This lesson teaches children that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, and that God sent him as the Savior for everyone. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion, and one activity.
Big Idea
God sent his Son, Jesus, to be born as a baby so that he could save us. Jesus is good news for everyone, and God keeps his promises.
Memory Verse
Luke 2:10
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)
Teach the children to hold both hands up in front of their chests, then open them wide as if giving a gift. Say “good news, great joy” as you open your hands, so the motion matches the words.
The Story: Luke 2 for Kids
Long ago, the Roman emperor Caesar Augustus ordered everyone to be counted. Each family had to travel to the city of their ancestors. Joseph and his wife Mary lived in Nazareth, but Joseph was from the family of King David, so they walked to Bethlehem. The road was long, and Mary was about to have a baby.
While they were in Bethlehem, the day came for Mary to give birth. There was no room for them at the inn, so they stayed where the animals were. Mary wrapped her baby boy in strips of cloth and laid him in a feeding trough, which is a box animals eat from. The baby was Jesus, the Son of God.
That night, shepherds were out in the fields watching their sheep. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and the sky was filled with light. The shepherds were very scared. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy for all people. Today a Savior has been born for you in Bethlehem. You will find him wrapped in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.”
Then many more angels appeared, praising God. The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby, just as the angel had said. They told everyone what they had seen, and they went home praising God. Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.
Later, Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to thank God. An old man named Simeon saw Jesus and praised God, saying that his eyes had seen the Savior. An old woman named Anna also thanked God and told others about the baby.
Read It Together
Luke 2:7
She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus was born in a simple place, not a palace. Ask children what it tells us that God chose a humble stable for his Son. Let them notice that Mary took care of her baby with her own hands.
Luke 2:13-14
13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.”
(WEB)
Show the children that the angels were singing a song of praise to God. Explain that heaven was celebrating the birth of Jesus. Invite them to say “Glory to God” together in a happy voice.
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 every other child, getting bigger and learning new things. Remind the children that Jesus understands what it is like to be a child. Ask them what they might learn this week that helps them grow.
Talk About It
- Why do you think God sent Jesus to be born as a baby instead of arriving as a grown-up king?
- How do you think the shepherds felt when the angel appeared, and how did they feel after they found Jesus?
- What did Mary do with the things she heard and saw, and what can we do when we want to remember something special?
- Who are some people who would be happy to hear the good news about Jesus, and how could we tell them?
- What is one way you can praise God this week, like the shepherds did?
Activity Ideas
Paper Manger Craft
You will need a sheet of brown construction paper, scissors, glue, yarn or cotton balls, and a small piece of white paper. Have each child fold the brown paper into a simple box shape and glue on a strip of yarn for straw. Place a small paper baby wrapped in white cloth inside the manger, and explain that the feeding trough is where Jesus was laid.
Shepherds and Angels Game
Choose one child to be the shepherd and place others around the room as sheep. Another child is the angel, who tiptoes quietly to the shepherd and says “Good news!” before the shepherd finds the baby Jesus, a soft toy hidden in the room. Let everyone cheer and sing “Glory to God” when the shepherd finds him.
Take-Home Good News Card
You will need an index card, markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to write or draw one thing they want to tell someone about the good news of Jesus. Encourage them to share the card with a family member during the week and read the memory verse together at dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God entered human life in a real and humble way. The birth of Jesus fulfills God’s promise to send a Savior, and it reveals God’s willingness to come close to ordinary people, like shepherds and a young couple far from home.
When teaching children, avoid making claims about the exact time of year Jesus was born or the number of wise men, since the passage does not say these things. Keep the focus on the truths the text clearly states: Jesus was born, God sent good news, and God keeps his promises.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to earth as a baby so you could save us. Help us to share the good news with our friends and families. Help us to praise you every day, just like the shepherds did. Amen.
