JUNE-JULY 2013 VOLUME 21 NO.1DECEMBER 2013-JANUARY 2014 VOLUME 21 NO. 4

Gospel Komiks Edition For Young ReadersISSN0117-6226

Dear Kids,

JESUS MAGAZINE is published five times a year (bi-monthly except April-May) by theCommunication Foundation for Asia (CFA), a media ministry anddevelopment communication center, in association with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC). CFA has produced quality educational materials since 1960 and is a consistent Catholic Mass Media Award winner. JESUS MAGAZINE is asupplementary reading mate-rial for the religious instruction and values education of primary school pupils. It is entered as second class mail at the Central Post Office on May 7, 1992 under Permt No. 313-92. ISSN No. 0117-6226.

JESUS MAGAZINE at4427 Old. Sta. Mesa Street,Manila 1016, PhilippinesTel nos. 7132981 to 86Email: jesus@cfamedia.org

www.cfamedia.org

EDITORIALEDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jericho M. Natividad ASSISTANT EDITOR Josylen V. de Leon

ART SECTION

COVER DESIGNJoel Labangco

LAYOUT and DESIGNBong Cafe

ILLUSTRATORSJoel Labangco

Jay Reyes

PRODUCTIONRose Inocencio and Lolit Orlanda

ADMINISTRATIONCecile Galotera

EDITORIAL BOARD

PRESIDENT: Fr. Filoteo C. Pelingon, MSC

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Noel T. de Leon

PRINT MEDIA DIRECTOR: Noel T. de Leon

SALES HEAD: Sean Herbert Siy

The Christmas season especially for us Filipinos is the happiest time of the year, filled with

warm and unforgettable memories of past Christmasses and full of excitement as we plan and anticipate to celebrate another wonderful Christmas with family and friends. It is easier to forgive the hurts or unkindness we felt especially when we remember the heart of what Christmas is all about – the tender, timeless and wonderful story of how the loving God became one of us in the birth of Jesus in a stable 2,000 years ago.That very same Jesus is still with us today and will always be with us. That very same Jesus, whose coming to the world we celebrate at Christmas is your Kuya and Friend now and always. His love for each one of you will never change. He loves children and he needs your openness, hope, gladness, faith and bright spirits to help brighten the lives of those who are experiencing sadness and hardships. Well, more often than not when we think of Christmas, it is easier to connect it with receiving gifts rather than the giving of gifts. Yet, if we look at Jesus, he gave the most wonderful and glorious gift of his life of service and love to people so that every person everywhere –past, present and future –would have the opportunity to share in the life of our loving Father one day. When the Christmas season is over and the trimmings and decorations are put away until the next celebration, and when the toys and games lose their hold over us, remember the gifts that will keep on giving happiness to your loved ones and will give happiness to people you will meet – the gifts that only you can give. Our Heavenly Father is the best example of a Giver of such gifts, for he “so loved the world that he gave his Only Begotten Son…” (John 3:16). One of the best presents you can give to your parents and teachers is the gift of a good heart. The happiness your parents, guardians and teachers feel when you do what is right and good and when you take to heart their loving counsel is a gift from your heart that is beyond compare.Honoring your parents by living a good life and by showing them that you love and care for them are gifts that last. To your earthly par-ents and to your Heavenly Parent, you are their most wonderful treasure. Their love and concern for you never ends. And so to all of you dear children, we give our sincerest Christmas blessing and hope that you will be always happy in giving of yourself to others. That you will truly come to know that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”May your goodness and love shine throughout the new year and the coming years, as your gift of love to our Heavenly Father and his Son our Lord Jesus.May you have a joyous and blessed Christmas!

8

91011

12

1413

30

24

28

15

20

3233

34

Self-Awareness The Parol By Kristine Joy Ramos --------------------------------

Environmental MattersMom’s SecretBy Kristine Joy Ramos --------------------------------

Who’s Who in the BibleNoahBy Josylen V. De Leon -----------------------------

EpoyNina Josylen V. de Leon at Joel Labangco -------

17

18

4

6

SUNDAY GOSPELSGetting Ready for the Lord’s ComingMatthew 24-37-44 ------------------------------

Matthew 3:1-12 ---------------------------------

The Messenger from John the Baptist Matthew 11:2-11---------------------------------

Jesus Christ Is BornMatthew 1:18-24 -------------------------------

The Escape to EgyptMatthew 2:13-15. 19-23 ------------------------

Visitors from the EastMatthew 2:1-12----------------------------------

The Baptism of JesusMatthew 3:13-17 --------------------------------

Matthew 18:1-5. 10----------------------------------

Jesus Begins His Work in Galilee Mt. 4:12-23 or Mt. 4:12-17--------------------------

Stories of SaintsSaints Joachim and AnneBy Selina Vasquez ----------------------------

Growing in FaithAdvent Ni Josylen V. de Leon -----------------------

Batang PinoyDear Lolo at Lola Ni Kristine Joy Ramos -----------------------

Ay MaliNi Ylen Jose----------------------------------

Kiddie WorkshopChristmas Card House ----------------

JessyNi Josylen V. de Leon --------------------

W h a t ’ s I n s i d e !

16

The Preaching of John the Baptist

Who is the Greatest?

Script by Selina Vasquez-----------------------

Stories from the BibleThe Birth of Jesus

The Christmas season especially for us Filipinos is the happiest time of the year, filled with

warm and unforgettable memories of past Christmasses and full of excitement as we plan and anticipate to celebrate another wonderful Christmas with family and friends. It is easier to forgive the hurts or unkindness we felt especially when we remember the heart of what Christmas is all about – the tender, timeless and wonderful story of how the loving God became one of us in the birth of Jesus in a stable 2,000 years ago.That very same Jesus is still with us today and will always be with us. That very same Jesus, whose coming to the world we celebrate at Christmas is your Kuya and Friend now and always. His love for each one of you will never change. He loves children and he needs your openness, hope, gladness, faith and bright spirits to help brighten the lives of those who are experiencing sadness and hardships. Well, more often than not when we think of Christmas, it is easier to connect it with receiving gifts rather than the giving of gifts. Yet, if we look at Jesus, he gave the most wonderful and glorious gift of his life of service and love to people so that every person everywhere –past, present and future –would have the opportunity to share in the life of our loving Father one day. When the Christmas season is over and the trimmings and decorations are put away until the next celebration, and when the toys and games lose their hold over us, remember the gifts that will keep on giving happiness to your loved ones and will give happiness to people you will meet – the gifts that only you can give. Our Heavenly Father is the best example of a Giver of such gifts, for he “so loved the world that he gave his Only Begotten Son…” (John 3:16). One of the best presents you can give to your parents and teachers is the gift of a good heart. The happiness your parents, guardians and teachers feel when you do what is right and good and when you take to heart their loving counsel is a gift from your heart that is beyond compare.Honoring your parents by living a good life and by showing them that you love and care for them are gifts that last. To your earthly par-ents and to your Heavenly Parent, you are their most wonderful treasure. Their love and concern for you never ends. And so to all of you dear children, we give our sincerest Christmas blessing and hope that you will be always happy in giving of yourself to others. That you will truly come to know that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”May your goodness and love shine throughout the new year and the coming years, as your gift of love to our Heavenly Father and his Son our Lord Jesus.May you have a joyous and blessed Christmas!

Gospe l Komiks Ed i t ion For Young Readers

Self-AwAreneSS

By Kristine Joy Ramos

Mother hung the only decoration in our house this year, the parol. It is a modest one but compared to the rest of our house, it hangs radiant and proud.

Past storms have devastated us but Father always tells us that we should be grateful for what we have. It hasn’t always been easy but he reminds us that we should be thankful that despite everything that has happened, we still have one another.

This Christmas we will not have new clothes, or presents to give each other. We will share a humble Noche Buena. And instead of a Christmas tree, this simple parol will light up our home. But this is not something I am sad about. Well, actually, it did make me sad for a little while but Mother explained that as long as we stay together, we will make it just fine. That’s what the parol means, she said.

The Christmas season especially for us Filipinos is the happiest time of the year, filled with

warm and unforgettable memories of past Christ-mases and full of excitement as we plan and an-ticipate to celebrate another wonderful Christmas with family and friends. It is easier to forgive the hurts or unkindness we felt especially when we remember the heart of what Christmas is all about – the tender, timeless and wonderful story of how the loving God became one of us in the birth of a Jesus in a stable 2,000 years ago.That very same Jesus is still with us today and will always be with us. That very same Jesus, whose coming to the world we celebrate at Christmas is your Kuya and Friend now and always. His love for each one of you will never change. He loves children and he needs your openness, hope, gladness, faith and bright spirits to help brighten the lives of those who are experiencing sadness and hardships.Well, more often than not when we think of Christmas, it is easier to connect it with receiving gifts rather than the giving of gifts. Yet, if we look at Jesus, he gave the most wonderful and glorious gift of his life of service and love to people so that every person everywhere –past, present and future –would have the opportunity to share in the life of our loving Father one day.When the Christmas season is over and the trimmings and decorations are put away until the next celebration, and when the toys and games lose their hold over us, let us remember the gifts that will keep on giving happiness to your loved ones and even people you will meet – the gifts that only you can give. Our Heavenly Father is the best example of a Giver of such gifts, for he “so loved the world that he gave his Only Begotten Son…” (John 3:16).One of the best presents you can give to your parents and teachers is the gift of a good heart. The happiness your parents, guardians and teachers feel when you do what is right and good and when you take to heart their loving counsel is a gift from your heart that is beyond compare.Honoring your parents by living a good life and by showing them that you love and care for them are gifts that last. To your earthly parents and to your Heavenly Parent, you are their most wonderful treasure. Their love and concern for you never ends.And so to all of you dear children, we give our sincerest Christmas blessing and hope that you will be always happy in giving of yourself to others. That you will truly come to know that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”May your goodness and love shine throughout the new year and the coming years, as your gift of love to our Heavenly Father and his Son our Lord Jesus.May you have a joyous and blessed Christmas!

4

The Parol

1. Why is this Christmas different for this family? 2. What does the parol mean for them? 3. How will they be able to overcome the challenges that they are facing?

Story Questions:

It symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem that guided the three wise men to the manger. She said it will also light our way.

But most importantly, mother said that the parol stands for hope. That no matter how difficult the future seems, we will be able to pull through. Light will always overcome darkness.

So even though this Christmas will be different, it will surely be mean-ingful for all of us.

5Write a prayer thanking God for all the experiences that you have learned from this past year.

1. 2. 3. w

6

Mom’s SecretenvironmentAl mAtterS

By Kristine Joy Ramos

Sally finished counting the coins from her piggy bank and frowned. The amount was

nowhere near the price of the gift she wanted to buy her little sister, Rachel.

“What do I do now?” she said to herself, sadly. She really wanted to give her sister something special this Christmas.

“Mom, can I ask for money to buy Rachel a present?” she asked.

“Sally, if you don’t have the money to buy a gift, why don’t you just make one?”

replied her mom. “It will be cheaper, not to mention environment-friendly. And I’m sure she will appreciate the effort you put in making it.”

“But Mom, isn’t that difficult?” Sally asked.

“Don’t worry, I’ll help you,” her mom answered. Together, they created a bag from leftover cloth. Sally decorated it by spelling out Rachel’s name using spare buttons, beads, and other acces-sories she found inside their house. They also used recycled materials to wrap it up. Sally really liked the outcome of their project and she couldn’t wait to give it to her sister.

Christmas day came and Sally was finally able to give Rachel her present.

“Thank you so much, Ate!” Rachel exclaimed when she saw her handmade bag. “I love it!” she said, hugging her sister. “Here’s my gift to you,” Rachel said as she handed Sally a gift wrapped in recycled paper.

“Open it!” she urged her older sister. When Sally opened it, she found a handmade picture frame with a photo of her and Rachel in it.

1. What was Sally’s problem?2. Why did Sally’s Mom think that making a present was better than buying one? 3. What was their Mom’s secret?

Story Questions:

1. 2. 3. w

Mom’s SecretSally finished counting the coins from her

piggy bank and frowned. The amount was nowhere near the price of the gift she

wanted to buy her little sister, Rachel.

“What do I do now?” she said to herself, sadly. She really wanted to give her sister something special this Christmas.

“Mom, can I ask for money to buy Rachel a present?” she asked.

“Sally, if you don’t have the money to buy a gift, why don’t you just make one?”

replied her mom. “It will be cheaper, not to mention environment-friendly. And I’m sure she will appreciate the effort you put in making it.”

“But Mom, isn’t that difficult?” Sally asked.

“Don’t worry, I’ll help you,” her mom answered. Together, they created a bag from leftover cloth. Sally decorated it by spelling out Rachel’s name using spare buttons, beads, and other acces-sories she found inside their house. They also used recycled materials to wrap it up. Sally really liked the outcome of their project and she couldn’t wait to give it to her sister.

Christmas day came and Sally was finally able to give Rachel her present.

“Thank you so much, Ate!” Rachel exclaimed when she saw her handmade bag. “I love it!” she said, hugging her sister. “Here’s my gift to you,” Rachel said as she handed Sally a gift wrapped in recycled paper.

“Open it!” she urged her older sister. When Sally opened it, she found a handmade picture frame with a photo of her and Rachel in it.

“Mom helped me make it,” Rachel said.

“Mom, I didn’t know you were helping her too! You were working for both sides!” Sally teased her mom.

“Thank you for this,” Sally said to Rachel.

“You’re the best sister in the world.” Rachel pointed to the frame, “Hey, that’s what I put on the frame!” All of them laughed. “Merry Christmas, girls!” Mom said as they all sat down to share their meal.

Hanging CD Case Picture Frame

Materials: 1 CD caseRibbonsGlue

TapeScissors

Any photo that you would like to frameAnything that can be used as decorating materials

Procedure:1. Cut 4 pieces of 5-inch long ribbon. Glue these to the edges of the inside of the CD case. This will be the border of the frame.2. Once the glue dries, put the photo in and secure with tape.3. Cut a longer piece of ribbon. Tape one end to the top right hand of the CD case. Tape the other end to the top left hand of the case. This will be the hanger. 4. Using the glue, decorate the front of the CD case. You may use materials such as buttons, old keys, beads, and so on. 5. Hang! 7

8

SundAy GoSpel

The Gospel calls us to be alert and watchful always for the coming of Christ for it will come suddenly and unexpectedly. This means being watchful for Christ’s presence when we meet him unexpectedly in the present. Our response to such encounter with Jesus, in the present, will prepare us for his coming again in glory. Advent, invites us to be alert by making our heart alive with compassion, understanding, justice and kindness. We are called to act now and live the gospel, so that Jesus may truly be born in our hearts.

1st Sunday of AdventDecember 1, 2013 Matthew 24-37-44

The coming of the Son of Man will be like what happened in the time of Noah. There was much evil throughout the earth. God was so sad because people were very selfish and cruel to one another. However, he was pleased with Noah, who was a good and honest man.

The wicked people continued on with their lives up to the very day Noah, together with his fam-ily and the animals, went inside the big boat. Then the rain started. It rained and rained until the earth was covered with water. Everybody drowned except those inside the ark.

Getting Ready for the Lord’s Coming

In the same way, Jesus warned,

Watch out, then, because you

do not know what day your Lord will come. If the owner of a house

knew the time when the thief would come, you can be sure that he would stay

awake and not let the thief break into

the house.

So then, you also must

always be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when

you are not expecting

him.

9

The Gospel is calling us to repent from our sins and begin to follow God’s ways. All of us are being called to a sincere change of mind and heart and to bear fruit in good deeds. A change of life that shows in the fruit it produces is the message to us today, as we prepare for the coming of the Lord in our hearts.

SundAy GoSpel

2nd Sunday of AdventDecember 8, 2013

Matthew 3:1-12

The Preaching ofJohn the Baptist

In the desert of Judea, near the Jordan River, John the Baptist appeared before the people and spoke to them…

Turn away from your sins because the Kingdom of heaven is near! Prepare a way for the Lord,

make a straight path for him to travel!

Many people around the area came to John and listened to his preaching. They con-fessed their sins and John baptized them in the Jordan.

But to the Pharisees and Sadducees, John spoke,

You snakes! Who told you that you could

escape from the punishment that God is about to send? If you do

not do good things, you would be chopped down like trees and

be thrown into the fire.

I baptize you with water to show that you have repented, but the one who will come after me will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

He is much greater than I am, and I am not good enough even to

carry his sandals.

SundAy GoSpel

3rd Sunday of AdventDecember 15, 2013

The Messenger from John the Baptist

Matthew 11:2-11

Tell us, are you the one John said was going to come, or should we expect

someone else?

In reply, Jesus said to them…

Go back and tell John what you are

hearing and seeing: the blind can see, the lame can

walk, those who suffer from dreaded skin

diseases are

As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus spoke to the crowds about John…

Today, John the Baptist’s question can also become our question, “Are you the expected one, Lord, who gives meaning and fulfilment to our lives? Or are we to look for meaning in something or someone else? But the Gospel says, we don’t have to look for another. Jesus is the One who is to come. He alone can give us light, life and meaning for he is our Way, our Truth and our Life. 10

John the Baptist was in prison. When he heard what Christ was doing he sent his followers to him.

made clean, the deaf hear, the dead are brought back to

life and the Good News is preached to the poor. How happy are those who have no doubts

about me!

When you went out to John in the desert,

what did you expect to see? A blade of grass bending in the wind? What

did you go out to see? A man dressed up in fancy

clothes?

People who dressed like that live in palaces!

Tell me, what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes indeed, but you saw much more than a prophet. For John is the one

of whom the scripture says: ‘God said, I will send my messenger ahead

of you to open the way for you.’

I assure you that John

the Baptist is greater than any man who has ever lived.

But he who is least in the Kingdom of heaven is

greater than John.

11

SundAy GoSpel

Christmas reminds us that God never forgets us and is always with us to lead us to the life he wills for us. In Jesus, God became one of us and showed through his person and life, that God’s lovingpresence is in our midst. God is with us to see us through any struggle, to help us survive any setbacks, to strengthen us to endure any burden or disappointment. Christmas reminds us to reaffirm our faith that God is still with us and will be with us always.

The Messenger from John the Baptist Jesus Christ is Born 4th Sunday of Advent

December 22, 2013 Matthew 1:18-24

As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus spoke to the crowds about John…

made clean, the deaf hear, the dead are brought back to

life and the Good News is preached to the poor. How happy are those who have no doubts

about me!

Before Jesus was born, his mother Mary was engaged to Joseph. But before they were married, she found out she was going to have a baby by the Holy Spirit. Joseph being a good man, and not wanting Mary to be in trouble, planned to break their engagement quietly.

While he was pondering over this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,

So when Joseph woke up, he took Mary as his wife as the angel of the Lord had told him to.

Joseph, son of David don’tbe afraid to take Mary as your

wife for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son

and you are to name him Jesus, forhe will save his people from

their sins.

SundAy GoSpel

When the wise men left the Holy Family in Bethlehem, an angel of the Lord warned Joseph in a dream,

The gospel sees the movements of the Holy Family as the fulfilment of Scripture. The life of the Holy Family provides the model for all Christian families. And just like the holy Family, Jesus Christ must also be the center of every Christian family as they continually look for ways to reach out to others in respect, generosity and love founded on the love of God.12

Feast of the Holy FamilyDecember 29, 2013

The Escape to Egypt

Herod will be looking for the child in

order to kill him. So get up, take the child and his mother

and escape to Egypt, and stay there until I tell

you to leave.

Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and left during the night for Egypt.

The holy family stayed in Egypt but after Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared again in a dream to Joseph and said, Get up,

take the child and his mother, and go back to the

land of Israel, because those who tried to kill the

child are dead.

So Joseph took the child and his mother to Galilee and settled in Nazareth.

Matthew 2:13-15. 19-23

SundAy GoSpel

13

Visitors from the East

Christmas gift-giving began with the story in today’s gospel. Wise men from the East brought special gifts to Jesus to honor him as Christ, the Lord. We too, can worship Jesus by giving the gift of our hearts to love him and our neighbour. God wants to send us on our way like the wise men – overjoyed at having found his Son Jesus and strengthened for the rest of our journey through life. We can honor Jesus today by giving him gifts of love, obedience, generosity, time, etc.

Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea during the reign of King Herod. Soon after, some wise men came from the East to Jerusalem and asked,

When Herod heard the news, he got very worried. He called together all the chief priests and the teachers of the Law and asked them,

So Herod called the visitors from the East to a secret meeting and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He then told them,

After they had spoken to the King, the wise men left to find the baby. They followed the star until they finally arrived at the place where the child was. When they found the child Jesus with his mother Mary, they knelt down and worshipped him. They offered gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus.

Then in a dream, the wise men were warned not to go back to Herod, and returned to their own country by a different way.

Where is the baby born to be the king of the

Jews? We saw his star when it came up in the east, and we have come

to worship him.

Go and make a careful search for the child; and when you find him, let me know, so that

I too may go and worship him.

Matthew 2:1-12

Where will the Messiah be born?In Bethlehem,

because the prophet wrote that one day a leader will come from there and will

guide all of Israel.

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the LordJanuary 5, 2014

SundAy GoSpel

In the gospel, God himself revealed his Son Jesus during his baptism, as the long-awaited Messiah who would soon begin his mission. Our Lord’s baptism declares who he is – God’s own Son and what he will do - God’s own work. Similarly our baptism proclaims our new identity as members of Christ’s Church and empowers us to do good works as Jesus did. We are called to live our baptismal promises by making others happy and hopeful, comforting the lonely and sad, witnessing to others by courageously doing what is just , compassionate and good.

The Baptism of the LordJanuary 12, 2014

14

Jesus arrived from Galilee and came to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.

I ought to be baptized by you

and yet you have come to me!

Let it be so for now. For in this way we shall

do all that God requires.

As soon as Jesus was baptized, the Spirit of God come down like a dove and lighted on him. Then a voice from heaven said…

This is my dear Son, with whom I am pleased.

The Baptism of JesusMatthew 3:13-17

SundAy GoSpel

15

In order to enter the Kingdom of God, Jesus urges his disciples to become like children, who are dependent on adults and who receive everything as a gift. God’s Kingdom can never be claimed based on power, authority and arrogance, but on humbly accepting the gracious gift of God’s loving presence in our hearts. Childlike dependence, openness and humility is what Jesus desires from all of us. Indeed, Jesus calls adults to become converted and become like children; becoming open, receptive and dependent on God.

Feast of the Sto. NinoJanuary 19, 2014

The Baptism of Jesus Who is the Greatest?Matthew 18:1-5. 10

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked,

Who is the greatest in the

Kingdom of heaven?

Jesus called a child, had him stand in front of them, and said,

I assure you that unless you change

and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of

heaven. The greatest in the Kingdom of heaven is the one

who humbles himself and becomes like this child. And

whoever welcomes in my name one such child as this,

welcomes me.

See that you don’t despise any

of these little ones. Their angels in heaven,

I tell you, are always in the presence of my

Father in heaven.

SundAy GoSpel Jesus Begins His Work in Gal i lee

When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he went away to Galilee. He did not stay in Nazareth, but went to live in Capernaum, a town by Lake Galilee, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali. This was done to make come true what the prophet Isaiah had said,

Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, on the road to the sea, on the other side of the Jordan, Galilee, land of the Gentiles! The people who live in darkness will see a great light. On those who live in the dark land of death the light will shine.

From that time Jesus began to preach his message:

Jesus calls each of us to a change of mind and heart, to a new direction of life wherein we abandon our self-centeredness and selfishness so that God may truly be present in our hearts. He calls us to bring others to God by proclaiming the Good News through our words and deeds that bring love, comfort, hope and life to them.16

Turn away from your sins, because the Kingdom of heaven

is near!

3rd Sunday in Ordinary TimeJanuary 26, 2013

Matthew 4:12-23 or Matthew 4:12-17

17

who’S who in the BiBle

by Josylen V. de leon Noah

(Genesis 5:28 – 10:32)

Noah was the son of Lamech. He was born ten generations after Adam and was the father of Shem, Ham and Japheth. The world in Noah’s day was full of evil. God revealed to Noah that He would destroy the earth to put an end to people’s bad deeds. So, God commanded Noah to build an ark and made a promise that Noah, his wife, his three sons and their wives be saved. Noah’s faith moved him to obey what God had commanded. When the ark was finished, Noah took his wife,his sons Shem, Ham and Japheth, and his son’s wives into the ark. He also took inside the ark, a male and female of each animal. It rained and rained for forty days and forty nights until the whole earth was covered with water. There was no dry ground left at all. And everything that breathed on the earth died. When the rain stopped and the flood subsided, the ark rested on top of Mount Ararat. Noah, his family and the animals inside the ark were saved. Noah was so thankful. He built an altar to God and offered a sacrifice to thank God for saving his life and his family. God was pleased with what Noah did. Then God promised that never again would He destroy the earth through flood. And as a sign of his covenant, God made a brilliant rainbow appear in the sky. So every time you see a rainbow, it will remind you that God loves us and that no matter how bad the storm, a bright new day will follow.

Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, on the road to the sea, on the other side of the Jordan, Galilee, land of the Gentiles! The people who live in darkness will see a great light. On those who live in the dark land of death the light will shine.

Matthew 4:12-23 or Matthew 4:12-17

Ni Josylen V. de leon Guhit ni Joel Labangco

Ang Caroling - ay ang pagkanta ng mga batang lalaki at babae ng mga awiting Pamasko at pagkatok sa mga bahay-bahay upang humingi ng aginaldo. Lagyan ng ang-kop na mga salita ang bawat “speech balloon” upang makabuo ng masayang kuwento tungkol sa “caroling”.

18

Ang “caroling” ay isang masaya at nakakatuwang tradisyon tuwing sasapit ang Pasko. Ang pag-awit ng mga awiting pamasko sa mga bahay-bahay ay hindi lamang nag-dudulot ng kasiyahan sa taong hinahandugan ng kanta bagkus ito rin ay nagdudulot ng kapayapaan sa puso ng bawat isa. Upang lalong maging masaya at ligtas ang tradisyon na ito planuhing mabuti ang gagawing pangangaroling. Magbigay ng mga tips o paalaala.

1. ________________________________________________________

2. ________________________________________________________

3. ________________________________________________________

4. ________________________________________________________

5. ________________________________________________________

6. ________________________________________________________

7. ________________________________________________________

8. ________________________________________________________

9. ________________________________________________________

10. ________________________________________________________

19

Halimbawa: Sauluhing mabuti ang mga kakantahing awiting pamasko

StorieS from the BiBle

The Birth of Jesus

20

In those days, the Emperor ordered that all people register in the place where they were born. Joseph, together with Mary travelled to Bethlehem because that was where Joseph’s family came from. Mary was due to give birth soon. It was already dark when they reached the place and the city was crowded with people.

All the rooms are occupied.

I’m sorry but this is the only space I can

offer youThis is not a good place

for you, Mary, but...

It’s all right, Joseph.

We’re tired and we need to rest.

21

That midnight, Mary gave birth to our SaviorJesus Christ in the stable where animals were kept.

What a beautiful baby!

We’ll call him Jesus.

22

Guide Questions:

22

A host of angels appeared to shepherds and told them about the birth of the promised Savior while a very bright star guided the wisemen from the Eastto the place where the child Jesus was.

A host of angels appeared to shepherds and told them about the birth of the promised Savior while a very bright star guided the wisemen from the Eastto the place where the child Jesus was.

In Bethlehem, they found Jesus with Mary his mother. They were filled with joy. They knelt down and worshipped Jesus. Then the wise men gave Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

23

Dear God, Thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for the gift of love and peace. May we love you as you love us and share with others your gift of love and peace. Amen.

By Selina Vasquez

StorieS of SAintS

Saints Joachim and Anne

24

According to Christian tradition, St. Anne and St. Joachim were the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus. It was said that the couple were sad because they had been married for so long but still didn’t have children. Everyday, Anne begged the Lord to give her a child and promised she would

25

Until one day, God answered Anne’s persistent prayer. Anne conceived and later gave birth to a healthy baby girl. The couple was overwhelmed with joy.

We shall call her Mary.

26

Anne and Joachim took care of little Mary for a few years and as they had promised, they offered their daughter to the service of God. Mary lived in the holy Temple of Jerusalem while her parents, Sts. Joachim and Anne devoted their lives to prayer.

27

2. Why were Anne and Joachim sad?

A. Answer the following questions briefly and in complete sentences.

1. Who were the parents of Mary?

______________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

3. What did Anne pray to God?

4. Who was the daughter of St. Anne and St. Joachim?

5. Who were the grandparents of Jesus?

B. MAZE: Help Joachim, Anne, and Mary find their way to the Temple.

28

By Josylen V. de LeonAdvent

Advent which means “coming”, marks the start of the Christmas season. Advent is usually symbolized by an Advent wreath. An Advent wreath is a circle of evergreen with four candles placed in it. The circle symbolizes the truth that God is without beginning or end. It also symbolizes the eternalness of God’s love for us and for all humanity. The green leaves mean that God’s love never dies nor wilts. While the four candles represent the four weeks of waiting for Christmas. Each week before Christmas, we light a candle to remind ourselves of the importance of our Advent preparation. The purple candles stand for royalty andremind us that Jesus is the king of our lives. The lone pink candle stands for the joy which the shepherds felt when they heard the good news of Jesus’ birth! The big white candle or Christ’s candle at the center reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world, who came to become one of us to give us the light and life of God to we share with others. During the four weeks of hopeful waiting, we prepare ourselves to welcome Jesus’ coming in our hearts. We pray around the Advent wreath as our way of cleansing our minds and hearts. We ask Jesus’ forgiveness for all the wrong things we have done and pray that with his help we may change for the better. The best way for us to prepare for the coming of Jesus is by being good, kind, just and caring children.

GrowinG in fAith

29

Trace your left hand on a clean white paper and think of five things you are thankful for. Write one on each of the fingers you’ve drawn.

Dear Lolo at Lola

BAtAnG pinoy

30

Maligayang bagong taon po! Kumusta po ang pagdiriwang ninyo dyan sa Amerika? Dito po naging masaya at maingay ang pagsalubong namin sa bagong taon. Hindi po kami gumamit ng paputok ngayong taon dahil sabi po ni Nanay at Tatay na mapanganib daw po ang mga ito at maaaring makasakit. Sa halip po ay gumamit kami ng mga pito at torotot, at nangalampag ng mga kawali at kaserola. Si Tatay naman po ay nagbusina ng kaniyang sasakyan. Kaya naman po maingay, masaya at masigla pa rin ang aming pagsalubong. Napakarami rin pong inihandang pagkain para sa media noche. Kami po ni Lisa ang naghanda ng labindalawang bilog na prutas para sa hapag-kainan. May ubas, pakwan, ponkan, rambutan, at marami pang iba! Naghanda rin po ba kayo ng mga bilog na pagkain dyan? Pagkatapos po naming magsalu-salo ay nagsabi kami ng mga bagay na pinagpapasalamat namin sa nakaraang taon. Ako po ay nagpapasalamat sa mga bagong kaibigang nakilala ko. Si Lisa naman po ay nagpapasalamat para sa mga laruang natanggap niya noong Pasko. Si Nanay at Tatay naman po ay nagpapasalamat na naging ligtas kami sa lahat ng sakuna.

Dear Lolo at Lola

31

Guide Questions:

1. Paano sinalubong ng pamilya ang bagong taon?2. Anu-anong mga tradisyong Pinoy kapag bagong taon ang ginawa nila?3. Maliban sa mga tradisyong ito, magbigay pa ng ibang kaugalian ng mga Pilipino tuwing bagong taon.4. Magbigay ng halimbawa ng mga bagay na iyong ipinagpapasalamat sa nakaraang taon.

Hiling ko po ngayong darating na taon na patuloy po na magsama ng masaya ang aming pamilya. Sana rin po ay laging maging mabuti ang inyong kalagayan diyan.

Miss na po namin kayo, Lolo at Lola. Mas masaya po sana kung kasama namin kayo. Mag-iingat po sana kayo riyan.

Nagmamahal,Chris

Sumulat o gumawa ng card para sa iyong Lolo at Lola. Ikuwento ang mga mahahalagang pangyayaring naganap sa iyo at sa iyong pamilya sa nakaraang taon. Maglakip rin ng mga larawan.

Ni Ylen Jose

Ubo, sipon, pagtatae, kuto sa ulo, Mga pangkaraniwang sakit ng tao, Lalo ng mga batang katulad mo, Sa paglalaro’t pag-aaral ay istorbo.

Kalusugan dapat nating ingatan, Nang pesteng sakit ay maiwasan. Simple lang naman aking kaibigan, Tatlo lang ang ‘yong dapat tandaan. Una, siyam na oras na tulog sa gabi, Tiyak kapalit ay gising na nakangiti. Ang sapat na tulog lalo’t mahimbing, Sakit ng katawan nati’y pinagagaling.

Pangalawa’y ang paghugas ng kamay, Laging paalaala ‘di lang ni Ina’t Itay. Kamay na hinahawak kung saan-saan, Baktirya’y malilipat sa ating katawan.

Pangatlo ay almusal na masustansiya, Huwag katamaran, ito’y napakahalaga. Katawa’t isipan ay magiging malusog, Sa klase ay tiyak ‘di ka tutulog-tulog.

Karamihan sa mga bata kapag nakakatanggap ng regalo na hindi gusto, ay sumisimangot at nababanggit ang mga salitang; “Ayoko nito”, “Meron na ako nito” o kaya “Gusto ko iba naman”. Ang makatanggap ng regalo mula sa isang tao ay nangangahulugan na pinahahalagahan tayo ng taong nagkaloob nito. Dapat na tayo ay matuwa, pahalagahan ang regalo at magpasalamat sa taong nagbigay nito.

32

Magpasalamat ka, Anak. Sige buksan mo na.

Wow! Tatay, pangalawang regalo na

ni Ninong ito. Kabibigay n’ya lang ng birthday gift noong Dec. 1,

tapos mayroon uli ngayong Pasko.

Ay! Ayoko na nitong regalo ni Ninong.

Ha!? Bakit, Bitoy? Eh, Tatay,

“Batman” uli. Kaya pala magkasinglaki ang kahon at magkakulay din ang balot.

Sana iba naman.

Eh…kulay pula naman

yan, ah.

Simple lang Kaibigan

Ubo, sipon, pagtatae, kuto sa ulo, Mga pangkaraniwang sakit ng tao, Lalo ng mga batang katulad mo, Sa paglalaro’t pag-aaral ay istorbo.

Kalusugan dapat nating ingatan, Nang pesteng sakit ay maiwasan. Simple lang naman aking kaibigan, Tatlo lang ang ‘yong dapat tandaan. Una, siyam na oras na tulog sa gabi, Tiyak kapalit ay gising na nakangiti. Ang sapat na tulog lalo’t mahimbing, Sakit ng katawan nati’y pinagagaling.

Pangalawa’y ang paghugas ng kamay, Laging paalaala ‘di lang ni Ina’t Itay. Kamay na hinahawak kung saan-saan, Baktirya’y malilipat sa ating katawan.

Pangatlo ay almusal na masustansiya, Huwag katamaran, ito’y napakahalaga. Katawa’t isipan ay magiging malusog, Sa klase ay tiyak ‘di ka tutulog-tulog.

Kiddie worKShop

Simple lang Kaibigan Christmas Card HouseBuild a Christmas card house where you can put your gifts for your loved ones.

You need: scissorshole puncher old Christmas cards (heavy paper)

construction paper

How to do it:

33

1. Draw a rectangle, 4 ½ inches by 4 inches on a piece of construction paper then cut along its outline. This will be pattern 1.2. Put pattern 1 on the front of a Christmas card and trace around it with your pencil. Do this on five Christmas cards then cut along the lines you have traced.3. Measure and cut out a rectangle 4 ½ inches wide by 7 inches high from a construction paper.4. Measure halfway up the sides (3 ½ inches) and make a dot on each side. Put a dot in the middle of the 4 ½ inches side. Draw a line from Dot A to Dot B. Draw a line from Dot B to Dot C. Cut along lines to form a peak for the roof. This is Pattern 2.5. Place Pattern 2 on a Christmas card and trace around it. Cut out the shape. Do this twice.6. Punch holes in the shapes then tie them together with yarn to form a house.7. Now fill your Christmas Card House with gifts for your loved ones.

pencil ruleryarn

Dapat tayong matuwa at magpasalamat sa taong nagmamagandang-loob na maghandog ng regalo sa atin. Ang regalo ay hindi nasusukat sa dami, laki o ganda, kundi sa kagandahan ng puso ng nagkaloob nito. Katulad ka rin ba ni Benjo? Bakit?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

JessyNi Josylen V. de Leon Guhit ni Joel Labangco

34

Mga bata, kung nabuksan na ninyo

ang nakuhang n’yong regalo, ngayon naman ay hanapin natin

ang taong nagbigay nito at ating pasalamatan.

Oy! Benjo, tatlong panyo ang nakuha ko, galing kay Ruel. Ikaw,

ano ang nakuha mong regalo? Nagpasalamat ka na ba sa may

ari ng nakuha mong regalo?

Medyo may kamahalan ang nabili

kong regalo, Jessy. Tiyak matutuwa ang taong

makakakuha.

Ngek! Oo nga, Jessy.

Sana matuwa rin ang taong

makakakuha ng binalot kong regalo, Benjo. Hindi nga lang

mamahalin pero talagang magagamit naman.

H’wag na lang, Jessy. 3 for 100 pesos na medyas lang naman ang

laman ng malaking regalo.

Benjo, kahit ano ang makuha

natin, magandang regalo pa rin yun na dapat ipagpasalamat. At saka dapat matuwa ka dahil

mapapalitan na ang mga maluluwag mong

medyas.

Wow! Suwerte ko yata, ang

laking kahon ng number seven.

We are inviting you to make your own prayers, poems or songs and send them to us. Your prayers, poems or songs will have the chance to be published in the coming issue of Jesus Magazine. Don’t forget to write your name, grade and section,your home address or school address, and of course, to include or enclose your cute picture.

JESUS MAGAZINEPublications DepartmentCommunication Foundation for Asia4427 Old Sta. Mesa,Manila, PhililppinesP.O. Box SM 434,Manila 1016 orE-mail us at jesus@cfamedia.org

Janaya Marguax J. Dela CruzQuezon City

LittleMy

HANDS Marie Denise F. GutierrezMacabagdal Caloocan City

Danielle Louise F. GutierrezMacabagdal Caloocan City

Janaya Marguax J. Dela Cruz

Quezon City

Benjo, kahit ano ang makuha

natin, magandang regalo pa rin yun na dapat ipagpasalamat. At saka dapat matuwa ka dahil

mapapalitan na ang mga maluluwag mong

medyas.

Little

ofFriends

Liam Arkin PanganibanSan Jose del Monte. Bulacan

Jairosh Mark Dave NiñoSymund Aaron Troy NiñoLibmanan Camarines Sur

Samantha Nicole HernoGMA Cavite

Rianne Rei A. Castillo

Lipa City, Batangas

Zoe Restar

Jofry Sangel

Ma. Christine Acidre

Sta. Mesa, Manila

Mary Andrea Divine BrusasSan Jose Del Monte, Bulacan

Nat & Eman

Banaba, Padre Garcia,

Batangas