Ministry-To-Children.com » Christmas Ideas

Printable Christmas “Thank You” Cards for Children

Mandy Groce — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:12:59 +0000

Download & print these free coloring sheets to help children say “Thank You” for the presents they will get for Christmas this year. For added variety, use colored paper. Each sheet has four designs for each printed page. The hope is to cultivate the habit of thankfulness in the hearts of children. Chose from the two available file types below.

PDF (easy to print)
JPEG or PNG (for advanced users to customize)

Click above to download this image

If you enjoy this free printable, you can leave a comment below to say thanks to Mandy for her efforts. You can also browse more of her Christian coloring pages or all our Christmas coloring pages.

Christmas Lesson: Jesus is the Light of the World

Kelly Henderson — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:54:32 +0000

This lesson was prepared for our students who are currently studying the Book of Acts. The purpose of the lesson was to tie in what the students were learning in their study as they study the birth of Christ. This was created for older students but can be adapted for your ministry needs.

Bible Story: Jesus is the Light of the World
Scripture: Selected passages (Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-7)
Target Age Group: Age 9 – 11 (U.S. 3rd – 5th Grade)
Learning Context: Sunday School
Target Time Frame: 60 minutes
Printer Friendly Bible Lesson: Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. this lesson plan
You Can Help: Please share your feedback and suggestions to improve this children’s Bible lesson. Click here to respond

Supply List: Bibles, blindfolds, white board, dry erase marker, flannel graphs or pictures to illustrate the story. For more lesson ideas, you can browse another Christmas Sunday School lesson based on the theme “Jesus is the Light.”

Learning Goal: Students will learn that the birth of Christ fulfills God’s promise to send Light into the world.

Learning Activity #1: Blind-fold demonstration:

Blindfold students
Give students simple instructions like-walk to the door and touch the handle, return to your seat, choose one student at a time to come to the white board and write his/her name on it and then return to their seat. Call out a student’s name and tell him/her to switch seats with another student you choose, etc.
Remove blindfolds and have the students look at the board and see how their names turned out.
Discuss difficulties of being blindfolded. (Bumping into people, things, didn’t know if someone already wrote on the board where they wrote etc.)

Test: Review Questions

Memory Verse: 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”

Bible Lesson: Jesus is the Light of the World

For the past four months we have been studying the Book of Acts. We have been eyewitnesses of how God kept His promises that were written many years ago.

Can you think of any of God’s promises that have been fulfilled in our study so far?

The Gift of the Holy Spirit given to believers (Acts 1:4, Acts 2:1-41/Joel 2:28-29)
Salvation to the Gentiles (Acts 10-11:18, 13:47/Isaiah 49:6)

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas we have an opportunity to use what we have learned in our study of Acts as we look back at Christ’s birth.

When God created the world it was perfect and without sin. Adam and Eve lived in a perfect relationship with God. Everything was perfect until that dreadful day they chose to disobey God’s one rule. What was that rule? (You can eat freely from all the trees of the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat of it you will surely die.)

God is without sin and wherever He is there is Light. (1 John 1:5) Adam and Eve’s act of sin brought darkness into God’s perfect creation. That one sin brought pain and sadness to every person that was born after Adam and Eve.

Recently in our study in Acts we have heard about two people who were physically blinded and walked in darkness because they could not see with their eyes. Does anyone remember who they are? (Saul and Bar-Jesus/Elymas) Both of these men were temporarily blind and needed someone to help them get around because they could not see.

We are going to do an illustration of what it means to say that sin brought darkness into God’s perfect world.

(Blindfold illustration)

Although this was only an illustration of walking in darkness it helps us to understand how our sin separates us from God. Sin blinds us spiritually and keeps us from living a life that pleases God. Sin causes pain in our own lives and the lives of others. Sin causes us to stumble and fall.

It would be terrible if there wasn’t a solution to the problem of walking in spiritual darkness wouldn’t it? Thankfully, God who loves us so much had a plan in place even before Adam and Eve sinned to rescue us from sin (1 Peter 1:18-20, Revelation 13:8).

God promised Adam and Eve that one day a Savior would take away their sins. (Genesis 3:15) God’s promises can be fulfilled immediately or come true after a long time. (2 Peter 3:8-9) No matter how long it takes God always keeps His promises!

Although men, women, boys and girls were walking in darkness because of sin, God always provided light so people could know Him and how to live a life that pleases Him.

Ways that God’s light was given: His laws and His prophets

How are the laws and prophets ‘light’ in a dark world? (They are used to point people to God. By obeying God’s laws and listening to His prophets people would know how to navigate and avoid unnecessary difficulties in the darkness of sin.)

In our blindfold illustration God’s laws and prophets would be like having a person who does not have a blindfold who gives verbal instructions to help those who can’t see move around without unnecessarily bumping into people and things.

God’s laws and prophets were His light helping people to avoid the devastating effects that sin brings into their lives.

Even with God’s laws and prophets people still disobeyed and suffered the consequences of their sin. Throughout history people have suffered because of our own personal rebellion toward God or because of others’ sins against Him. At times it seems so dark because of the wickedness of people in this world.

The darkness in this world could be likened to being stuck in a dark room forever never to be able to get outside into the light. We are stuck in this dark room and there is absolutely nothing we can do in our own strength to get out. No amount of money, intelligence or good works can get us out of the room into the light.

Our study of Acts has taught us that although we are sinners and helpless before God, there is Good News. What is that Good News? Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was buried and rose again on the third day.

Thankfully God sees our hopeless condition and has not left us to fumble around endlessly bumping into walls or falling down. A long, long time ago He gave a promise to His prophet Isaiah. Let’s turn to Isaiah 9 and see what the people walking in darkness were promised. Read 9:2. The Christmas story is about the True Light that God sent into this world to rescue poor sinners from the darkness.

Over 700 years had passed since Isaiah spoke God’s promises about the coming Savior. No matter how long it takes, God always keeps His promises (2 Peter 3:8-9).

Let’s turn to Luke 1:26. Let’s read 1:26-28. Mary was a young woman who lived her life to please God. She was not sinless but chose to walk in obedience to God’s laws.

Luke 1:29-38 Mary’s response to Gabriel’s message

Mary was troubled and wondered what this message to her meant. She had no idea at that moment that she was going to be used by God to be a part of His plan to fulfill His promises. Gabriel’s message to Mary points back to two promises that God made many years before Mary was born. For the first promise let’s turn to 2 Samuel 7:11-12. God promised King David that a child that would be born from his family would reign forever. Let’s see how Gabriel speaks of this promise in Luke 1:32.

The next promise that Gabriel speaks about is found in Isaiah. Read Isaiah 7:14. Mary asked Gabriel how she could have God’s Son since she was a virgin and had not been married? Read Gabriel’s response in verses 35-37. As Mary heard Gabriel’s words her heart must have remembered God’s Word that He promised through the prophet Isaiah.

Believers should read all of God’s Words so when He speaks to your heart you will know that it is His voice you hear.

We may be sitting here thinking what an awesome privilege God has given to Mary. It was an honor but it came with a price. She would face people who would not believe her. Who in all of history has gotten pregnant miraculously without ever being married? Did she lose friends and family because people didn’t believe her? We can only imagine because it’s not recorded in God’s word. Even knowing the difficulty she would face as the mother of God’s son, Mary responds with a humble obedient heart to God’s plan for her life.

Believers have been called to obey God and do the work He has prepared for them to do. We will face difficulties and people will misunderstand but our response must be humble obedience to God (1 Peter 4:12).

There is another person involved with God’s plan to send the True Light into the world. His name is Joseph the man who planned to become Mary’s husband. Let’s read his story in Matthew 1:18-25. Joseph was a godly man who walked according to God’s commands. We can see that he is a humble, gentle man from his reaction to the news that his bride to be was pregnant. He knew that he and Mary were living a life of purity and he was not the father of this child. He didn’t want her to face public humiliation so he was going to privately divorce her.

God sent Gabriel to Joseph with a message as well. Let’s read what Gabriel said in verses 20-23. Once again Gabriel points back to God’s promise that He made through His prophet Isaiah.

As a godly man, Joseph would have known what God had promised in Isaiah. It may not have made any sense to him how God could cause Mary to be pregnant with the Promised Savior but he knew that the message that Gabriel gave him was from God. He responded with obedience and took Mary home to be his wife.

Luke 2:1-20 The Light of the World is Born as a Baby in Bethlehem

When it was time for Mary to have God’s Son, her and Joseph had to travel to the town of Bethlehem. Caesar Augustus was taking a census to find out how many people were living in the area he was ruling over. Each family needed to return to their hometowns. Joseph’s hometown was in Bethlehem. His family descended from the family of King David.

While in Bethlehem Mary gave birth to God’s Son. Even Jesus’ birthplace fulfills God’s promise (Micah 5:2) That night God kept His promise that He made through Isaiah. God’s Son left heaven and came to this world filled with darkness to rescue every man, woman and child from sin.

On the night of Jesus’ birth God’s light shone brightly in a field where shepherds were watching over their sheep. Read Luke 2:8-14. The shepherds responded in obedience to the message that the angels gave them and traveled to Bethlehem where they found the Son of God in a manger. After they left the manger they went back to their field “glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen, which were just as they had been told.” (verse20) Just like in Acts these shepherds were eyewitnesses to God’s promises!

We know that Jesus did not stay a little baby in Bethlehem. He grew up and lived a life in a human body. He was fully God and fully man living among people. He taught people how to please God. He showed God’s power by performing miracles. He lived a sinless life and yet was condemned to die. Let’s refresh our memory how Peter taught the crowds about the day Jesus died in our place. Let’s read Acts 2:22-24.

Today we no longer have to walk in spiritual darkness. God has provided us with Light through His Son Jesus. During this Christmas season we can rejoice because we have been rescued from darkness. (1 Peter 2:9)

If you’ve never heard the Good New how you can be saved, you can receive the best Christmas present ever. Please talk to us if you would like to know how Jesus can save you and all your sins can be forgiven.

Close in prayer.

Review Questions:

How did darkness enter God’s perfect world? (Adam and Eve’s sin)
What did God give to people so there would be light in the darkness? (His Laws, His prophets)
Which prophet did God promise that a virgin would give birth to a son? (Isaiah)
Who told Mary and Joseph God’s plan? (Gabriel)
Name some events that happened in the Christmas story that fulfilled God’s promises. (Mary was a virgin who was pregnant with God’s Son, David’s relative would reign forever, born in Bethlehem)
How can you share the Light with others during the Christmas season?

Burning My Candles This Christmas

Felicia Mollohan — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:43:28 +0000

Do you have anything that you put away for a “special” day? While unpacking my Christmas decorations, I pulled out my candles and starting putting them on the table and around the house. As I unpacked one of the candles, I noticed that it had melted because it had been in storage where it was hot. I have had some of these candles for many years and I have yet to light them.

I stopped and thought about this for a moment. “Why do I have candles if I’m not going to use them for their designated purpose?” My thoughts, previously, have been that I don’t want to ruin them so that I would have them for a special time. A special time? Why wouldn’t every Christmas be a special time? I stopped then and there and decided to burn my candles this Christmas.

That may seem like a simple thought, but it was huge in my mindset for this Christmas. We are on a very tight budget this year (as most people are) and I was worried about not being able to give our boys a special Christmas. I have decided to not just have a special day, but a special month. I have decided to make the “little” things more important this year. Have you noticed how the most important things get pushed aside for the all of the business of this time of year?

The reason why we have Christmas, after all, is because of Jesus Christ and His birth. That seems to be put aside for shopping, school programs and parties. We are going to be concentrating on Christ and making Christmas last all month long.

Here are some of what we are doing this month (most of which take little to no money):

putting up a piece of the nativity, one day at a time, so that we can talk about the Christmas story and why each piece is important
reading stories about Jesus’ birth
trying to memorize Luke 2 and video it to send to grandparents
making a puppet show about the Christmas story and video it to send to grandparents
talking about the symbols of Christmas and what they have to do with Jesus
learning Christmas carols
reading the Christmas story out of the Bible as a family
picking out an Angel Tree card and having the boys help pick out the gift
making Christmas cards
doing Random Acts of Kindness
driving around town looking at Christmas lights
having the children decorate the tree (it always looks better that way)
watching Christmas movies that we already own or that are on television
using an advent calendar for a special activity for each day
since we homeschool, I am planning each day to have a Christmas theme (it just makes the learning more fun and exciting)
I wrapped Christmas books (that we already had) and the boys will be able to unwrap one each day. This way it’s more exciting to read some books each day. I will be putting one of the wrapped books in their stockings each day so that each morning they will have something to unwrap.
making Christmas cookies and giving them to friends
making ornaments for our tree
make a popcorn string for our tree

Let’s all burn our candles this year and make THIS year special!

“Angels & Shepherds” Coloring Sheets for Christmas

Mandy Groce — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:01:15 +0000

Download these free coloring pages to use in your church, home, or school around Christmas. The first page has Angels singing overhead and the second shows shepherds keeping their flocks by night.

Click above to download

Directions: Simply click on the preview images above to download each as a printable PDF format. You can also right-click on the following links and save them to your computer.

Angels (first page) PDF document or JPEG image
Shepherds (second page) PDF document or JPEG image

The inspiration for this artwork is Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (ESV translation)

You can leave a comment below to share your appreciation with Mandy for her artwork. You might also enjoy her series of Advent coloring pages.

Online Advent Calendar for Families

Tony Kummer — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:13:51 +0000

Advent is a wonderful time for families to be together and talk about faith at home. Now there is a free online tool that organizes devotion ideas for each day as a countdown to Christmas.

Click here to see it for yourself.

Here is a little background about this project from Jenny Funderburke.

For years we have provided Advent Calendars for our families and they have always been a great tool. This year we are trying something new. We have put our advent calendar online.

Beginning December 1, families can click on the day’s date and access an advent devotional with Scripture, suggested discussion and prayer, and activities you can do as a family.

We have tried to make it not specific to our church, so feel free to share it with your families and friends. Our goal is for this to be the year that many of us change Christmas for our families. We don’t want the focus to be on presents and getting, but rather on WHO it should be all about. Our prayer is that this season and this little tool will help our families focus on Christ every day during Advent.

10 Christmas Gifts that Teachers Actually Want

Mimi Bullock — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:40:56 +0000

Teachers often face a number of obstacles when attempting to deliver life-changing Bible messages to their students. Some things teachers face regularly are limited budgets, difficult children and the ever-present, surprise element. (Surprise! I need you to teach this week!)

A few times a year, students, parents and fellow teachers have the opportunity to shower these tireless workers with gifts of appreciation. In the spirit of the season, let’s offer Christmas gifts that teachers actually want, not just what’s on sale.

I’ve got a few teachers on my list too and I’m determined not to give a coffee mug or reindeer hat this year. Let my list give you a head start or at least some inspiration on good teacher gifts for Christmas.

Gift Certificates: It’s hard to know every teacher’s likes and dislikes and once you start asking questions—there goes the surprise. Some teachers won’t tell you what they like and don’t feel they need anything. When I’m unsure, I go with a gift certificate from Amazon or eBay. Other cool sites to get gifts certificates from are Walmart, Kohl’s and Macy’s. Print the certificates right at home and tuck them inside a Christmas card.

Concert Tickets: What teacher would object to two tickets to a Christian concert? Consider selecting tickets to a Christmas symphony, play, a teacher’s retreat or a pair of movie tickets this holiday. (And all the teachers said, “Thank you!”)

Candles: You can never have enough candles. Candlelight adds beauty to home holiday celebrations. Try a new spin on candles by surprising the teacher with a Yankee Candles 6 pack of Balsam and Cedar Christmas Icicles. These scented icicles make even a fake tree smell fabulous. You can find these inexpensive gifts right on the Yankee Candle website.

Study Supplies: As teachers, we know nothing is more important than staying in the Word. To give, we have to receive! Try offering study supplies like e-Sword for digital study or the latest devotional book by an author teachers like. A set of highlighting pens, a stylish, refillable ink pen and new journals are always welcome gifts.

Spa Time: Yes, even teacher like some TLC. Buy her a gift certificate for a pedicure, manicure or a special spa treatment. Select a set of Bath and Body Works lotions and place them inside a Christmas stocking. She’ll love it! (By the way, Marshmallow Fireside is the most delicious scent ever!)

Comforting Gifts: Keep your favorite teacher’s nose and toes warm with a pair of fleece socks, a warm hat and gloves. Even Coach will like a wide scarf that could double as a head wrap. RedEnvelope has beautiful Cashmere Scarves that you can have monogrammed. They are a little pricey but make the perfect gift for a large class or group to chip in on.

Family Games: Remind teacher that home is where the heart is with Christmas gifts that will bring his or her family together. Classic games like Scrabble, Yahtzee and Clue are excellent choices. Surprise him with a Trivial Pursuit board or the digital version.

Cookie Goodies: Your teacher may not want to load up on cookies right now, but nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a set of cookie cutters. Buy long-lasting metal cookie cutters with angels, wreaths and star shapes. A book of cookie recipes will inspire your favorite teacher to bake–and share.

Photo Albums and Scrapbooks: Once the holidays are over, teachers will have loads of photos that need storing. Buy cool photo albums or a digital photo album to display photos at home or in the classroom.

Volunteers: Give the gift every teacher needs, help! Gather some volunteers and work out a schedule to help teacher during the month of January. If everyone took one day, or a week, so much could be accomplished. Just being there with an open hand and heart is a gift every hardworking teacher will treasure. (Don’t make this an extra project that Teacher has to manage. Do it yourself!)

Read more from Mimi by visiting her blog, “Encouragement for Christians.”

Christmas Decor Ideas for Kids Church

Mimi Bullock — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:29:23 +0000

Children look forward to visiting our children’s church year round because they never know what to expect—especially during Christmas. I’ll admit it, I have a love/need to display creative decorations and I’m always looking for new ideas to incorporate into our facility’s décor. One week, my team and I hung giant paper flowers from the ceiling because we were all “Growing in God’s Garden.” Another time, during a one-night kids’ blowout, we recreated Jurassic Park, compete with a 9-foot paper mache dinosaur for a “Stomping Good Time.”

This year, when decorating your kids’ church for Christmas, think outside the box. Throw away the red and green standard and take some time to present the “good news” in a new way. Get kids thinking about the true meaning for the holiday and show them how this special time should be celebrated.

Giant Stocking

Jesus is the best gift ever, but that message gets lost when kids are focused on receiving other kinds of presents. One year, I found a jumbo, red Christmas stocking at a flea market. I found a box that fit perfectly inside the stocking, then placed baby blankets and a baby doll inside. We hung the stocking on a wall at eye level for kids to see. Next, we filled the base of the stocking with wads of newspaper. We wrapped the box and box lid, then placed it just inside the top. Lastly we created a giant gift tag that read, “To: You, From: God.” Kids loved the display and really began to talk about the gift that God sent us. You could make a giant stocking with red flannel or felt and some hot glue!

Around the edge of the giant stocking, we placed the kids gifts and as each came to receive their presents, we allowed each to look inside the box. They had to promise to keep what they saw a secret until everyone saw baby Jesus.

God’s Candy Kingdom

For this one, we went with a Candyland theme, sort of. Since candy is such a big part of the Christmas holidays we found this idea to be easy to implement. We bought large plastic flower pots and filled the bottom with rocks. After placing a foam disc on top of the rocks, we made giant lollipops to display. We bought 10-inch wide foam discs from a hardware store and poked a wooden dowel into the base of each one. Lastly, I wrapped the foam with colored cellophane and cinched the cellophane with ribbon around the neck. I stuck three suckers in each bucket and placed them at the entrance of children’s church.

Next, we salvaged some plain, brown cardboard to make gingerbread men and women. Since the cardboard was already brown, we only had to paint on buttons and a face. We hung the gingerbread people all over the walls of the children’s church.

Our Christmas tree was covered with gumdrop Christmas lights and tons of fake candy. Lighted peppermint candy canes were arranged all over our central stage. It was an exciting time!

Read from Mimi by visiting her blog, “Encouragement for Christians.”

Christmas Bulletin Board Ideas for Sunday School

Mimi Bullock — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:21:40 +0000

Don’t abandon your faithful bulletin board this Christmas! Bulletin boards make terrific hubs for sharing holiday information and giving special Christmas messages. What message is more special than the news Jesus was born?

This Christmas, turn a boring, bulletin board into something everyone will be talking about. Kids will run to class every week just to see what you’ve posted. Add new details to the board frequently to make the enjoyment last for the entire month of December.

Gift Bag Board: Give this board a name like “Celebrating the Gift of God” or “We Bring Gifts to the King.”

Cover the board with gold wrapping paper.
Staple silver tinsel garland around the edges of the board.
Use clear push pins to secure gift bags of blue and purple and gold, to signify royalty, around the board.
Hide candies and trinkets in the bags.
Stuff tissue paper of gold or silver into the tops of the bags to hide the treats.
Each week invite kids to take one treat from one bag.

You could place a special bag in the center for kids to put in handmade notes to God, thanking Him for His Son.

Peppermint Candy Board: You could give this board a theme like, “The Sweetest Christmas Ever,” or “Have a Sweet Christmas.”

Cover the bulletin board with red craft paper. Cover that with a layer of red or clear cellophane to make it crinkly.
Take pictures of all your children, one at a time. Print a copy of each face. Cut the faces out in the shape of a neat circle.
Glue the photos to discs of white posterboard the same size as the photos.
Wrap each photo with red cellophane paper like a peppermint candy.
Secure the candy photo at each end with a piece of string.
Staple each candy photo to the board arranging them neatly.

Light of the World: If your bulletin board isn’t located near an electrical plug, use a battery-operated strand of lights

Cover the board with shiny wrapping paper in your favorite Christmas color.
Poke screw hooks around the edge of the board or in the cork.
String Christmas lights on the hooks.
Cut out light bulb shapes from various colors of construction paper.
Write the student’s names on the papers. Have extras ready for new students who may attend.
Draw a silly face or smile on each light bulb.
Arrange the bulbs around the bulletin board.
Create a sign or letters for the center of the board that says, “Shining for Jesus” or “God’s Little Lights.”

Read more from Mimi by visiting her blog at “Encouragement for Christians.”

“Super Christmas” Printable Script

Guest Writer — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:21:29 +0000

** The play was written by Vanessa Unti. She is a student at Western Washington University and the Youth Minister at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Bellingham, WA.

We hope you enjoy this skit we call “A Super Christmas.” It’s about a group of famous super heroes who discover that while Baby Jesus did come to save the world, he won’t be stealing their jobs! It was performed by a group of teenagers and adults at our 5pm Family Christmas Eve Worship in lieu of a sermon. The author has agreed to share/provide the script as a free resource on Ministry To Children. Please leave a comment below if you want to share your appreciation for the creator of this script.

Download as print-friendly PDF
Download as editable Word Document

A Super Christmas

Characters: Superman, Wonder Woman, Spiderman, Hulk, Batman, Cat Woman, Mary, Joseph, 2 Shepherds

There is a huddle of Super Heroes DSC. They create a semi circle, and are busily talking loud and frantic.

Superman; ORDER! ORDER! I call this meeting of Superheroes to order!

The group is quieted with groans.

Superman: As some of you have heard, there is a rumor going around that a new superhero is coming to earth. They say that he is coming to save the world, and that he receives his powers from the big G – O – D.

Hulk: I have heard the same thing! What does this mean!? WE save the Earth. WE have been here for years! What does this guy think he is doing?

Wonder Woman: Do we even know who this guy or WOMAN is? Doesn’t he know that that is our job?

Batman: I have heard that this G-O-D guy means real business. Apparently he has a connection with all of us. He says the he loves the world so much that he is going to give us his SON. This new superhero, is here to save the world from the villain SIN.

Spiderman: Who is this SIN? I don’t know this evil villain? Cat Woman, is he one of your arch nemeses?

Cat Woman: No. I don’t know him, but I know that I could take him down and probably better than this new guy.

Superman: OK OK, let’s calm down everyone. We don’t know if this guy is going to take our jobs. He might be here to help us, as well as the rest of the world.

Hulk: Well I don’t need any help! Didn’t you see me crush that bad guy last week? I saved a bus full of school children… with one hand!

Batman raises a hand for a high-five.

Batman: I did see that man! You were awesome, but I think that next time you could…

Cat Woman: Woah. Slow down guys. Let’s focus on this new guy. We can share our glory stories later!

Spiderman: Do we know when this new guy is supposed to show up?

Wonder Woman: I’ve heard as early as Christmas Day. That’s tomorrow!?

Hulk: NO WAY. Christmas can’t be tomorrow!? Is it really Christmas Eve?

WW: Yes, Hulk, tomorrow… I think the muscles are cutting off circulation to your brain.

Batman: This means we have to act fast! We have to find this guy, learn what his weaknesses are, and find out his enemies… AGGGH… What if he has a SIDEKICK? We have so much to do…

Superman: Well then we better start tracking this big guy down.

Superheroes Exit

Mary and Joseph walk DSR

Mary: I am so tired; can’t we just book a room somewhere? I am so tired of this walking thing.

Joseph: [irritated] Only a little bit farther love. I’m sorry that every Holiday Inn was full, but I didn’t know we would be traveling this deep into the holiday season!

Mary: Don’t get huffy at me! I didn’t ask if I wanted to flee my home, or if I wanted to become the mother of God’s son!

Joseph: Yes, dear. I know. How did that happen again? You were so frightened when you came to me.

Mary: Well an angel came from God to me in Nazareth. He told me to get excited because God chose me to bear his son. I am to call him, Jesus. I was so scared, but then the angel said do not be frightened for this means that God will always be with me. I’m still nervous and unsure about this whole thing. What if I’m not right? What if I’m not going to be a good mother to GOD’S son?

Joseph: Mary, Mary, Mary! Stop you’re worrying, and breathe. God chose you for a reason, and he chose me as your husband for a reason. (Or at least that’s what I keep telling myself.

Superheroes swarm from USL. Looking under things, behind things, under cloaks etc.

Superman: Well, we haven’t found him yet. This superhero sure knows how to hide himself. Or maybe he is in a disguise

Hulk: (Lifts a large object (ie house)) I have turned over everything, and he sure isn’t hiding under anything.

WW: HULK. PUT THAT DOWN. Do you really think the man who saves the world would be hiding under a ______?

Catwoman: I’m tired of looking. Maybe he has weakness, like Tuna, or catnip, or those little squeaky mice, or those darn little balls of light that you NEVER can catch!

Batman: Woah, down kitty. Um, we don’t know that stuff yet. Maybe these fine people have heard something about him. I’ll go ask.

Batman starts walking, then Superman puts out his arm and strides ahead.

Superman: (clears his throat) Ahem, excuse me you fine citizens but do you happen to know of a new superhero?

Mary: A new superhero? No? Joseph have you?

Joseph: (shocked) No way. Are you really SUPERMAN. (squeal) Oh my goodness, and Wonder Woman, and the Hulk, and and and and…

Mary: Oh get a hold of yourself! No, we haven’t. Do you know of place where we could stay? Apparently all the inns are full.

Spiderman: I know a man down the road who has a nice stable. You could ask if he knows of a place.

Joseph: (still in shock) Wow, you guys are all my heroes. You save the world, like EVERYDAY. And you’re here. Right now. (Squeal)

Hulk: (brushes his shoulders) Yes, we know. We are pretty powerful.

All superheroes begin striking fierce poses

WW: Oh my! Miss, are you pregnant?

Mary: Yes, I’m due almost any day. It may even be tonight.

Catwoman: Oh there is nothing better than a baby.

Superman: Oh I hope we run into you again, I would love to hold your baby.

Hulk: Me too, I love to rock babies to sleep.

Spiderman: And you’re sure you don’t crush them? (Laughs to himself)

Mary has a look of terror on her face

Mary: Yes, yes that would be nice. I’m sure I will need all the help I can get.

Joseph: You, you, you, would come see us AGAIN? Oh wow.

Faints. Supported by a superhero.

WW: (Ignoring Joseph) Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl? What are you going to name him?

Mary: It’s a boy, and his name shall be Jesus.

The superheroes give content sighs.

Joseph is revived.

Mary: Well my feet are getting sore; I think we will give that man with the stable a try. Good luck with your search for this superhero…?

Joseph: Uh, uh-huh!

Superheroes: (a hubbub of noise) Congratulations on the baby! I am so excited for you. Good luck with the baby.

Superheroes exit SL, and Mary/Joseph SR

2 Shepherds relaxing DSC

Shepherd 1: This job is sooooo LAME.

Shepherd 2: Hey, I wouldn’t complain. It’s paying for your data plan for that fancy phone. Heaven forbid that you couldn’t text on the job.

Shepherd 1: Ha… ha… ha… you think you are so funny! No seriously. This job is so boring. Nothing exciting ever happens! I mean all my friends work at Starbucks and get free coffee, and what do I get? I get to “watch o’er my flocks by night” and shovel sheep poop! Gross.

Shepherd 2: Oh come on, it isn’t that bad. It’s a clear night on Christmas Eve. You can just stare out into the black sky full of stars and really appreciate the wonder that God created

Shepherd 1: Ugh, you’re one of those, those God people.

Shepherd 2: Well yeah. I guess I am. I mean. I don’t know! I have heard that God is sending his son to save us from our sin.

VOICE: Mmmhmmm. You got that right!

Shepherds cling to each other in fear and scream.

Shepherd 1: Who is that!? I am trained in karate and I’m not afraid to use it!

Shepherd 2: Better question… where are you?!

spot light

Shepherds block the light.

VOICE: I’m right here. Do not be afraid! I am an angel from God. I bring you good news!

Shepherd 1: Sheesh lay off the glare. Miley Cyrus called and she wants her sequined body suit back!

VOICE: (Laughs) Miley Cyrus has nothing on my shine. But I have to tell you that JESUS, the son of God was born tonight! Rejoice! Immanuel, the savior of the universe was born tonight, here in Bethlehem!

Shepherd 2: Oh my goodness! Are you serious?! How exciting! Where is he? Can I go see him?

VOICE: Yes! Please do! Follow his star by night, and you will find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Shepherd 1: Um. I don’t know what swaddling clothes mean, but I’m assuming when I see the baby I’ll know I’m in the right place. But what does this mean? Why is this baby such a big deal?

VOICE: God sent his son, Jesus, so that we could be forgiven of our sins. When we do bad things, or make bad choices we are sinning against God. When we sin, we are moving away from God. But God loves us so much that he is willing to send his son to us so that even when we do sin, we are forgiven. It’s called grace. Isn’t that great?

Shepherd 1: Wow. God’s love is amazing.

Shepherd 2: I know a congregation in Renton, Washington that knows a thing or two about that grace thing. They have some crazy pastor always talking about it.

VOICE: Oh don’t you worry. We know that congregation too, and that crazy Kirby guy.

Shepherd 1: I still don’t get how sending a baby is going to help though? How is he going to stop me from sinning?

Voice: Jesus is coming to help us build a relationship with God. He will be a way for us to see God, and know that he loves us. So no matter how far we try to move away from God, Jesus will be there to remind us that God will never give up on us. But seriously, get a move on over to the stable. That’s the star right over there!

Light goes out

Superheroes enter looking weary.

Superman: Excuse me fine… shepherds? Have you heard anything about a new superhero that is coming to save the earth?

Batman: We have been looking for him all day. We’re tired.

Catwoman: We’re scared he is going to take our jobs.

Shepherd 1: Woah, first an angel now super heroes?! Maybe this job isn’t so lame after all!

Shepherd 2: I don’t know anything about a new super hero, but did you hear that God’s son was born tonight!?

Hulk: Wait, did you say God’s son? That’s our guy!

WW: Woah, woah, woah Hulk. We have not been searching for a baby! How could a baby save the world?

Shepherd 1: I don’t really get it either, but let’s go see! I just want to see this Super-Baby-God … thing.

Exit

_______________________________________________________________________

Mary: Oh. Isn’t he wonderful?

Joseph: I never knew a baby was this wonderful. God has given us such a blessing.

Superheroes storm in

Superman: Alright you superhero, put your hands up! Nobody is taking my job!

Spiderman: Yeah. What he said!

WW: Oh my goodness. Boys. Settle down, can’t you tell there is a baby sleeping!

Superman: Well. Yeah. But he is going to take our jobs, and and and oh but he is so cute!

Mary: Yes, he is. I didn’t expect to see you guys again so soon. But what is this about my son taking your jobs?

Catwoman: Well, we heard that Jesus is this new superhero coming to town. And they that he is going to save the whole world from SIN.

Hulk: So we thought that no one would need us anymore. But this is a baby! So we don’t have anything to worry about guys! (coos at the baby)

Batman: You’re right! Phew. I was getting worried. So, were they wrong? Is Jesus just a baby?

Mary: Well, right now he is. But God has great plans in store for him. He will grow up and save us from our own sin.

Shepherd 1: We heard all about that! An angel came to us and told us to not be afraid because Jesus was born. And that he will bring us grace!

Shepherd 2: You know, you’re starting to sound like one of those “church” people…

Shepherd 1: Woah! I am. Well, could I maybe come to church with you sometime?

Shepherd 2: Yeah, I think I know just the place to take you!

Superman: Hold on, hold on! So Jesus isn’t going to take over my job? I still get to go out and save people?

Joseph: (holding the baby) Of course, you can still go save people. But, God sent his son so that we can be saved from ourselves and the sins we do. Jesus is reminding us of God’s love, and how we can share it with others. So now, when you save people you can tell them about Jesus’ power and about God’s unending love for us.

Spiderman: Wow! Ok! I think I could do that! “Stop right there mister! I will save you innocent citizens! But Jesus will save you with God’s love!” I like it!

Mary: I am so glad you all came to see Jesus and that now you will spread God’s love. I am not afraid anymore, I am trusting God and his plan. This is a merry Christmas.

ALL: Merry Christmas, and God’s Peace!

“Who’s This All About?” Christmas Script

Guest Writer — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:52:02 +0000

**This is a guest post by Dale Hudson from Relevant Children’s Ministry

I’ve been getting a lot of emails for the scripts, schedules, etc. from the Christmas Family Experience we produced last year called “Who’s This All About?” It’s that time of year when people are looking for Christmas plays, etc.

It can be used for a shared Christmas family show or a children’s play format. If you feel it would be something please use the links below.

Download this Zip file with scripts, production schedule and more.
View pictures and read about making this event
Read the blog post about the original event

We would love to hear how you use these creative resources in your own ministry. Click here to leave a comment below and share your experience with other readers.