Week 28 · about 45 minutes
Born in Bethlehem
Luke 2 · Memory verse Luke 2:11
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Queues the lesson plan, this story’s coloring page (A Manger Bed), the matching word search and answer key (The Birth of Jesus), the memory-verse tracer, and a parent slip.
Five-minute object lesson
Prop: a small box for a manger
Hold up a small box for a manger. In about five minutes, tell the class this: Jesus is born in a manger, and angels tell shepherds the good news first. Show the prop and ask, “What does this have to do with Born in Bethlehem?” Let two children answer. Then read Luke 2:11 together: “For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Close by asking one child to say the lesson back in their own words, using the prop.
Story script
A ruler wanted everyone counted, so Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem, the town of King David. The town was crowded. When the baby came, Mary wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger, a feeding box for animals. The King of kings had a very small bed.
Out in the fields, shepherds were watching their sheep through the night. An angel appeared, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. A Savior has been born to you.” Suddenly a whole choir of angels praised God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace.”
The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and found the baby just as they had been told. They told everyone. Mary treasured the words and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds went back to the fields, glorifying God.
God gave the first announcement to workers on a night shift, not to a palace party. Jesus came for all people, including children who feel ordinary. The good news is still for you: a Savior has been born.
Group game
Build the manger with the box and yellow paper straw. Shepherds travel from the doorway to see the baby and whisper the good news.
Craft
Draw the manger, Mary, Joseph, and one sentence: A Savior is born.
Memory verse
Luke 2:11
“For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Take-home prayer
Jesus, thank you for coming as a baby and a Savior. Fill this night with your peace and our hearts with joy. Amen.