On the Third Day of Christmas: Three French Hens

 

 

 

Three french hens remind us of the theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity.

“And now abideth faith, hope charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

Simple ways to teach a little one:
* If you have a toddler, you probably have a picture book about chickens somewhere! Pull it out and get in a chicken sort of mood. (My little one even has a chicken costume and a chicken dance…)

 

* Make eggs for breakfast together (little ones love crackin’ those eggs)

 

* Divide the day into thirds and talk about one of the virtues at a time:

 

faith: ask your child to close her eyes; lead her around the house, having her step over things, crouch down, stop suddenly, turn around, etc. Then, squinting, switch roles. Explain that when we have faith in God, we may not see everything clearly, but we can trust Him to protect and love us.

 

hope: before nap time, explain that afterwards you will be doing something special together, having a special snack, etc. Explain that the child must go to sleep hoping for that special treat. (Be sure to deliver the promise on the other side of nap time!)

 

charity: plan and do something special for a family member or neighbor. Deliver a loaf of bread before dinner time, decorate the living room for dad’s return from work, set surprises by each family member’s plates. Explain that loving God and people is the best thing we can do with our lives.

 

At bedtime, review the three virtues and the associated activities. Remind the child that everything else we see and do will break, grow old, or be forgotten, but anytime we have faith in God, hope in His goodness, and extend charity to Him and others, we are doing things that last and last and last forever…