Children already have an innate sense that Jesus is God.  Presentations on geography are important to convey that Jesus was real and human, living in a real place.  Also, these presentations satisfy the 3-6 child's need for knowing the names of things.  At their core, any Level I presentations should help the child answer their question about Jesus, "Who are you?"
 
The globe that is presented in Atrium has a tiny red dot marking the land of Israel.  Such a presentation will support another common message:  God favors and commonly works with the very small to transform the small into the great.  The land of Israel is quite small in all the world.
 
The raised surface map of Israel allows the child to look closer at Israel, which is just a tiny red dot on the globe.  They can appreciate that the land is hilly and mountainous and has valleys, rivers and seas.  The map contains three holes in which to place markers:

• Nazareth, where the angel, the Holy Spirit, came to Mary to tell her she would give birth to Jesus.  The marker has a picture of a dove, representing the Holy Spirit.
• Bethlehem, the "City of David," where Jesus was born.  The marker has a star because a star guided the Magi to Bethlehem.
• Jerusalem, the place where Jesus died and is risen.  The marker has an empty cross.

During Advent and the Christmas season, the Level I children will receive presentations about the time before and just after the birth of Jesus.  This map really helps to anchor all the upcoming presentations in reality, locating the events in a real place.  The marker symbols of the star and the cross are also used on the liturgical calendar in the Atrium to mark Christmas and Easter.  So, the children start to experience a unity of time and place and reality.
 
Also, returning to the message of God's transformation of the small into the great, the children will, in our next session, listen to the prophesy about Bethlehem, the least amongst the clans of Judah, from where Jesus will be born.  And Jesus, himself, comes into the world as a small baby.

As we enter into Advent, there are various ways parents can help make connections between Atrium and mass or home. One very simple way is to notice the change in season next Sunday. When you enter the church on the first Sunday of a new liturgical season, it's beneficial to notice the change in colors.  Complex explanation is unnecessary.  There's great value just in noticing that there has been a change and saying something simple like, "I wonder why?"  Will you also make Advent changes at home? Are there ways to involve your child in those changes, such as through a choice of purple table cloths?

A connection between Atrium and home is through home prayer, which has been a particular area of focus for catechists and St. Teresa's catechesis program this year. There are various prophesies which are presented through the three years of Level I. Perhaps your family would like to use these prophesies as a part of family prayer, such as before meals, during Advent. You and your child can prepare cards with the words of each prophesy. Perhaps you can write the words and your child can illustrate the card. Then, your child can choose just one to read (or have read) before each family dinner. The scripture passages are as follows:

Prophesy of the Light, Isaiah 9:1

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.

Prophesy of the Names, Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Prophesy of the Place (Bethlehem), Micah 5:1a

But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too small to be among the clans of Judah, From you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel.

Prophesy of the Mother, Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.

Prophesy of the Star and Scepter, Numbers 24:17 (middle only)

A star shall advance from Jacob, and a staff shall rise from Israel.

The Christmas Eve Family Mass at 4PM is a very special time and place.  There are many ways for the children to get involved and help during the liturgy. We have bigger parts like readers and those who prepare the altar for Eucharistic Prayer. And we have the heartwarming opening procession of shepherds and angels who walk reverently with Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus.  Please e-mail Kate Lynch (kolynchdre@gmail.com) to let her know of your child's interest in participating and in what way.