Weekly Kids’ Reflection in our Parish Bulletins – Comments on these reflections can be sent to heykids23@gmail.com
Hey Kids! Bulletin Article – December 22, 2024
Hey, Kids! – Have you ever touched a pregnant woman’s belly right when the baby moves? It can be a thrilling experience to feel a baby kick. As a mother, the first time it happens can send tears down one’s face. This is what Baby Jesus did inside of Mary’s womb. He wanted to let her know that he was inside her growing strong. Imagine how Mary felt knowing that her baby was the Son of God! I am sure she felt so honored and blessed to have been chosen for this important job.
We pray the Hail Mary to honor this blessed moment in history when Elizabeth told Mary, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Think of Baby Jesus leaping inside of his mother and the Holy Spirit making itself known. It is a beautiful thought that will surely bring a smile to your face!
In a few days, we will celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ – Christmas. It is a joyful celebration. I remember I used to have a hard time falling asleep at night on Christmas Eve. I was so excited to open my presents. Something my grandma taught me that would help me fall asleep was to close my eyes and think about the Nativity. I would relax as I thought about all the angels that came to visit the infant Jesus. I would think of how calm and peaceful it was to be in that manger. I would imagine the bright star shining over everyone and the animals in the barn. It would help me relax.
Now that I am grown, I think about how I slept restfully because I had the right thoughts in my mind for that evening. The love in my heart for Jesus was my focus and that is the true meaning of Christmas. If you have a Nativity set at home, have your loved ones go over the story with you. You, too, can imagine what it was like to be in the manger. Think of Jesus and allow your heart to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Let us pray: Father, help us to keep our minds and hearts focused on Jesus. Amen.
Hey Kids! Bulletin Article – December 15, 2024
Hey, Kids! – This is a very special time of year. Advent’s stories tell us about God’s miracles. Part of the reason why many of us love Christmastime is that it can feel very magical. There seems to be this glow in the air that many people feel. I really do believe that when we prepare for Jesus, it allows our minds and hearts to feel the Love and Light that is within each and every one of us.
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the most amazing miracles that God has ever given us. God was with Mary in a special way that helped her to do only good. She was born without sin and that kept her from making bad choices. That made her a really good mom for Jesus. The angel Gabriel was sent to Mary from God to bring the news that God has chosen her to be the mother of our savior Jesus Christ. God has many different ways of bringing us news – it is up to us to listen to his calling.
It has been a very long time since God sent his son through the Blessed Virgin Mary, but God still needs messengers to spread the Good News. This year, as we celebrate our Savior’s birth, won’t you be God’s messenger and share the Good News of Jesus with others? Celebrate by lighting a candle for Mary when you light your candle for the 3rd Sunday of Advent.
Jesus birthday is coming soon! Are your hearts prepared? Have you been doing good deeds, praying more or keeping Jesus in your minds? It is never too late to change for the better. Use this holiday season to become the best version of yourself.
Let’s pray: Jesus, help us to remember how very special this time of year is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There are many who do not know about Jesus. Help us to be your messengers and share the Good News. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.