When something wonderful occurs or when we hear good news, our natural instinct is to share it with someone. We want to shout it for the world to hear. 2000 years ago, that is exactly what the shepherds did. They learned about the birth of Jesus, went to Him, and then went out and shared it with the world. This Christmas season, let’s do the same thing!
We have heard the good news that Jesus was born, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, was raised to life again, and now reigns in heaven at God’s right hand. This is the best news there is, so let us shout it for the world to hear! Or maybe for you, it’s your neighbor. Or co-worker. Maybe it is a family member. Whoever it is, don’t let Christmas come and go without sharing the good news of Jesus with them and invite them to one of our Christmas Eve services in person or online.
Here is a snapshot of what we will show the kids this week:
Bible Story Focus: The angels tell about Jesus. (The Shepherds • Luke 2:8-21)
Memory Verse: “God has given a son to us.” Isaiah 9:6, NCV
Key Question: How do we know God loves us?
Bottom Line: God gave us Jesus.
Bible Story & Worship
Watch the Bible Story Video with your kids so you can recap and discuss it with them in the “Bring Jesus To Their Level” section. Then join your kids in worship as we sing and dance for God.
Bible Story Video – The Shepherds (link)
Worship – What Christmas Is About (link)
Worship – Oh What a Special Night (link)
Extra Worship – Little Drummer Boy (link)
Activities
Next, use the Memory Verse video to practice our monthly verse. This is our last week to practice the memory verse. Be sure to think of a fun reward like a sticker or special snack you can give them next week when they are able to say it all by themselves. The activity sheet and coloring page are fun resources to help reinforce story and/or big idea.
Memory Verse with Hand Motions (link)
Bible Story Activity (link)
Coloring Page (link)
Bring Jesus To Their Level
Finish up your church at home by recapping the story and practicing the memory again. Then say: “Today’s Bible story was about shepherds. ‘S’ is for Shepherd. When the shepherds heard the good news that Jesus was born, they ran to see Baby Jesus. Then they ran to tell everyone that [Bottom Line] God gave us Jesus!
“God loves you and [Basic Truth] God loves me so much that He gave us Jesus! How do we know God loves us? (Together.) [Bottom Line] God gave us Jesus!
“He sure did! And the Bible verse we’re learning will help us remember that [Bottom Line] God gave us Jesus. It says . . . ‘God has given a son to us,’ Isaiah 9:6. (Practice this verse several times with your kids.)
“Since the shepherds told people that [Bottom Line] God gave us Jesus, we’ll make a list of people we can tell that [Bottom Line] God gave us Jesus. (Encourage each family member to list someone and be sure to do so yourself.)
“This is a great list of people! Let’s use it when we pray. Would anyone like to pray before I pray?” (Give each family member who wants to pray the opportunity to do so.)
Prayer: “Dear God, Thank You that we get to hear about how You gave us Jesus. Help us to tell (read the list your family made) how You gave everyone Jesus because You love everyone so much. Merry Christmas, God! We love You! In Jesus’ name, amen.”
As we wrap up, I would like to leave you with one of the kids’ favorite ‘good-bye’ songs:
Let Me See Your Alligator
Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in the discipleship of your kid(s). My prayers are with you.
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6, NLT
