Title: The Annunciation to Mary
Age: 3 to 10 years
Liturgical Time: Advent or March 25th
Text: Luke 1:26-38
Doctrinal Content: Mary was highly favored by God and chosen by God from the beginning of time, according to His plan. She was asked by God through the announcement of the Archangel Gabriel to bear the Son of the Most High; Jesus, God's Son. Mary said yes, and became the first to accept Christ.
Direct Aim: This lesson is meant to bring to life the story of the Annunciation to Mary, and wonder about the worthiness of Mary to be chosen as the bearer of God's Son, and finally to wonder about and consider the identity of her unborn Son.
Indirect Aims: This lesson also intends to enable the child to participate more fully in the liturgical life of the Church. To offer, in the person of Mary, a model of response to the gifts of God and to show that all of God's children, ordinary or extraordinary, are offered His gifts.
Materials for the Lesson:
Candle, matches, snuffer
Model of Mary's house
Table or rug to place Mary's house on
Statue of Mary
A few simple household items: basket, broom, etc.
Statue of Archangel Gabriel
Bible or white scripture booklet
Reference map showing Nazareth
*In place of statues or diorama, you can use an icon of the Annunciation
The Lesson Plan:
Invite the children to gather and settle. Introduce the story of the Annunciation to Mary in the Bible. Reference the map showing where the story is taking place. Remind the children that the prophets had foretold the birth of the Messiah, and the people were waiting for Jesus' coming.
Light the candle, then very solemnly read the text: Luke 1.26-38.
Take time to review what happened. Bring out the table or rug and place on it the model of Mary's house. In Mary's house put the broom, baskets, and Mary. Identify Mary, Gabriel and materials.
Reread the text Luke 1.26-38, during which time you will bring out the statue of the Archangel Gabriel at Luke 1.28. Place him in the house facing toward Mary. Then you will place a hand to shadow over Mary at Luke 1.35 for visual effect. After rereading the verses, give a time of silence for the children to ponder what has been read.
Start a discussion by asking, "What happened?" According to the interest of the children remind them about: the location of where the story took place; the Archangel's name.
Remind the children what God said about the baby; the Son of the Most High; naming Him Jesus; he will be given a throne; He will rule; His reign will have no end; and the Child will be holy. Remind them that so many of these things were foretold in the prophecies about Jesus.
Discussion Questions:
Who was Mary?
How was she greeted by the Archangel? (Highly favored one, the Lord is with you) Note that she was confused and scared by his words, and Gabriel replied: "You have found favor with God."
What were Mary's questions? ("How will this be since I know not a man?" Gabriel replied, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you…")
End the discussion with time for response, silence, prayer, or song
Activities:
Build a diorama of the event
Draw a picture of the story
Trace or rewrite elements of the story onto piece of art board
Trace or rewrite the words of the prayer: Hail Mary
"Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of they womb Jesus Christ, for you have given birth to the Savior and Deliverer of our souls. Amen."
Notice: This lesson plan utilizes training and the general philosophy/method of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. Materials found in this document, however, have been created specifically to incorporate the theology and dogmatic teaching of the Orthodox Church. The author of this lesson offers special recognition to Mrs. JoAnne Padget, CGS Instructor, who provided instruction and guidance in the CGS method. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program requires intensive study and strongly recommends that teachers using their program enroll in and complete coursework through an authorized CGS instructor. More information about CGS is available at http://www.cgsusa.org.