Recall the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions in preparation for the new calendar year. Observe that the First Sunday of Advent is the beginning of the new Church year. During the season of Advent, our Gospel readings ask us to consider what is most important to us as we prepare for Jesus’ coming, at his birth and at the end of time. Read the Gospel for the First Sunday of Advent, Luke 21:25–28, 34–36. Say: Jesus describes signs that may disturb many people, but he says that these should not disturb his disciples. Why? (because these signs indicate that redemption is near) What does Jesus say that his disciples should do? (Be vigilant and pray for strength.) At this start of the new Church year, consider what “Advent resolutions” you might make to help you stay focused so that you will be prepared to receive the salvation we celebrate at Jesus’ birth and anticipate at Jesus’ second coming. Pray together for God’s help in following through on these resolutions.
Have young people share their reactions to Kandinsky’s The Last Judgment. After a brief discussion, invite the young people to consider how they would depict Jesus’ call for vigilance in Luke 21:25–28, 34–36. Provide art materials of various media (paint, magazines, or colored paper for collages or mosaics, crayons or markers, etc.) for young people to express artistically their own reactions to the Gospel for the First Sunday of Advent.