From Advent to Christmas

48 Pages·2016·1.48 MB·English

by  Susan Beveridge

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Resource Framework for Religious Education in Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Westminster
produced by: Dr. Margaret Carswell

Year C (C 1): From Advent to Christmas
Summer Term – 2014/15 school year

This framework of learning is intended as the second in the Academic year 2015/16. As the resource that teaches both Advent and Christmas it
begins the Liturgical cycle of Year C – the Year of Luke. As the name suggests the content of this resource is Advent and the birth of Jesus as
recorded in the Gospel of Luke. It builds on the learning of the previous resource by further developing knowledge of God, in particular
knowledge of the second person of the Trinity, Jesus, the Christ.
This framework is formatted to allow you to annotate your teaching, including changes made for differentiation, as you work through the
material. Should you wish to have copies the planning grids, made from this framework by the Islington group, please contact Romy Hoster or
Dee Abbott at Christ the King, Tollington Park.

This framework is formatted to allow you to annotate your teaching, including changes made for differentiation, as you work through the
material. Should you wish to have copies the planning grids, made from this framework by the Islington group, please contact Romy Hoster or
Dee Abbott at Christ the King Tollington Park.

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Key Teachings from the Catholic Tradition. Taken from the RECD ~ (Numbers in brackets refer to the reference numbers in the Catechism of the Catholic Church)
Revelation
1.5.1. Jesus Christ, Son of God (422-679)
Mystery of the Incarnation: A Emmanuel (God-is-with-us) (Jn 3:16-17; 484)
a Jesus Christ is the Logos, the Word of God, the fulfillment of God’s promise to Adam and Eve and to the people of ancient Israel (761-762)
b Son of God from all eternity and Son of Mary from the moment of the Incarnation (486, 496, 487, 501, 721-730)

1.5.2. The Promise of a Messiah and the promise of redemption fulfilled in Jesus (422-451)
G The Gospels recognise Jesus as the fulfilment of the promise
a The Annunciation: Mary’s fiat, her consent to be the Mother of God (Theotokos) (Lk 1:38; 484-489).
b The dream of St. Joseph; the role of St. Joseph in the life of the Holy Family (496-507)
c The Gospels apply the ancient prophesies to Jesus (522-524)
H The Word made flesh: 456-464

1.5.3. The Mystery of the Incarnation (461-463)
A The Word became flesh (the Incarnation) (525-528, 456-478)
a To save us by reconciling us with God, who loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins (457)
b That we might come to know the depth of God’s love for us (458)
c To be our model of holiness (459)
d To make us partakers of the divine nature (457-460)
e To destroy the power of the Devil (1 Jn 3:8)
B Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man (464-469)
a Jesus Christ, a Divine Person, is truly the Son of God, who, without ceasing to be God and Lord, became man and our brother (469)
b Jesus Christ took on a human nature. The eternal Son of God incarnate worked with human hands; he thought with a human mind. He acted with a human will, and loved with a
human heart. He was like us in all things except sin (470). Man’s creator has become man (526)
1.5.4. Unique role of Mary, the Mother of God (484-512)
A The Annunciation and Mary’s ‘fiat’ (484-487).
B An unparalleled recipient of God’s grace: Immaculate Conception; Assumption (490-494, 966)
C Mary is ever-virgin (499-507)
E Mary is the Mother of the Church (507)

Celebration
3.2.4. Liturgical year (1163-1171)
A Seasons (1163-1165)
B The Sabbath and the Lord’s Day (1166-1167)
C The liturgical year (1168-1171)
D The sanctoral (1172-1173)
E The Liturgy of the Hours (1174-1178)
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AGE GROUP STATEMENTS FROM THE RECD
Pupils will learn about:
Revelation (5-7) Revelation: (7-11)
 The main events, characters and places in the life of Jesus: the  The Bible
Nativity.
 The Gospel accounts of key events in the life of Jesus: the Nativity. (7-11)

 God’s call to people in the Old Testament
The Church (5-7)

 The role of Mary and her ‘yes’ to God’s Word The Church (7-11)
 How people who heard the Good News of Jesus began to share a
 The role of Mary as Mother of Jesus
way of life

Celebration (5-7)
Celebration (7-11)
 Prayers from the Tradition
 The Church’s celebrations of significant events in the life of Jesus (7-11)
 Some ways the church celebrates major seasons of the liturgical
 Community prayer
year

OUTCOMES - Linked to Levels of Attainment
This framework has been written to model linear teaching of AT 1 (i), AT 1 (ii) and AT I (iii). Block 1 provides content for Levels 1 to 3; Block 2 for Levels 3 and 4. It also includes
opportunities for assessment of AT 2 (i) and (iii). Block 1 provides content for Levels 1 to 3; Block 2 for Levels 3-5 Completion of a ‘levelled’ activity does not automatically constitute
achievement of that level and that both ongoing and summative assessment should be used to judge the levels at which pupils are working.
Block 1:
a. Recognise, describe or give reasons for some of the symbols, actions and words associated with Advent (AT 1 (ii) Levels 1-3)
b. Retell Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus (AT 1 (i) Level 2)
c. Link belief in Mary as the ‘Theotokos’ who brings God into the world. (AT 1 (i) Level 3)
d. Recognise, describe or explain that people act in particular ways because of their faith (AT 1 (iii) Levels 1-3)

Block 2:
a. Prepare a Liturgy of the Word (AT 1 (ii) Level 4)
b. Examine Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus and identify expression of belief in the incarnation (AT 1 (i) Level 3)
c. Make links between two sources: the incarnation in Scripture and in the celebration of Christmas today (AT 1 (i) Level 4)
d. Explain how religious belief shapes life (AT 1 (iii) Level 4)

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Spiritual Outcomes:
It is hoped that pupils will develop:
 A sense of wonder about the coming of God into the world
 A disposition of prayer
 An openness to the mystery of God, incarnate
 An appreciation of the gift of Christmas
Other Curriculum Links:
English: The interpretation of texts.
The Arts: ‘reading’ an art work
Humanities:
PSHE/SMSC: The Big AT 2 Question. Does the celebration of Christmas today include remembering the incarnation of God?
IT: Typing up of the Liturgy (Block 2)
Key Terminology: Advent, Christmas (the Mass of Christ), Messiah, Incarnation, saviour,

FOR HEAD OR REC: Suggestions for a Staff Meeting on the content of this resource.

Key to teaching this resource is teacher knowledge of Luke’s Christmas story and the way it expresses the incarnation.
Establish what staff know about the story already. Make a story map of the birth of Jesus. Have staff read the original and compare their version to the original. Depending on
prior knowledge. Establish:
 That the story of the birth of Jesus is actually a very small section of a much larger narrative called the Infancy Narrative. Have staff read Luke 1: 5-80 to see the whole
story.
 That not all the Gospels have a story about the birth of Jesus. Group 4 are to look at all four gospels and find out how many (and which ones) tell about the birth of Jesus.
 That this passage is written in the literary form midrash. (see midrash on www.thebibledoctor.com (Biblical Genres).
 That two places are mentioned in the story. Use a map of Palestine http://www.bible-history.com/maps/palestine_nt_times.html
 Meaning of the word ‘inn.’ Use definition of the word ‘Inn’ on www.thebibledoctor.com. Discuss how this changes understanding of the story.
Discuss:
 Remind staff that Luke’s purpose was not to write a factual report on what happened, but rather to show that Jesus was ‘different’ from his birth; link to the genre
midrash. Luke uses titles in his writing to show his belief in Jesus.
 Examine the passage to find all the titles Luke gives to Jesus. (Saviour, Messiah [In Greek the word Christ means messiah] and Lord). Look up what each one means on
www.bibledoctor.com.
 Explain that these titles were given to Jesus after his resurrection, when people had really come to understand and believe in him. Luke is able to use them from the
beginning of his story as he is writing well after the life of Jesus. Teach the word incarnation: Christians believe that God came into the world at Christmas: this is called
the incarnation. Provide a copy of KIT on pages 18 and 24.

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BLOCK 1: What do the seasons of Advent and Christmas celebrate? Year C (C-1) Autumn Term

Cognitive Outcomes: Assessment:

By the end of this framework pupils will be able to:

a. Recognise, describe or give reasons for some of the symbols, a. Observation
actions and words associated with Advent (AT 1 (ii) Levels 1-3) b. Analysis or and comparison with picture of the Christmas scene
b. Retell Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus (AT 1 (i) Level 2) c. Belief statements (Hand print)
c. Link belief in Mary as the ‘Theotokos’ who brings God into the
world. (Transition to AT 1 (i) Level 3) d. Observation
d. Recognise, describe or explain that people act in particular ways
because of their faith (AT 1 (iii) Levels 1-3)

Spiritual Outcomes:

It is hoped that pupils will develop:
 A sense of wonder about the coming of God into the world
 A disposition of prayer
 An openness to the mystery of God, incarnate
 An appreciation of the gift of Christmas

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Focus Question: How do we remember and wait for the birth of Jesus? AT 1 (ii)
Learning Teaching & Learning Strategies Pupil Activities including differentiation and on-going assessment
Objectives

Key Information for Teachers

At Christmas we celebrate the coming of God into the world in the person of Jesus. The incarnation is one of the most basic

beliefs of Christians: that Jesus was God – fully human and fully divine. The word incarnation comes from the Latin word

‘incarno’ which means ‘to be made flesh’.

Advent is the first season of the Church year. The Christian word “Advent” comes from adventus, the name of a pagan feast;

in the early Church it was used to refer to the second coming of Christ. Eventually it came to be associated with anniversary

celebration of the birth of Christ. Advent lasts for four weeks and leads into the season of Christmas. This year Advent begins

on November 29th.

Why purple? The liturgical colour for Advent is purple. This colour is generally associated with penance however the mood
of Advent now is more one of joy and anticipation. More recently, then, there has been a move away from the heavy purple of

Lent to lighter violet shades for Advent. Purple cloth was originally expensive to make so was used by royalty and kings. In

Advent it symbolises the coming of Christ our King.

Why Advent Wreathes? The Advent wreath is a circle of evergreen leaves. It symbolises God’s presence which is endless and
‘evergreen’. It has four candles arranged around or in it: 3 purple and one pink or rose (the third candle). The four candles
mark the four weeks before Christmas, with one more candle lit each Sunday during Advent. Traditionally three candles are
purple with the candle for the third, or “Gaudete”, Sunday being rose. Sometimes a “Christmas candle” is placed in the
centre of the wreath on Christmas Eve. This candle should be lit throughout the Christmas season. Its visual link with the

Paschal candle of Easter and helps connect the celebration of Christ’s birth with its fulfilment at Easter.

Why Advent Prayers and Readings? The prayers of the Church always follow the Liturgical Year. By having prayers that
refer to the liturgical season the Church helps us focus our thoughts on what we are doing or soon going to be celebrating.
The prayers and readings during Advent focus on people who waited for the birth of Jesus and on our waiting now! As we

listen to their experiences we anticipate their joy and our own.

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o Talk to pupils about waiting experiences. If possible have
someone come into the class who is waiting for
something: a trip, a special occasion (wedding, visit from

someone) the birth of a baby. Question them about how

they prepare and what it feels like to wait for something.

Record responses to both these questions.

o Link your guest speaker’s preparation for their special

event to the Church preparing for the birth of Jesus.
Explain that this season of waiting is called Advent.
o Explain that in Advent, the Church prepares in special
ways. Explain and explore some of the symbols, actions
and words of the Advent season. Use KIT above – ensure
you explain the reasons why these actions and practices
are undertaken. This is required for achievement of AT 1
(ii) Level 3.

o We decorate the Church (candles and cloths) in purple.
Our Priests also wear purple.
o Visit the Church if you can and see the use of
purple. Arrange to make and contribute
something purple to the foyer or entrance (a
purple poster about what your class is doing to
‘wait.’.
o Change your prayer table to reflect the season.
Swap the white candle for a purple one and place
a purple cloth on the table. Explain the
symbolism of the colour as you work. See KIT
above.
o
o We make Advent Wreathes to count off the weeks
before Christmas.
o Make an Advent wreath using natural materials:
vines twisted into a circle; greenery inserted into a
florist oasis; pinecones placed in a ring; seedlings
or green plants planted around the edge of a
round pot. Place candles appropriately.
o Have pupils trace around their hand on green
paper and cut them out. Arrange them as leaves
onto the classroom wall. Place candles
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appropriately.
o Explain the symbolism of each part as you build
it. See KIT above.
o We read about those who waited for the birth of
Jesus.
o At Mass on each of the Sundays of Advent we
hear about someone who has waited for Jesus: on
the fourth Sunday of Advent we read Luke 1:39-
45. Explain the symbolism of this. See KIT above

Prepare to Hear the Word
o Before you read the story, explain that on the Sunday of
the final week of Advent (this year Sunday 20th December
2015) the Catholic Church reads a passage from the
Gospel of Luke. Recall that this coming year we will hear
from Luke often – it is Year C; the Year of Luke.
o Name and explain the characters that are in the passage
you will study: Mary (a young woman, engaged to Joseph,
she is rather poor.) Joseph is not mentioned in the story.
Elizabeth (a righteous [faithful] lady, from the priestly
family of Aaron [Aaron is Moses’ brother]). Elizabeth is
married to Zechariah (who was a Priest in the Temple - he
is not in the story). Explain that even though she is said to
be very old, Elizabeth is also pregnant. She will later give
birth to John the Baptist.
o Contextualise the passage: Mary has been told by the angel
Gabriel that she will bear a child. While she is pregnant
with Jesus, Mary visits her kinswoman (not cousin in the
sense we use it) Elizabeth.

Hear and Encounter the Word:
o Ideally tell the story in your own words, being faithful to
what Luke has written (characters, setting and events).
o Put a copy of the actual text on the IWB. Read it through
with pupils carefully. Explain any terminology.
o Identify the actions of Mary: she travels to Elizabeth’s
house and enters. She greets Elizabeth.
o Identify the actions of Elizabeth’s unborn child: it leaps in
Elizabeth’s womb.
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o Identify the actions of Elizabeth: she speaks to Mary.
o Learn the story by miming it (without speaking) using the
verbs as prompts: Travel, enter, greet, leap (Elizabeth
might need an action to show the movement of her baby),
speak.
o Focus on the words in vs 42 and 43 (part of Elizabeth’s
speech). In small groups have pupils propose:
 Why is Mary blessed?
 Why is Elizabeth surprised?
 What does Elizabeth call Mary’s unborn baby?

Respond to the Word:
o Luke tells us that Elizabeth calls Jesus ‘her Lord’. Explain
that we use the term ‘Lord’ for Jesus. It reminds us that
Jesus is God, and that God is like a king to us. Recall
metaphors used to speak about God from the previous
unit.
o Elizabeth is surprised to have the mother of God visit her!
Decide, if Jesus was going to come and visit your class,
how would you get ready?
o Use the youtube link to teach pupils ‘Everyday God.’ Use
it as your prayer during Advent as you invite God to come
and be with us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjBMXJniHNs

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Rich Assessment Opportunity:
Assessment Reminder!

AT 1 (ii) Level 1 expects that pupils will recognise some religious signs and symbols and use some religious words and phrases. In
recognising signs and symbols of Advent pupils may be able to name them or may know a little about them. Their knowledge will be
limited or partial.

In order to move to Level 2, pupils need to describe some of the actions that Christians do. They might describe (say what happens,

when, by whom, where) a symbol of Advent or a ritual or action that is part of the Advent season.

To achieve Level 3 of AT 1 (ii) pupils need to give reasons for religious actions and symbols. In this unit Level 3 could be
achieved if pupils explain why Christians have the season of Advent, why they use purple, build a wreath or why they use particular
readings or prayers.

Outcomes:
a. Recognise, describe or give reasons for some of the symbols, actions and words associated with Advent (AT 1 (ii) Levels 1-3)

Ongoing observation for assessment is particularly appropriate for this section of this unit as you ‘live’ Advent:
Think Purple: Dip the ends of the pupil’s pencils in purple paint; wrap your room in purple (around the doorway, over the windows etc), have pupils
write in purple pens.
Make an Advent wreath – use it in your prayer each day
Place your Bible on the prayer table open at Luke’s reading.
Make purple posters of what we do during Advent and why!
As you do these things question children about What we do and Why. Listen to their answers and assess their understanding.

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