April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
Good News for Kids
Look for Santa and Jesus
Christmas is almost here. Are you being extra good? Your parents have probably told you that Santa is watching you to make sure you're good. If you're not, they say, Santa can tell.
People could tell things about Jesus, too. In this week's Gospel (Luke 2:22-40), even though Jesus was just born, two people can already tell He's going to be special!
When Jesus was a baby, Mary and Joseph took Him to the temple (like church) for the first time. An old man named Simeon was there. He saw baby Jesus and just knew Jesus was the Messiah, the person who would save the world! Then an old lady named Anna said the same thing. Mary and Joseph were amazed! They took Jesus home to Nazareth, where He grew up strong and smart and close to God.
When people say that Santa is watching you, you might start looking around for him. You know you won't see Santa, but you still wonder: Was he watching when you yanked a toy out of your brother's hands? Is he hiding around the corner when you're sharing that toy?
Simeon and Anna weren't looking for Santa; they had spent their whole lives looking for God. They knew Jesus would come to save the world someday, so they prayed and waited for Him. But Jesus wasn't like Santa -- they really could see Him. When they saw Jesus, they knew He was God!
If you know Santa's watching you, you'll work really hard at one thing: being good. You want to make sure Santa knows you're good, so he'll bring you presents at Christmas!
Anna and Simeon were good people, too. That's why they could tell Jesus was God before He was even a grownup. Even Mary and Joseph were surprised they could tell that!
While you're waiting these last couple of days before Christmas, your parents might want you to remember that Santa can tell how good you're acting.
But there's someone else you should be good for besides Santa: Jesus. Jesus is always watching you and wants to be proud of you -- not just at Christmas!
PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, help me find you everywhere, at Christmas and all the time! Amen. Merry Christmas! (12-23-99)
- Catholic leaders acknowledge tension between Trump immigration policy, religious liberty
- Peace requires a ‘different narrative’ world’s top church leaders urge
- Washington Roundup: Officials call for calm in US; lawmakers react to Russian drones; and more
- New saint has special connection to nation’s capital with parish’s adoration chapel
- Pew finds US Catholics ‘like what they’ve seen so far’ in Pope Leo XIV
- Migrants are not enemies, just brothers and sisters in need, pope says
- Jubilee of Consecrated Life celebrated in Paris shines light on communities shattered by abuse
- Trump, Utah governor reveal suspect in Charlie Kirk assassination now in custody
- Pope tells new bishops they must address abuse claims promptly
- Pope calls for ‘covenant of humanity,’ promoting care, aid, trust
Comments:
You must login to comment.