Protecting Baby Jesus

In one atrium I lead sessions, the infancy narratives are all in lovely square boxes with square-fitting lids. 

I said to the child in question, "I see the box is on the stable."

The response: "Baby Jesus needs protection." 

This was a 5 year old who was well-aware of the words of King Herod to the the Wise Men. 

Merry Christmas from the Atrium!

After studying the prophecies for several weeks, and while listening in on a level 2 meditation on the infancy narratives (with the 5-7 year olds), a pair of young ladies (a level 2 (2nd grade) and a level 3 (5th grade) created this prophetic-fulfillment art to share with all of you:

There is so much benefit in having the level 2 and level 3 children together; perhaps a similar benefit in keeping 1st through 6th graders together in an academic Montessori setting (rather than splitting into lower/upper elementary). Hm. Something to ponder.

Epiphany!

Yes, this post was from last January ;)

We reconvened our Wednesday/Sunday classes rather late in the month of January, but we had to celebrate Epiphany regardless - so level 3 planned and presented for the level 2 atrium.

We have two classes - different children in each class - these images are a mix of both.

Advent wreath is placed as a sign of our waiting -
for what are we waiting?
For promises to be fulfilled.

 I helped write the narration, which one child read; the other children took turns placing the Books of the Bible, the Advent wreath, lighting candles, reading the prophecies, the infancy narratives (just one particular verse from each one, along with a summary of the narrative), the light of Christ (the Paschal Candle), the baptism garment to show the light spreading throughout the world and the Parousia symbol.

TALK ABOUT A SYNTHESIS!

Level 2 children were each given a candle to place in front of a Scripture card as it was placed by the level 3 child doing the reading. These Scripture passages are a light - "Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet and a Light Unto My Path."

We also sang songs at intermittent points: "light one candle"; "the light of Christ has come into the world" (with corresponding verses to match the "light one candle" song - love, joy, peace, hope); and another I don't recall right now (I'll update the post if I remember to check my notes and do so ;) ).

We have eternal hope.