Kindness Advent Challenge

24 acts of kindness

by Hannah Taylor

Suitable for Whole School (Pri)

Aims

To consider the meaning of advent and how being kind to others can be more fulfilling than receiving presents.

Preparation and materials

• You will need the PowerPoint slides accompanying this assembly (Kindness Advent Challenge) and the means to display them.

Assembly

1. When we think of the word Advent, it may mean something different to everyone.
   For some, it means the countdown to Christmas; for others it may mean chocolate treats or giving hope and love, and for others the build up to the birth of Jesus.
2. Christians prepare for Advent by focusing on hope, reflection, and a sense of anticipation for God's plans. For many, it is a special time to think of how they can bring hope and love to others.
3. This year, why not think about creating your own advent calendar, one that includes 24 kind things you could do for others. It could be for a charity, your family, your school, or a mixture of different groups.
4. It could be as simple as writing your ideas on a piece of paper or creating your own calendar with cardboard, felt or old cereal boxes.
5. Let’s think of some ideas for acts of kindness. Can anyone raise their hand and give us an idea?
   Listen to a range of ideas.
6. These are great ideas. Giving gifts to those in need, volunteering at a charity or group, or taking time to help a family member are all small things that can make a big impact in the lives of others.
7. Once you have finished your calendar and acted upon it, make note of what people say to you, how it makes you feel and the impact it has on others. Has a gift you made for someone made them smile, have you helped a charity to function because of your help, has someone thanked you for your help? You could even challenge your friends and family to see if any of them could complete the kindness challenge.
8. Remember, Christmas is not just for physical gifts. It’s the hope and love it brings to us all, that is the true meaning of Advent.

Time for reflection

Let’s close our eyes and think of something kind someone has done for us recently.
Now, let’s think about how we could help others.
Do we have a particular skill we could use?
Do we know of a charity, group, or person we could support?
What would our calendar look like and how could we make a difference by kindness?

Allow time for reflection.

Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the kindness we have received from others,
Please guide us as to how we can give back to the people around us.
Please help us to bring love and hope at Christmas time and throughout the year.
Please help us to remember the true meaning of Advent.
Amen.

Song/music

Any Christmas song.