sign in sign up
<<
Home , Luke 2, Manger

1st-3rd Grade Kids Study Guide Unit 16, Session 2: was Born

TEACHER BIBLE STUDY God is in control of all things. Do you think it was just by chance that Caesar called for a ? Did it just so happen that Mary and Joseph were traveling to —the very place the Messiah was prophesied to be born? (:2) God used a pagan emperor to bring about His plan.

God’s plan was for Jesus to be born in a . A king born in a manger! It was so unlikely. But Jesus was no ordinary baby. He was God’s Son, sent in the most humble of circumstances, “not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

Imagine the ’ surprise when an of the Lord suddenly appeared. says that they were terrified! But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of ” (:10-11).

What a relief! This angel had come to bring good news. First, he proclaimed a Savior. The people of Israel were well aware of their need for a Savior. They made sacrifices daily to atone for their sin. Finally, a Savior had come who would be the perfect sacrifice for sin, once and for all. Jesus is also Messiah the Lord.

The word Messiah means “anointed one,” especially a king. The Deliverer and Redeemer would be King over His people. And this was all happening in Bethlehem, the city of David—just as the prophet Micah said.

This is the best news ever! An army of appeared, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors” (Luke 2:14). The purpose of Jesus’ birth was twofold: to bring glory to God and to make peace between God and those who trusted in Jesus’ death and resurrection to provide salvation.

LESSON OVERVIEW/SCHEDULE Session Title: Jesus Was Born Bible Passage: Luke 2:1-20 Big Picture Question: Why was Jesus born? Jesus was born to be God’s promised Savior. Key Passage: Luke 2:30-32 Unit Christ Connection: The Savior God had promised was born.

Transition Time Welcome time Activity sheet/Table Centers Session starter (10 minutes)

1  2012 LifeWay Christian Resources

1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 16, Session 2: Jesus was Born

Lesson Countdown Introduce the session (1 minute) Timeline Map (1 minute) Big picture question (1 minute) Sing (5 minutes) Key passage (4 minutes) Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) Discussion starter video (3 minutes) The : God’s Plan for Me (optional) Prayer (5 minutes)

Table Time Timeline map (1 minute) Bible story review (10 minutes)

Large Group Review / Activities Key passage activity (5 minutes) Activity choice (10 minutes) Prayer (5 minutes)

THE BIBLE STORY/OVERVIEW Jesus Was Born Luke 2:1-20

During the time Mary was pregnant with Baby Jesus, the Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus, announced that everyone needed to be registered for a census. Every person traveled to the town where his family was from. Since Joseph was a descendant of King David, he and Mary left and traveled to Bethlehem, the city of David. While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. Mary and Joseph looked for a safe place for Mary to have her baby, but every place was full because of all the people who were in town to be counted. So Mary and Joseph found a place where animals were kept, and that is where Mary had her baby, Jesus. She wrapped him snugly in cloth, and she laid him in a feeding trough, where the animals ate their food. In the same region, some shepherds were staying out in the fields and watching their sheep to protect them from thieves and predators. All of a sudden, an angel of the Lord stood before them. A bright light shone around the shepherds, and they were terrified! But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid! I have very good news for you: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.” Then the angel said, “You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.” A king in a feeding trough? That was no place for a king!

2  2012 LifeWay Christian Resources

1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 16, Session 2: Jesus was Born

All of a sudden, a whole army of angels appeared, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!” So the shepherds went straight to Bethlehem to find Baby Jesus. They found Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough. The shepherds went and told others about the baby Jesus. Everyone who heard about Jesus was surprised and amazed. Mary thought about everything that was happening and tried to understand it. The shepherds returned to their fields, praising God because everything had happened just as the angel had said.

Christ Connection: The birth of Jesus was good news! Jesus was not an ordinary baby. He was God’s Son, sent to earth from heaven. Jesus came into the world to save people from their sins and to be their King.

TRANSITION TIME Session Title: Jesus Was Born Bible Passage: Luke 2:1-20 Big Picture Question: Why was Jesus born? Jesus was born to be God’s promised Savior. Key Passage: Luke 2:30-32 Unit Christ Connection: The Savior God had promised was born.

Welcome time Tip: As kids arrive this is a great time to collect the offering, fill out attendance sheets, and help new kids connect to your group.

Arriving Activity: If I Could Give… large sheet of paper or dry erase board markers Write the alphabet on a large sheet of paper or a dry erase board, allowing room to write at least one word beside each letter. Encourage the kids to think of something they could give as a gift using each letter. As the kids make suggestions, allow them to write the word. If the kids struggle, let them say a gift, and write it beside the appropriate letter. Say • is a time of giving and receiving presents, but we celebrate the best gift ever given.

Activities/Table Centers (5 minutes) Table centers (Miscellaneous Activities) “Not Here!” activity sheet / Bible Story Coloring Sheet, 1 per kid pencils, markers or crayons Guide boys and girls to complete the activity page. Say • When Jesus came to earth as a baby, He didn’t have a lot of things that we have. However,

3  2012 LifeWay Christian Resources

1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 16, Session 2: Jesus was Born

He gave us something much more important than things. Jesus gave us salvation by taking our punishment for sin. It all started with a baby born in a manger.

If time remains, allow kids to complete the coloring page provided with this session.

Session Starter (10 minutes) Option 1: There or Not? Explain that some of the things we see in Christmas nativity sets are not necessarily mentioned in the Bible on the night of Jesus’ birth. Invite the kids to gather in the middle of the room. Give the name of someone or something they might see in a nativity set. Instruct the kids to run to the wall on their right if they believe the Bible says that person or thing was at the manger on the night Jesus was born. If not, they should run to the wall to their left. You may need to explain which wall is to the right and which wall is to the left. Make sure all obstacles are removed between the walls. Here are some examples to use: Mary (right) donkey (left) hay (left) Baby Jesus (right) Joseph (right) wise men (left) shepherds (right) Say • Today, we’ll see who and what was present at Jesus’ birth.

Option 2: Easy Birthday Cake angel food cake mix other cake mix bowls, 2 per group small paper bowls, 1 per kid chocolate or candy pieces (optional) microwave plastic spoons, 1 per kid water TIP: Put the ingredients in Ziploc bags for kids to make later or give as a mission project. Print the instructions and staple them to the bags. Mix a box of angel food cake with an equal-size box of any cake mix. Divide the mix into medium-size bowls and allow a group of kids to gather around a bowl. Give each kid a plastic spoon and a small paper bowl. Encourage them to scoop 5 spoonfuls of the mix and 3-4 spoonfuls of water in the bowl. Allow the kids to add chocolate or candy pieces to the mixture if you wish. Mix it. Invite a leader to cook three at a time in the microwave for about 1 minute 30 seconds. Say • We often celebrate birthdays with a cake. This is a great reminder that we celebrate Jesus’ birthday on Christmas Day.

Transition to large group

4  2012 LifeWay Christian Resources

1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 16, Session 2: Jesus was Born

LESSON Session Title: Jesus Was Born Bible Passage: Luke 2:1-20 Big Picture Question: Why was Jesus born? Jesus was born to be God’s promised Savior. Key Passage: Luke 2:30-32 Unit Christ Connection: The Savior God had promised was born.

Countdown countdown video (on provided DVD with lesson videos and worship) Show the countdown video as you clean-up table centers, set up classroom chairs for the lesson and set it to end as large group time begins.

Introduce the session (1 minute) Christmas wrapping paper

[Large group leader enters with a roll of Christmas wrapping paper.] Leader • Who can tell me what this is? It’s Christmas wrapping paper. What is it used for? Exactly. It’s used to wrap a Christmas present. A plain box doesn’t necessarily look very exciting, but if you wrap it up with paper like this, everything changes. It becomes a very special present. More than 2,000 years ago in a very plain place—a place where animals were normally kept—a very special baby was born. This baby changed everything.

Timeline Map (1 minute) Timeline Map (small group visual pack – copies provided for Table Time Review) Leader • Do you know what baby I’m talking about? It was Jesus, of course. Before we talk more about what we celebrate on Christmas Day, let’s see if anyone remembers what we learned the last time we were together. An angel appeared to Mary and Joseph and told them they had a special part in God’s plan. What part did Mary and Joseph have in God’s plan? God chose Mary and Joseph to be the earthly parents of Jesus. Today, we learn how God’s plans for Mary and Joseph came true.

Big picture question (1 minute) Big Picture Question: Why was Jesus born? - 11x17 poster provided Leader • It’s easy to find a book about Christmas. They are everywhere, but only one book has the real and guaranteed true story of Christmas. What book is that? Correct! It’s the Bible. Do you have yours today? Hey, do you know what time it is? It’s time for the big picture question. Why was Jesus born?

5  2012 LifeWay Christian Resources

1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 16, Session 2: Jesus was Born

Sing (5 minutes) Worship Song: “Shout for Joy” (on provided DVD) Leader • It must have seemed like any other night to those around Bethlehem when Jesus was born. However, God was giving us His only Son, the best gift ever. Jesus was about to light up the night, giving everyone a reason to shout for joy. That reminds me of our theme song. Let’s sing it together. Sing together “Shout for Joy.”

Key passage (4 minutes) Key Passage Poster: Luke 2:30-32 (provided) Worship Song: “Glory to Your People” (on provided DVD) Leader • A man named understood that Jesus would be the Light of the world. Simeon waited for the moment he would get to see Jesus. This is what he said as he held Jesus. Show the slide or poster of the unit’s key passage, Luke 2:30-32. Lead the boys and girls to read the verses together. Sing together “Glory to Your People.”

Tell the Bible Story (10 minutes) “Jesus was Born” video (on provided DVD) , 1 per kid Bible Story Picture Slide or Poster Leader • Does anyone know where we can find the birth of Jesus in the Bible? It’s in Luke 2. Let’s all turn there. As we see today’s Bible story, don’t forget to search for the answer to the big picture question, Why was Jesus born? Show the “Jesus Was Born” video, or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. For a shorter version of the story, read only the bolded text. Leader • Mary and Joseph had to travel back to where Joseph was from. The people in charge, the Romans, wanted to count everyone so they could collect taxes. When Mary and Joseph got there, the time came for Mary to have Jesus. They couldn’t find anywhere to stay. Can you believe that Jesus was born in a place where animals eat? That doesn’t mean He wasn’t important though. The angels were praising God. The shepherds were invited to see the celebration and come see the special baby that had been born. They immediately went to see Jesus and told others about Him too. Why did they go to see a baby? The angels told them this baby was the Messiah. They told the shepherds that Jesus was the One promised in the Old Testament who would save them. Why was Jesus born? Jesus was born to be God’s promised Savior. God’s promise wasn’t just for the shepherds. It was for the whole world. That includes you and me. Jesus was no ordinary baby. He came to save us from our sins. Ask the following review questions: What city did Mary and Joseph have to travel to? (Bethlehem, Luke 2:4) Why was Jesus born in a stable? (There was nowhere else for Mary and Joseph to stay, Luke 2:7)

6  2012 LifeWay Christian Resources

1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 16, Session 2: Jesus was Born

Who did the angels tell that the Messiah had been born? (a group of shepherds, Luke 2:8-11) What did the shepherds do after the angels told them about Jesus? (They went to Bethlehem to find Jesus. After they found him, they told others about Him; Luke 2:15- 17) Why was Jesus born? Jesus was born to be God’s promised Savior.

Discussion starter video (3 minutes) Unit 16, Session 2 - Discussion Starter Video (on provided DVD) Big Picture Question: Why was Jesus born? - 11x17 poster provided Leader • We spend lots of time talking about bad news, things we don’t like or don’t want to do. Show the “Unit 16 Session 2” video. Leader • Can anyone share something you are happy about? That’s called good news. Christmas is all about good news. Jesus was born. Why was Jesus born? Jesus was born to be God’s promised Savior. Jesus came into the world to save people from their sins and to be their King. When we repent and trust Jesus as Savior, we will want to serve Him too.

The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me (optional) Use Scripture and the guide provided with this session to explain to boys and girls how to become a Christian. Assign individuals to meet with kids who have more questions. If this is not possible, encourage boys and girls to ask their parents, small group leaders, or other Christian adults any questions they may have about becoming a Christian.

Prayer (5 minutes) Big Picture Question: Why was Jesus born? - 11x17 poster provided wrapped gift Show the big picture question slide or poster. Leader • Can anyone say the big picture question and answer? Why was Jesus born? Jesus was born to be God’s promised Savior. Invite the kids to line up. Give the first kid a wrapped gift. Invite him to pass the gift. The first kid with the gift will say the first word of the big picture question. The next kid will say the second word and so forth until the question and answer has been completed. Start over and continue until each kid has received the gift. If you have several kids, form smaller groups and give each group a gift to pass around. Before transitioning to small group, make any necessary announcements. Lead the kids in prayer. Pray that God will show the kids that Jesus was born to be their Savior.

Dismiss to small groups for Table Time

7  2012 LifeWay Christian Resources

1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 16, Session 2: Jesus was Born

The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me Ask kids if they have ever heard the word gospel. Clarify that the word gospel means “good news.” It is the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. Use the following guide to share the gospel with kids. God rules. Explain to kids that the Bible tells us God created everything, and He is in charge of everything. Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 1:1 from the Bible. Read Revelation 4:11 or Colossians 1:16-17 aloud and explain what these verses mean. We sinned. Tell kids that since the time of Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible calls this sin. Because God is holy, God cannot be around sin. Sin separates us from God and deserves God’s punishment of death. (Romans 6:23) God provided. Choose a child to read John 3:16 aloud. Say that God sent His Son, Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. It’s something we, as sinners, could never earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us. Read and explain Ephesians 2:8-9. Jesus gives. Share with kids that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God’s family for eternity. This is the best gift ever! Read Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; or 1 Peter 3:18. We respond. Tell kids that they can respond to Jesus. Read Romans 10:9-10,13. Review these aspects of our response: Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you through what He’s already done on the cross. Repent, turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God and others that your faith is in Jesus. Offer to talk with any child who is interested in responding to Jesus.

TABLE TIME LEADER Session Title: Jesus Was Born Bible Passage: Luke 2:1-20 Big Picture Question: Why was Jesus born? Jesus was born to be God’s promised Savior. Key Passage: Luke 2:30-32 Unit Christ Connection: The Savior God had promised was born.

Bible story review (10 minutes) Tip: Divide children into small groups for table time. Each group should include an adult leader at the table. Bibles, 1 per kid Timeline (small group visual pack – extra copies provided for Table Time Review) Big Picture Question: Why was Jesus born? (11x17 poster provided in classroom) Encourage the kids to find Luke 2:1-20 in their Bibles. Help them as needed. Say • In what books of the Bible do we find the Christmas story? (Matthew, Luke) Luke is part of which division of the Bible? (the ) What are the four books that make up the Gospels? (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) 8  2012 LifeWay Christian Resources

1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 16, Session 2: Jesus was Born

Gather the kids around you in a circle and read Luke 2:1-20 from your Bible. Explain that you are going to occasionally put something in the story that doesn’t belong. Invite them to yell “Stop!” if they hear something that isn’t part of the story. Encourage them to tell you what you should have said. As you read, substitute key words and see if the kids stop you. Replace Caesar Augustus with Caesar salad, Bethlehem with the city you are in, and so forth. If the kids don’t stop you, ask if they heard something that does not belong. Say • Mary and Joseph traveled many miles to Bethlehem. When they got there, it was time for Mary to have the baby. They had nowhere to stay but where animals were normally kept. It doesn’t sound like the place a Savior or King would be born, but it was. The angels celebrated and invited the shepherds to celebrate too. Jesus was born! Show the big picture question slide or poster. Say • Why was Jesus born? Jesus was born to be God’s promised Savior. God’s promise can be traced from the Old Testament through the . It’s still true for me and you too!

LARGE GROUP REVIEW AND ACTIVITIES

Key passage activity (5 minutes) “A Great Light” Instructions dry erase board and markers (optional) Key Passage Poster: Luke 2:30-32 (provided) Show the slide or poster of the unit’s key passage, Luke 2:30-32. Lead the boys and girls to read the verses together. Say • In these verses, Simeon told Mary and Joseph the same thing the angels told the shepherds. Jesus had come to be the promised Savior. Why was Jesus born? Jesus was born to be God’s promised Savior. Even though an angel said this to Mary and Joseph before Jesus’ birth, they were still amazed by what Simeon said. Read the verses together one more time. Explain that a great light appeared around the angels as they shared the message of Jesus’ birth with the shepherds. Encourage the kids to continue to say the verse together whether it is light or dark. Flip the light switch on and off as the kids say the verse.

Activity Choice (10 minutes) Option 1: Nativity Relay masking tape Tape a start line and finish line several feet apart. Form two groups and give each kid a “nativity”

9  2012 LifeWay Christian Resources

1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 16, Session 2: Jesus was Born

role. You can use Joseph, Mary, One, Shepherd Two, and so forth. Make sure that if you use a role in one group that you also assign that role to someone in the other group. You can also use animal roles, such as donkey and lamb. Note that we don’t know if animals were there or not. Explain that you will call out one of the roles and the kid in each group with that role will race from the start line to the finish line. The winner earns her team a point. Repeat until each kid has a turn. Say • Just a few people saw Jesus on the night of His birth, but He was born for all the people in the world then and now. Why was Jesus born? Jesus was born to be God’s promised Savior.

Option 2: Christmas Bows wide red or green ribbon narrow Christmas ribbon clear tape fishing line Provide each kid with two or three 6-inch pieces of wide red or green ribbon. Demonstrate how to pinch each ribbon in the middle to create a bow. Tape a 1-inch piece of narrow ribbon around the pinched area to complete the bow. Encourage the kids to tie a piece of fishing line around the middle of the bow to have something to hang it with. Repeat until all the bows are complete. Say • We find bows on lots of things at Christmas, including gifts. However, the greatest gift ever arrived more than 2,000 years ago. Why was Jesus born? Jesus was born to be God’s promised Savior.

Prayer and Clean-Up (5 minutes) Say • Let’s review our big picture question and answer. Why was Jesus born? Jesus was born to be God’s promised Savior. If time remains, take prayer requests. Pray, thanking God for sending His only Son to earth for us. Pray for each child by name, asking God to help the kids share God’s promise with others this Christmas.

Clean-Up Room

10  2012 LifeWay Christian Resources

Instructions: Circle the items that do not belong in this picture of the manger scene.

UNIT 16 • Session 2 • Younger Kids Activity Pages Christmas

© 2013 Lifeway Jesus Was Born Luke 2:1-20

© 2013 Lifeway Family Journal Page Christmas Jesus Was Born Review how God worked it out that Jesus, whose family lived Luke 2:1-20 in Nazareth, was born in Bethlehem as God promised. Spread Preschool out a map of your city, state, country, or world and pinpoint Key Passage: Luke 2:30,32 the place that each member of your family was born. Explain Big Picture Question: Where was Jesus born? Jesus how God worked it out that each one was born where he or was born in Bethlehem as God promised. she was born. List family members and birthplaces, or take a Christ Connection: Jesus was born! This was very good news! Jesus was not like other babies. He was picture of the map and paste it below. God’s Son. God sent Jesus to earth from heaven. Jesus came into the world to save people from their sins. Jesus came to be their King.

Kids Key Passage: Luke 2:30-32 Big Picture Question: Why was Jesus born? Jesus was born to be God’s promised Savior. Christ Connection: The birth of Jesus is good news! Jesus was not an ordinary baby. He is God’s Son, sent to earth from heaven. Jesus came into the world to save people from their sins and to be their King.

UNIT 16 • Session 2 © 2013 LifeWay OK TO PRINT For my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel. Luke 2:30-32

UNIT 16 • Key Passage Poster (ESV) © 2013 LifeWay OK TO PRINT Christmas