Title: The Prophecy of the Mother

Subject: Incarnation (Prophecies of Advent)

Age: 6 to 10 years

Liturgical Time: Immediately before or at the beginning of Advent (second year)

Doctrinal Content: We proclaim that Jesus is Emmanuel "God with us." Jesus has a young mother chosen by God. God spoke of this young mother through the Prophets.

Direct Aim: This lesson aims to proclaim God's word that, through Jesus, God is with us and to prepare for Christmas.

Indirect Aims: Indirect aims include introducing the Messianic aspect/quality and expectation of the Jewish and Christian faiths; to introduce the idea that God has a plan; to grow in the knowledge of the incarnation and the human nature of Jesus.

Sources: Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14

Materials for the Lesson:
Bible
Candle, Matches, Snuffer
Prayer card with words from Isaiah 7:14

The Lesson Plan:
Gather and settle the children. Begin with, "We have talked about prophets before. What do we know about prophets?" Give the children an opportunity to respond. Continue with, "Let's listen to God's words from the prophets."

Light the candle and solemnly read the scripture Isaiah 7:14, twice. Then explain, "Emmanuel means ‘God is with us.' And, a maiden is a young woman." (The version we use should be the Septuigant version of the Old Testament that proclaims a young virgin shall give birth). Continue explaining, "With child means she is pregnant; pregnant with a son."

Ask the following questions:

• "There is something special about this son. What's His Name?" Emmanuel.
• "What does this name mean?" God is with us.
• "How does that make us feel to know God is with us?"
• For children older than 5 years: "How do you feel about God choosing a young mother long before it happened?"

Read the Scripture again, saying, "These words are here for us to read and wonder about. We can talk with Jesus quietly in our heart or with our voice." Conclude with a prayer.

Activities:
Art Response: Draw a picture.
Prayer Table: Read scripture or ask someone to read for you.
Trace or copy the prayer card.
Find the passage in the Bible.
Sing "Come, Lord Jesus (pg 42 #21 from the "Sing with Joy" music book).

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.