Matthew 1 v 16 – 2 v 23

Luke 2 v 1 – 40

Lesson Aim

To understand that Jesus was God’s son.

Hook 1: Christmas cards

Collect a series of Christmas cards which illustrates different parts of the Christmas story. You can place these in their envelopes and invite a different child at the correct moment to open the next card. You might even put their names on the envelopes if you are certain that they will be attending.

Hook 2: Christmas cards

Another way of telling the story with Christmas cards as visuals is to number the cards and when they are opened that child has to tell the next part of the Christmas story.

 Story tips:

It can be quite difficult to get cards illustrating some parts of the Christmas story while other parts are over represented. You might need to collect these a year in advance!

Hook 3: An angel (Christmas tree decoration), “no room” sign, straw, crown and ring.

Tie together the series of objects preferably using tinsel or attractive ribbon. Then place the objects into a Santa-sack. As you gradually pull out the objects form the Santa-sack tell the next part of the story relating to the object. Get a child to help you by holding the other end of the tinsel.

Hook 4: Visualizer

If you can borrow a visualizer from a local school, then you can simply read the Christmas story form a good Children’s Bible. As you read each page, place the open page on the visualizer so that the children can see the text and the illustrations. Invite some of the older children to read the text out to the rest of the group.

Hook 5: Nativity scenes

There are many models of nativity scenes which can be used as visual aids to accompany a children’s talk. Set up the stable and choose a child to collect the next model from another adult. Before they put it into the stable you can ask them questions about the Christmas story.

Hook 6: Presents

Have three presents wrapped up. Something made of gold, perfume (to represent frankincense) and ointment (to represent myrrh). Allow a child to unwrap a present and explain the symbolic meaning of the gifts given to Jesus – gold for kingship, frankincense for suffering and myrrh for a sacrifice.

Story tip: make sure you know which present is which!

Application

It is always important when telling the story of Jesus’ birth to emphasise certain points

1.       That Jesus was God’s son.

2.       That God planned how, when and where Jesus would come to earth.

3.       That Jesus came to earth to die. That in dying, he secured salvation for all who believe in him.