This lesson teaches children that Jesus was born in Bethlehem as the Savior, and that God sent good news to ordinary people like shepherds. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God sent his Son, Jesus, to be our Savior. Jesus came for everyone, and God wants us to tell others the good news.
Memory Verse
Luke 2:11
For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
(WEB)
Have children stand up and hold their arms out wide like a big welcome. As they say the verse together, they can point up at the sky and then bring both hands down to their hearts, showing that Jesus came down to be with us.
The Story: Luke 2 for Kids
A long time ago, the Roman emperor Caesar Augustus wanted to count all the people in the land. Everyone had to travel to the town where their family came from. A man named Joseph left his home in Nazareth and walked to Bethlehem, the city of King David. His wife, Mary, went with him, and she was going to have a baby very soon.
When they got to Bethlehem, it was very crowded. There was no room for them at the inn, so they stayed in a place where animals were kept. That night, Mary had her baby boy. She wrapped him in soft cloths and laid him in a feeding trough, which is a box where animals eat. They named him Jesus, just as the angel had said.
Out in the fields nearby, some shepherds were watching their sheep at night. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and the sky was filled with bright light. The shepherds were very scared. The angel said, in his own simple way, “Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news that will make everyone happy. Today a Savior has been born in Bethlehem, and you will find him wrapped in cloths and lying in a feeding trough.”
Then a huge crowd of angels appeared, praising God and saying that there is glory to God and peace on earth. The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem. They found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in the feeding trough, just as the angel had told them. They told everyone what they had seen and heard, and then they went home, praising God.
When Jesus was older, his parents took him to the temple in Jerusalem. An old man named Simeon held the baby in his arms and thanked God, because he had waited so long to see the Savior. Jesus grew up to be wise and strong, and God was pleased with him.
Read It Together
Luke 2:8-10
8 There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. 9 Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
(WEB)
Point out that the shepherds were ordinary workers, not kings or important people. God chose to send his good news to them first. Ask children what it might feel like to be the first ones to hear such exciting news.
Luke 2:16-17
16 They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough. 17 When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child.
(WEB)
Show children how the shepherds did not keep the news to themselves. They hurried to see Jesus and then told others what they had seen. Explain that we can share the good news about Jesus in the same way.
Luke 2:52
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus grew up just like any child, getting taller and learning new things. Explain that Jesus was fully God and also fully human, and that he grew in wisdom and in favor with God and people.
Talk About It
- Why do you think God chose shepherds to hear the news about Jesus first?
- How do you think Mary felt when she held her new baby for the first time?
- What is one way you could tell a friend about Jesus being born?
- Why was it important that Jesus was born in a humble place like a stable?
- What did the shepherds do after they saw Jesus, and what can we learn from them?
Activity Ideas
Star and Manger Craft
You will need paper plates, yellow paper, crayons, cotton balls, and glue. Have each child draw a simple manger scene on a paper plate and glue cotton balls on it as hay or clouds. Then have them cut out a yellow star and glue it above the scene. As they work, talk together about how the star guided the wise men to Jesus.
Shepherd Walk Game
Clear some space in a room or a yard. Have children pretend to be shepherds, walking slowly with their arms out as if guiding sheep. When you call out “Angel!”, they freeze and cover their eyes, then hurry walking toward a “manger” spot, which can be a laundry basket or a blanket on the floor. Repeat a few times to help them act out the story.
Good News Card
You will need index cards, markers, and an envelope. Have each child write or draw one good news sentence about Jesus on a card, such as “Jesus is our Savior.” Help them put the card in an envelope to take home. Encourage them to share the card with someone in their family during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s plan for salvation came quietly and humbly, through a young couple, a borrowed space, and shepherds who had no status. It also shows that Jesus was both the promised Savior and a real child who grew over time, and that his arrival was announced with joy to all people.
With children, avoid overstating what the text does not say, such as guessing exactly what the angels looked like or how many shepherds there were. Stick to what the chapter reports, and let children wonder about the parts Scripture leaves open.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to be our Savior. Thank you that he came for everyone, even shepherds in the fields. Help us share your good news with our friends and family this week. Keep us close to you as we grow, just as Jesus did. Amen.
