The Advent 2026 Sunday Gospels, explained for children and catechists

Advent 2026 begins a new liturgical year. On November 29 the Sunday readings move to Year B, the year of Mark. This guide takes the four Sunday Gospels one at a time: what happens, how to explain it to a young child, a question for each age group, and what to watch for as a catechist.

The summaries here are in our own words. Before you teach, read the full text in a missal or on the USCCB site, which is linked under each Sunday.

First Sunday of Advent: Mark 13:33-37

November 29, 2026. First purple candle. Read the readings.

Jesus tells his disciples to stay awake and ready, because nobody can say when the moment will arrive. He describes a man who leaves on a long trip, gives each servant a job, and tells the doorkeeper to keep watch. The master could come home at any hour of the night, so everyone stays ready. Jesus ends by saying this is for everyone.

For a young child: Think about waiting up for someone you love. You keep the door ready and you listen for them. Advent is when we get ready for Jesus like that.

• Ages 4 to 6: Who is the doorkeeper waiting for?
• Ages 7 to 9: Each servant has a job. What is your job while you wait for Christmas?
• Ages 10 to 12: What is the difference between being scared of something coming and being ready for it?

For catechists: Mark 13 comes at the end of a longer talk about the end of time, and older children may have heard frightening versions of that. These five verses are about staying faithful, so keep to the household and the waiting. The coloring page shows a calm home at night for the same reason.

Second Sunday of Advent: Mark 1:1-8

December 6, 2026. Second purple candle. Read the readings.

These are the first verses of Mark's Gospel. John the Baptist appears in the desert, calling people to turn back to God. Crowds come out to him and he baptizes them in the Jordan River. He wears camel hair and a leather belt and eats locusts and wild honey. He tells them that someone greater is coming, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.

For a young child: John had a big job. He told everyone to get their hearts ready because Jesus was coming soon.

• Ages 4 to 6: What did John wear? What did he eat? Would you like to eat that?
• Ages 7 to 9: Why do you think so many people walked out to the desert to see him?
• Ages 10 to 12: John says he is not the important one. Why would someone with a crowd say that?

For catechists: Children may ask whether this is the same as their own baptism. John's baptism was a sign of turning back to God, and John himself says a greater baptism is coming. That is an easy way to connect this Gospel to the baptism they received.

Third Sunday of Advent: John 1:6-8, 19-28

December 13, 2026. The rose candle, for Gaudete Sunday. Read the readings.

God sends John to point people toward the light. Priests and Levites come from Jerusalem to ask who he is. John says plainly that he is not the Christ, and not Elijah or the Prophet either. He calls himself a voice in the desert, getting people ready. He adds that the one coming after him is so great that John would not feel worthy to untie his sandal.

For a young child: People asked John, "Are you the special one God promised?" John said no. He was helping them get ready for Jesus.

• Ages 4 to 6: Which candle do we light today? Why is it a different color?
• Ages 7 to 9: John could have said "yes, it's me." Why do you think he told the truth?
• Ages 10 to 12: John points away from himself. Who has pointed you toward God?

For catechists: Gaudete means "rejoice," and the rose color marks a lighter moment partway through Advent. Children may also notice that this is the second week in a row about John. The two Gospels tell it differently: Mark describes what he looked like and did, and John records what he said about himself. Jesus does not appear in this scene.

Fourth Sunday of Advent: Luke 1:26-38

December 20, 2026. Last purple candle. Read the readings.

God sends the angel Gabriel to Mary, a young woman in Nazareth who is engaged to Joseph. Gabriel greets her and tells her she will have a son and name him Jesus. Mary asks how this can happen. Gabriel answers that it will happen through the Holy Spirit, and that her relative Elizabeth is also expecting a child. Mary says yes to God.

For a young child: An angel brought Mary amazing news from God. Mary said yes. Soon baby Jesus will be born, and that is what we have been waiting for.

• Ages 4 to 6: Who came to visit Mary? What did Mary say to God?
• Ages 7 to 9: Mary asked Gabriel a question. Is it all right to ask God questions?
• Ages 10 to 12: Mary said yes before she knew how everything would turn out. When is that hard?

For catechists: Gabriel's greeting is where the opening of the Hail Mary comes from, and many children will enjoy hearing that. If an older child asks how Mary could have a baby, the answer in the passage is the Holy Spirit, and you can leave it there or refer the question to a parent.

Sheets for each Sunday

The Catholic Advent coloring pages illustrate each of these Gospels in three age versions. For more ways to use them in class, at Mass, or at home, see Catholic Advent activities for kids.