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🕯️ Week 13: Advent Preparation

Lesson Overview
Grade Level Grades 3-4
Duration 40 minutes
Curriculum Year B
STREAM Focus S (Science - Light), E (Engineering), A (Arts)

Week 13: Advent Preparation

🎯 Learning Objectives

STEM Objectives

Students will be able to: 1. Understand properties of light 2. Explore light transmission and reflection 3. Design and create an Advent light display 4. Connect light science to symbolism

Faith Integration Objectives

Students will be able to: 1. Understand Advent as preparation for Christ 2. Explore Jesus as "Light of the World" 3. Learn Jesse Tree symbolism

Week 13: Advent Preparation

🙏 Faith-Reason Integration

Catholic Teaching Connection

Christ the Light — Advent prepares us for Christmas when Jesus, the Light of the World, came to shine in our darkness. Just as we study how physical light works, we remember that Jesus is the TRUE light that illuminates our lives.

Scripture Connection

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." — Isaiah 9:2

Saint Connection

Jesse Tree Symbols — The Jesse Tree shows Jesus' family history through symbols. Each symbol represents someone who prepared the way for Christ — from Jesse (King David's father) all the way to Mary. It's a visual way to see God's plan!

📚 Materials Needed

  • Flashlights, mirrors, prisms (light exploration)

  • LED tea lights (safe!)

  • Tissue paper, colored cellophane

  • Cardboard tubes, jars

  • Jesse Tree symbol templates

  • Craft supplies

📝 Lesson Procedure (40 minutes)

Opening Prayer (2 min)

"Lord Jesus, You are the Light of the World! As we prepare for Christmas, help us see Your light shining in the darkness. May we become lights for others. Amen."

Light Science Exploration (10 min)

How does light work?

Key concepts:

  • Light travels in straight lines

  • Light can be reflected (bounced)

  • Light can be transmitted (passed through)

  • Light can be absorbed (stopped)

  • Light can be refracted (bent)

Quick demonstrations: 1. Straight lines: Flashlight through holes in cards — only works if aligned 2. Reflection: Mirror bouncing light 3. Transmission: Light through clear vs. colored cellophane 4. Absorption: Light on dark vs. light surfaces

Discussion:

  • "Why do we use candles in Advent?"

  • "What does light represent?"

  • "How does light 'break' darkness?"

Advent & Jesse Tree (8 min)

Advent preparation:

What is Advent?

  • 4 weeks of preparation

  • Waiting and hoping

  • Getting ready for Jesus

  • Lighting candles (1-2-3-4)

Jesse Tree explained:

  • Shows Jesus' family history

  • Each symbol = someone who pointed to Jesus

  • Based on Isaiah 11:1 — "A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse"

Key symbols:

  • 🌍 Creation — God made everything

  • 🌈 Rainbow — Noah, God's promise

  • ⭐ Star — Abraham, countless descendants

  • 🪜 Ladder — Jacob, stairway to heaven

  • 🌿 Burning Bush — Moses, God calls

  • 👑 Crown — David, the king

  • 🕊️ Dove — Holy Spirit

  • 🌸 Flower — Mary, blessed mother

"Each person was a 'light' pointing to the TRUE light — Jesus!"

Light Display Design (18 min)

Create an Advent light display:

Project options:

Option A: Jesse Tree Light Ornament

  • Choose a symbol

  • Create design on tissue paper

  • Mount in cardboard frame

  • LED light behind shows through

Option B: Advent Luminary

  • Decorate jar or tube

  • Cut out designs or use tissue paper

  • Place LED tea light inside

  • Light shines through design

Option C: Light Catcher

  • Create Jesse Tree symbol

  • Use colored cellophane

  • Hang in window

  • Sunlight passes through

Design process: 1. Choose project type 2. Select symbol and meaning 3. Sketch design 4. Build with materials 5. Test with light

While creating, discuss:

  • "What symbol did you choose?"

  • "What does it mean?"

  • "How does it point to Jesus?"

Sharing & Blessing (2 min)

Brief sharing:

  • Show creations

  • Explain symbol choice

Light blessing: "Lord, bless these lights we created. May they remind us that Jesus is coming! May our homes be bright with hope this Advent. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen."

Closing Prayer: "Jesus, Light of the World, shine in our hearts! Help us prepare a place for You this Advent. Help us be lights for others, sharing Your love and hope. Come, Lord Jesus, come! Amen."

📎 Home Connection

"We explored the science of light and created Advent decorations! Ask your child about: 'How does light travel?' 'What Jesse Tree symbol did you choose?' 'What does it mean?' Display their creation at home and consider creating a family Jesse Tree or lighting Advent candles together."

✅ Assessment

  • Demonstrated understanding of light properties

  • Created functional light display

  • Explained Jesse Tree symbol meaning

  • Connected science to faith symbolism

Lesson Version: 1.0 — Year B | **