Monday, November 30, 2009

Waiting and Preparing

Vincent, age 3, was engrossed in gazing at the Nativity materials--stretched out, elbows on floor, chin resting in palms. He stayed this way about 30 minutes. He had "wanted something with the baby Jesus." (Actually, wanted Annunciation, but another child was working with it.)

The week before during a spontaneous group exploring of "Light" Vincent commented, "It's light like baby Caleb (his brother)." That same day he was overheard singing a song at the altar about infant Jesus and angels with descriptions of Mary, the stable, animals, and had been "reading" the Bible in the Baptism corner. He went to the assistant excitedly saying, "I found the page that tells about when Jesus was born. Come See. Come see."

Monday, November 23, 2009

During the last week of Advent the group reflected on the prophecy of the names.The catechist asked, "Are there any other names for this child?"

Micah, age 5, jumped, whispered "Redeemer," jumped, whispered "Comforter," jumped, whispered, "Good Shepherd."

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Christopher and Hans, both age 4, and Nicki, age 3, were discussing with me the sheep wool placed under the Peace Bowl. I asked what the wool reminded them about God. Nicki said it reminds us to be quiet so we can listen to God. Hans said it reminds us that the Good Shepherd watches the sheep and that Jesus died and that the sheep reminds us that we are good boys and girls. Christopher said that is reminds us that Jesus died, rose again, and will come back to earth.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

A few months after my mother's death my daughter Felice, who was not quite three at the time, asked, "Mommy, where is Nonnnie?" I replied, "Where do you think she is?" We had often discussed Nonnie's presence now in heaven with Jesus. Felice most profoundly responded, "She is in heaven." She paused slightly then continued, "That means she is in the body of Christ, the Bread of heaven." There was another brief pause then she proclaimed, "And so am I."