Waiting: Advent Children’s Story

Provided by Marie Benner-Rhoades, youth and young adult peace formation director at On Earth Peace [adapted]

Begin by setting a timer for five minutes (vary the time depending on how talkative your children tend to be and how much time you have for the story time). If possible, use an old kitchen timer that clicks the whole time.  Make a big deal about setting the timer, say something like, “Let’s get the timer started.”

Sit quietly for the first 15-30 seconds letting the timer tick away.

Ask children to share some things they are really looking forward to.  Likely, responses will focus around Christmas- invite children to share specific things about Christmas that they are looking forward to (eating cookies, presents, family gathering, snow, etc.).  When ideas run out, let the timer run quietly for another 15 seconds or so.

Ask the children what it’s like listening to the timer.  Waiting for something to happen.  Is it easy or hard?  Does it feel like a long time or short?  Is waiting exciting or frustrating?  If kids aren’t particularly talkative you can ask them to raise their hands- who thinks it is easy to wait? Who thinks it is hard? 

Wait quietly for another 15 seconds or so.

Ask what are some things that you do while you’re waiting for something?  Some may connect with the things they are waiting for (make the cookies, wrap presents, etc.)  Other ideas may be silly- singing songs, playing games, etc.  If the timer is still ticking, try one or two ideas out.

When the timer goes off, connect with the theme “Stay Awake.” In scripture, we read about people who need to watch, stay on their guard, and stay awake to be prepared for what is coming.  And the waiting doesn’t have a timer that they can check.  While waiting, we are asked to look for ways that God is acting now, glimpses of heaven, and we are called to work for peace.  

Pray: God, help us while we wait to look for You and to work for peace.  Amen.