to me. Amen.
Prayer Starter for Parents
"Why was I elevated to a position of such importance that I am responsible for keeping such a priceless gift warm?" We often struggle to appreciate our great value and worth before the Lord. Like the swaddling clothes, we might say to the Lord: "Who am I that I should be so close to Jesus?" But that's exactly where he wants us, close to himself. He has given us a great dignity and worth than we can ever imagine! It's important to keep teaching and reminding our children of this truth. The world we live in is harsh and has very little sense of the dignity of the human person. As you pray with your kids today, tell them that you want to share with them what God thinks of them, the truth of how he made them. Let them know that these are words God himself inspired in Psalm 8, then pray this for them:
"I look at the heavens,
which you made with your hands.
I see the moon and stars,
which you created.
But why is man important to you?
Why do you take care of human beings?
You made man a little lower than the angels.
And you crowned him with glory and honor.
You put him in charge of everything you made.
You put all things under his control:
all the sheep, the cattle
and the wild animals,
the birds in the sky,
the fish in the sea,
and everything that lives under water.
Lord our Master,
your name is the most wonderful name in all the earth!"
Psalm 8:3-9
Episode 8: Gold
And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." Matthew 2:11
For ages I have been valued by royalty and nations as a great treasure. Wars have been fought to gain me. I adorn princesses and places of worship. I am offered as a gift, sometimes to gain the good graces of the powerful. I am gold. I thought that King Melchior was bringing me as a gift to please King Herod, but he just told King Herod that he seeks to give me to a newborn baby king! He must be some king if King Melchior wants to gift him gold. After a long journey, King Melchior brings me to a cave -- this is no palace! On seeing the baby King, Melchior simply sets me aside and kneels, adoring the child in the manger. This King is different, worthy of so much more than any gold or earthly riches.
During these days of Advent, remember that the greatest treasure is Jesus. He is more important than all of the gifts under our Christmas tree!
Dear Lord, help me to understand that true wealth is not found in how much money or possessions I have, but rather in your great love for me as your child and in the treasures I store up in Heaven through my faith and good works. If I have you, Jesus, I am rich and lack nothing! Amen.
Prayer Starter for Parents
Jesus is our greatest treasure. We need money to buy food and clothing. But money cannot buy forgiveness, or peace, or eternal security. Only Jesus can give us those things. Helping our children to know there are things that money cannot buy is an incredibly important lesson. Too often we believe that if we just have enough money (earthly treasure) then we will be ok. Take some time to pray with your kid today and begin by asking them if they can think of some things that money cannot buy... They might get stuck on that question, so don't be afraid to help them by letting them know that there are things money just can't buy: love, forgiveness, peace, happiness... Only Jesus can give us those things. Share with them these words from St. Paul, who learned this same lesson:
"At one time all these things were important to me. But now I think those things are worth nothing because of Christ. Not only those things, but I think that all things are worth nothing compared with the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." (Philippians 3:7-8)
Lord Jesus, help us to know that you are greater than any treasure of gold or money. Help us to love you above all things and love you as our greatest treasure. Amen.