Objective: To help primary students understand that making a good turn is always a good time and that we should not wait for others to start. Advent is also an excellent time to prepare our hearts for Christmas. This relates to the concept of sowing seeds at the right time for a good harvest and preparing our hearts for the birth of Jesus.
Introduction
Good morning to all! Today, we will discuss something special: preparing our hearts for Christmas during Advent. Advent is when we get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Our theme today is ‘Sowing Hope – Acting at the Right Time.’ Like farmers who plant seeds at the right time to get a good harvest, we must do good deeds (acts of love and mercy) and prepare our hearts at the right time, especially during Advent.
Activity: Planting Seeds of Hope
Resources Needed for activity: A big pot with soil/compost and seeds (any fast-growing plant, e.g. sunflower seeds)
We will plant some seeds today to help us understand the importance of doing things at the right time. Each of you will get a chance to plant a seed in this pot. As we plant these seeds, let’s think about the good deeds we can do to prepare our hearts for Christmas. Remember, just like these seeds will grow into beautiful plants, our good deeds of love and mercy will help us grow into kind and loving people.
(Activity steps:
- Pass the pot around and let each student plant a seed.
- As they plant, encourage them to share one good deed they can do during Advent.)
Video
Advent Conspiracy Explainer Video – For Kids!
Reflection
Let’s take a few minutes to reflect on what we just learned. I’ll ask you some questions, and I want you to think about your answers.
– Why is it important to do good deeds, especially during Advent? (It is always a good time to do good, but during Advent, it is a time to reflect on whether we are doing good deeds for others or ourselves to look good. Are we removing anything that may alienate our concentration to do good? (example: playing too long on the computer when we could help to do some household chores).
– How can preparing our hearts be like planting seeds? (for years 5-6) (Just like the farmer chooses the seeds wisely for the particular season, so should we be wise in the choice of our actions and behaviours.)
– What is one good thing you can do this week to prepare for Christmas? (Discuss suggestions).
Activity: Planting Seeds of Hope
Resources Needed: A big pot with soil/compost and seeds (any fast-growing plant, e.g. sunflower seeds or ġulbiena).
We will plant some seeds today to help us understand the importance of doing things at the right time. Each of you will get a chance to plant a seed in this pot. As we plant these seeds, let’s think about the good deeds we can do to prepare our hearts for Christmas. Remember, just like these seeds will grow into beautiful plants, our good deeds of acts of love and mercy will help us grow into kind and loving people.
Instructions:
- Pass the pot around and let each student plant a seed.
- As they plant, encourage them to share one good deed they can do during Advent.
On your next visit, you can check on the growth of these plants.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for this special time of Advent. Help us to prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus. Give us the courage to do good deeds and to bring hope and light to those around us. May our hearts be like good soil, ready to receive your love and share it with others. Amen.