Here is another option for Sunday School this Advent Seasons. It’s a lesson plan intended to present the Christmas story of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem and the Shepherd’s announcement of His birth. It was was first prepared for older elementary students and can be adapted for other ministry opportunities.

Learning Goal: As students take an imaginary journey to the town of Bethlehem they will learn that God kept His promise to send a Savior who would be born in Bethlehem.

Bible Story: Back to Bethlehem
Scripture: Luke 2:1-20
Target Age Group: Age 9 – 11 (U.S. 3rd – 5th Grade)
Learning Context: Sunday School
Target Time Frame: 60 minutes
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Supply List: Bibles, nativity set, play dough, nativity cookie cutters, sheet, (if using play dough), props for the story (back pack, sheep, baby doll, etc.), pictures or flannels of the story, paper, markers, pencils,

Learning Goal: As students take an imaginary journey to the town of Bethlehem they will learn that God kept His promise to send a Savior who would be born in Bethlehem.

Learning Indicator: Students will demonstrate their understanding of the lesson by answering review questions.

Learning Activity #1: Creating a brochure for the town of Bethlehem.  Have students create a brochure that would entice travelers to want to visit the town of Bethlehem.

Learning Activity #2: An activity for students to do while waiting for everyone to arrive is to let them play with a nativity set or use nativity flannels to retell the Christmas story with each other.

Learning Activity #3: Have students use nativity cookie cutters with play dough.  Use a sheet under the table to catch any stray pieces of dough for easy clean up.

Test: Review Questions

Memory Verse: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you:  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  Luke 2:11-12

Bible Lesson:  Back to Bethlehem

(This is a possible way to tell the story about Mary and Joseph’s trip to Bethlehem.  As you take your students on this imaginary trip back in time remind them that although we are taking a make believe trip the events that we are talking about are true because they are recorded in God’s Word (Keep your Bible open to Luke 2 as you lead the students). Another option to tell this story is to line up chairs as though the students are going on a bus tour to visit Bethlehem during the time of Jesus’ birth.  Create a brochure with facts and information about Bethlehem and be the tour guide of the bus.)

Today we are going to go on a journey back in time.  We are going to visit places where Jesus walked while He was on this earth. Let’s get our sandals on and pack up our saddlebags and if you have a donkey you might want to get him ready.  We are heading on a road trip from Jerusalem to the little town of Bethlehem.  Pull out map and show where Jerusalem is and point to Bethlehem.  The trip is about 8 miles so what are some things we might need for our trip since we won’t be hopping in our air-conditioned cars with DVD players and cup holders?

So what kind of place is this town of Bethlehem?  Bethlehem might have looked like just any small town in Israel, but there were some very special things that happened there.  From the Old Testament, we learn of some events that happened in this little town.

• Rachel, Jacob’s wife died in Bethlehem when she gave birth to her son Benjamin. Genesis 35:19
• Ruth the Moabite moved to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law Naomi and married Boaz. Ruth 1-4:13
• King David, Ruth’s great grandson was born in Bethlehem. Ruth 4:16

The people of Bethlehem knew there was something special about their town.  God had made a special promise to send the Messiah.  Messiah means the expected deliverer or Chosen One.  God had promised He would deliver His people from their sins.  The Messiah would be the Savior of the world. God had promised in His Word that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.  (Micah 5:2)

At the time we are visiting this little town of Bethlehem the people have been waiting a long time for God’s promise to send a Messiah to happen.  When God makes a promise He keeps His promise.  His promises may take longer than we expect but God is faithful and will do what He said He would do.

Now that we have our things packed and are ready to leave Jerusalem look over there.  There’s a sign posted in the marketplace. (Have a sign posted on the wall)  Let’s read what it says.  “Every person must report at once to the government officers in the city where your family came from. The ruler Caesar Augustus has commanded that each person do this.  You must obey and go to the town your family came from.”  Caesar wanted to count all the people and this was how he could find out how many people he was ruling over.

Since many people will be travelling to the place where they were born the roads will probably be crowded with many travelers.  I hope the roads aren’t too crowded and our donkeys get along with the other donkeys on the road!  Let’s remember to stay together so we won’t get lost!

Look at all the people!  Imagine how excited they would be if they could borrow our cars to travel to the towns where there families were born!

Do you see the woman who looks like she is about to have a baby riding on a donkey and her husband walking along side her?  Let’s catch up and talk to them.

(Use pictures or flannels showing Joseph and Mary and the story about Gabriel)

This man is Joseph and this is his wife Mary.  They have an incredible story to tell!  An angel named Gabriel appeared to Mary before she was married and said she was going to have a baby and He would be God’s Son.  Joseph had Gabriel appear to him one night while he was sleeping.  He told him that Mary would have God’s Son and His name would be Jesus because He was going to take away the sins of the world.

That must have been exciting news!  God had promised so many years ago that He would send a Savior and here Mary is pregnant with God’s Son who would take away the sins of the world!

How exciting to meet Mary and Joseph on our trip to Bethlehem!  Are you having fun yet?  When we travel someone almost always says, “Are we there yet?”  Well, it looks like we will have to stop for the night out here in the desert.  It is getting dark and I can tell you are looking pretty tired from all our walking.

Yawn! (Stretch as though you just woke up)  It is time to get going, I think if we move along we may make it to Bethlehem sometime today. What are some games you play when you travel on a road trip?  Sometimes we play I Spy.  Let’s play.  I spy with my little eye something that begins with “S”.  Sheep! (Use a sheep stuffed animal) Do you see all the sheep in this area?  We must be getting close to Bethlehem because that’s what most people do for a living there.  They farm and take care of sheep.

Hey look there are some shepherds coming our way now.  They look pretty excited!  “Hi!  We are on our way to Bethlehem, are we headed in the right direction?”

“You sure are!  What a day for you to come to this town!  Your first stop has got to be the stable near the big Inn.  We have just seen the Savior of the world!”

“You have? Tell us about it!”

“Well, the other night my friends and I were ready to sleep and just as we started to doze off under the star-lit sky a bright light shone around us and an angel appeared.  It was frightening but the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, I have brought you good news that is for all people. In the city of David (another name for Bethlehem), a Savior, Christ the Lord has been born. You will find Him lying in a manger wrapped in swaddling cloths.”

After the angel told us this message a multitude of angels appeared and praised God saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

As soon as the angels left we jumped up, and headed to Bethlehem.  I know it was the middle of the night but we could not wait another second to go and meet the Savior of the world!  So we went into Bethlehem and we found Him just as the angel said.  He was lying in a feed box wrapped in cloths!  You have got to go see Him.  He is the Promised Savior that we have been waiting for God to send!  He will save you from your sins!  Go, quick!”

How can we stand here after hearing a story like that?  Let’s hurry!

This must be the cave the shepherds told us about let’s look inside. (Using a whisper voice) “Hey, that’s Mary and Joseph that we talked to on our way here a couple of days ago. Hi! We heard about the Baby!  We ran into some shepherds who were very excited.  They told us all about the Savior of the world!  Can we see?  (Hold baby doll) He’s so precious!”

Ok, it’s time to head back to (the current year).  What a road trip that was!  We met the Savior of the world in Bethlehem!  God kept His promise to send the Savior.  That was over 2000 years ago when Jesus was born.  He didn’t stay a baby but grew to be a man.  As an adult man He was nailed to a cross for my sins and yours so we could be forgiven from our sins and have everlasting life.  God promises that all who believe in the Lord Jesus will have eternal life (John 3:16).  Do you believe God’s promise?  Have you received the gift of eternal life?  Many times when we go on a vacation we bring back a souvenir. (Show a souvenir from a trip you took) The greatest souvenir you could bring back from our trip to Bethlehem is to be saved from your sins and become a Child of God.  That is a souvenir that would last forever!

Close in prayer.

Review Questions:

1. What are some events that happened in Bethlehem?  (Rachel buried, Ruth gave birth to Obed-David’s grandfather)
2. What promise did God make about Bethlehem?  (The Savior would be born there)
3. Why did Mary and Joseph have to travel there?  (Caesar wanted everyone to return to the town they were born in so they could be counted)
4. How did the shepherds learn that the Savior was born?  (Angels appeared and told them)
5. Who can you share the Good News with during this Christmas season?

Wait there’s more . . .
You can browse all of our printable Christmas Lessons and coloring pages. Our free materials are perfect to use in your church, home, or school. There is no charge and you are welcome to copy as many as you like.

Related posts:

1. The Cold Hard Truth about Bethlehem We Often Forget
2. Magi Worship King Jesus (Sunday School Lesson)
3. Free Christmas Lesson Plans for Kids Sunday School
4. Back To School Ideas for Kids Church
5. King David Sunday School Lesson

"Little Star" is available from Amazon.com

I love Christmas.  I always have.  I loved Christmas long before I ever loved the reason for it.  Now that He is Lord and Savior of my life, I love Christmas in a whole new way.

So, when I came home from work last Friday night and found a brand new children’s Christmas book in my mailbox, I was overjoyed.  Now, I have read my share of Christmas books (including kids’ Christmas books).  Some are really good, and some are really bad and many fall somewhere in the middle.  I am glad to report that Little Star by Anthony DeStefano falls towards the good side of that spectrum.

Update: At the bottom of this post we’ve added a video where Pat Boone reads this children’s book about Christmas.

This 34 page little book tells the Christmas story from a perspective I have never seen before – from that of the Christmas Star.  The book begins with a little boy staring out of a window at night and asking his Dad where the Christmas Star is.  The Dad proceeds to tell the boy of the Little Star of Christmas.  When all the other stars saw that the awaited Kind was born poor and in a stable, they decided they must have been misled.  The Little Star though, previously ignored by all the other starts, realized that Jesus was the promised Kind and shined brighter than he ever had before to “keep Jesus warm” through the night.   In fact, he shined so bright that he burned out.  When the little boy in the story hears that, he asks his Dad if Little Star died, and the Dad explained that he is remembered every year by people who put a star on the top of their tree.

The story itself is cute and the book is beautifully illustrated by Mark Elliot.  It also includes a fairly accurate telling of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem from the perspective of stars and even hits on the prophecy of the coming King.  One of my concerns with a book like this is that it is easy for authors to water down or misstate the Biblical story in an effort to tell a cute Christmas story.  Fortunately, Mr. DeStefano does a great job of not sacrificing the Biblical story while incorporating some modern traditions.

I  found the book to be captivating enough to keep the interest of younger kids when reading to them and also challenging enough for early readers to tackle on their own.  I appreciated the Biblical treatment of the nativity within the creative telling of the story.  I would definitely recommend this book for parents of young kids and elementary age kids.  It could easily become part of your family’s Christmas season traditions.

You can purchase this book from Amazon.com. You can read more book suggestions from Wayne on his blog.

Related posts:

1. Story of Jesus Birth: Printable Christmas Book for Children
2. Free Printable Christmas Book: The 12 Symbols of Christmas
3. Story of Christmas Video Part 4 “Birth of Jesus at Christmas”
4. Christmas Bible Story “God Wants Us To Celebrate”
5. Story of Christmas Video Part 5 “Thank You God”

This lesson is taken from the passage where Wise men from the east follow a star seeking the King of the Jews. They seek help from Herod in Jerusalem and travel to Bethlehem to worship Jesus and give Him gifts. Both the Magi and Joseph are given dreams to keep them safe from Herod’s anger. It can be used for upper elementary and simplified for preschool age children. Following the lesson there are additional resources to use for your individual class’s needs.

Bible Story: The Wise Men Worship Baby Jesus
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-23
Target Age Group: Age 9 – 12 (U.S. 3rd – 6th Grade)
Learning Context: Sunday School
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Learning Objective(s): Students will learn:

• The best gift we can give Jesus is our worship and obedience.
• True faith in Jesus hears and obeys God’s Word.
• God keeps those who trust in Him safe from their enemies.

Memory Verse: Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Activity for teaching the verse: Pictures or objects that represent the following: Bible, Preacher, teacher, radio, TV, picture of creation, devotional magazine, Christian book and friend. Place items in a pillow case or bag. Read the verse along with the students. Ask, “Who is the ‘me’ in this verse?” Allow students to respond and answer that it is God. God has given us many ways to know about Him. In this bag there are objects that God uses to attract people to Himself. (Allow a student to come and take an object out of the bag.) Discuss the object and ask the students how God can use that object/picture to attract people to Himself? (Radio: Christian music, teachings from the Bible. TV: Preachers, movies, shows that teach about Jesus. Friend: Shares the Gospel with you. Creation: Makes us think about the Creator. (Romans 1:20) After each object has been discussed move into the Bible Lesson.

Bible Lesson Magi Worship King Jesus

Note: This is just a guide to prepare you for your class. Pray and keep your students and the needs they may have in mind as you prepare. (Some students have had little or no exposure to the Bible, where some students have a strong working knowledge of many of the truths taught in the Bible. Our class consists of students raised in Christian homes, attend Christian school, and homeschooled.  They have a strong working knowledge of the Bible so our goal is to give them deeper truths praying for  them to desire to love God’s Word and find it exciting and new each time they learn from it.  Adapt this lesson to the understanding level of your students.) God is faithful to give you exactly what you need as you faithfully present His Word to your class each time you teach.

Before class preparation: If you would like students to read additional verses have them written out and prepared in advance so you can ask them as they come into classroom. They can find the verse ahead of time and place the slip of paper in the place in their Bible to be ready when you need them to read.

Provide Bibles for students who do not have or did not bring to class. We encourage our students to have a Bible because we want them to be engaged in the Bible teaching time. If the teacher asks for someone to read a particular verse the students will have their own Bible open to the passage enabling them to volunteer to read if they choose.

Let’s turn in our Bibles to Matthew 2. Allow students to find their place and place a marker there. If any students are having a difficult time encourage those who have found their place to help their friend closest to them find their place.

It is getting close to Christmas. How many of you have been asked “What do you want for Christmas?” What have you told those who have asked? (Allow students to respond.) This week as I was thinking about how we ask each other about what we want for Christmas and I thought about this: if we were to ask God what He wants for Christmas what do you think He would say? Allow the students to answer. Encourage their answers. (For unbelievers: God would want those who don’t believe in Jesus to put their faith in Him so they can be saved. For believers: He wants to be King of our hearts. Discuss what having God as the King of our heart means. (You can have a visual of a heart where there is a throne in the center on one side, and on the other side it can be crowded with pictures of things that keep us from having room in our hearts for Jesus to be the King.)

In our story today we will see people who wanted to have Jesus as King of their heart and those who did not. Let’s get into our story today so we can find out who these people are.

Many years ago God promised that He would send a King who would rescue the Jewish people from their enemies. As we have been studying the past few months from the Old Testament we have seen the history of God’s people. They had God’s promises but didn’t always trust and obey Him. Many times they were wicked and worshiped pretend gods like the people from other countries. God punished their sin and sent them as slaves into other countries. Just a few weeks ago we began studying Daniel. Who remembers where Daniel and his friends were taken as slaves? (Babylon)

When Daniel lived in Babylon Nebuchadnezzar had many men in his kingdom who were called wise men. Daniel, a Jewish young man was the wisest of all in Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom. He was wise because he trusted and obeyed the One True God and didn’t worship pretend gods.

Today our story begins in the area where Babylon used to exist. Hundreds of years have past since Daniel lived in Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom. In this land the people still had many wise men. These men were also called Magi. Magi were like priests to the king. The king would call for them when they needed to know something.

Magi were wise in many things. One of the things these men studied was stars. These men knew a lot about the stars and their locations in the sky. We call people who study stars astrologers.

One night as these wise men looked out at the stars they saw a star that they had never seen before. It was amazing to these wise men. They began to read books and find out what they could learn about this star that seemed to miraculously appear in the sky. As they looked through their books maybe they came across some notes that people had written many years ago. These notes may have been written during the time when Daniel was living. Maybe they read a prophecy from Numbers 24:17 that says: “A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.” Somehow the wise men learned that a Ruler was going to come out of the land of Jerusalem. This King would be a special king because the One True God had promised to send this King. Because the star was so spectacular and they knew that it had been shown to them. They wanted to find this King that this Star was pointing them to. They wanted to find this King and worship Him.

These men set out to seek the King of the Jews. These men knew that they could find out more about this King if they traveled to the land of Jerusalem to learn of Him. They knew that the Jewish people lived in Jerusalem. They traveled there because they thought they might find all the people of Jerusalem worshiping the King God had sent.

We don’t know how many of these wise men packed up their things and began the long journey to find the King. Many times we think it is three because of the song We Three Kings and also because they gave 3 gifts. It is possible that it was a large number of wise men that traveled to Jerusalem. We also always imagine them riding on camels. The Bible doesn’t tell us what they rode. It is very possible that they rode horses. We do not know for certain because it is not recorded in Scripture.

As these wise men are traveling the long trip to Jerusalem, let me tell you about the man who is ruling in the land of Jerusalem. His name is King Herod. He is a very troubled man. He was known as a wicked and cruel King. As time passed he became very suspicious of anyone trying to take away his crown and he would not be the king anymore. History tells us that whenever he became suspicious of anyone he would have them put to death.

We don’t know this for sure but let’s imagine this is what might have happened. One day as Herod sat in his palace his servants came and told him that there was a large group of men coming into Jerusalem. King Herod must have wondered why this group of men was visiting him. Maybe he thought they came to admire his great kingdom and speak with him about his greatness.

It must have been surprising to the Magi that when they arrived in Jerusalem the city was not filled with people who had great joy and excitement on their faces because they had received the King of the Jews as their God had promised. What they must have seen was a city filled with people going about their day like they would on any ordinary day.

The Magi went to King Herod and asked, (Have volunteer read Matthew 2:2) “Where is the One who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

King Herod thought he was pretty important. From what the wise men were saying it didn’t sound like they were coming to look for him. He was a little startled by their question. The Jewish people were looking for the Promised King to come and rescue them and be their King. If this King came what would happen to Herod, would he still be king or would he lose his crown? He was very troubled by the news the wise men brought and the news began to trouble the people living in Jerusalem.

King Herod gathered the chief priests and scribes who knew God’s Word. He asked them where the Christ was to be born. The scribes told him that it was written in God’s Word that the Christ Child would be born in Bethlehem.

Herod must have thought, “Oh my, it looks as though there is really a King out there that will take away my kingdom. What shall I do?” Herod decided to keep his plan quiet. He called the wise men and spoke to them.”

Herod had a secret meeting with the wise men. He needed information about when they first saw this Star. He wanted to know the exact time this so-called King was born. “Go, find this Child and when you find Him come back to quickly so I may go and worship Him too!”

Do you think King Herod was seeking the King of the Jews? (Allow students to respond.) If King Herod or any of the Jewish people were truly seeking the King of the Jews wouldn’t they have packed up and traveled with the Magi to worship the King too?

Listen to this verse: (Have volunteer read Psalm 10:4 “In his pride the wicked doesn’t seek Him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.”) This verse is a perfect verse to describe Herod and most of Jerusalem. God had kept His promise and sent Jesus the King of the Jews. Instead of being the first to go and find Him to worship Him, Magi (men who were not Jewish) were seeking the King.

The wise men left Jerusalem knowing that Bethlehem was the destination of the Christ Child. They must have been getting so excited about seeing this King.

With the many houses where the King might be, the Magi wouldn’t know which house to look first. God knew these wise men were truly seeking Him. He guided them to the place where the King could be found. God allowed the star that led them to shine brightly over the home where He was staying.

The wise men knocked at the door and inside this little home they found a husband and a wife. As they came to the door they held a young child about 2 years old in their arms. Mary set the Child down and the wise men bowed to the ground and worshiped the King. They brought treasures to give to the King. These were expensive gifts that the men had brought. They brought Gold, Frankincense and myrrh. Gold is a gift that is given to kings. Frankincense is a gift that represents that the person receiving it is God. Myrrh is a spice used for wrapping a body that has died. All of these gifts were symbols of who Jesus is. Jesus is the King. He is God and when He grew up He would die for all our sins and would be raised to life again. He returned to heaven and one day He would come back as King of Kings.

As soon as the wise men finished worshiping the King, they left and began to travel back to Jerusalem to tell Herod where the King was. They needed rest before they could begin this long journey home. As they slept the Lord spoke to them in a dream and warned them not to go back to Herod. They heard and obeyed God’s voice and went back to their land a different way than through Jerusalem. God kept the Magi safe from Herod.

Imagine what Mary and Joseph felt like after the wise men visited them. These wise men had come to worship the Promised King and had given Him expensive gifts as they worshiped Him.

At night as Joseph was sleeping, God spoke to him in a dream. He warned him that he had to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt quickly so that He would be safe from King Herod. God told Joseph to stay in Egypt until Herod dies.

Joseph heard and obeyed God’s voice and took his family to Egypt just as God told him to. Joseph trusted God and God kept his entire family including the Child Jesus safe from harm.

Days had passed and King Herod paced the floors in his palace waiting for news where this Child was. As time passed he became a bit more crazy. When the days kept passing he realized that the wise men were not coming back. How dare they deceive him? He was a king and he could have their heads! He was so angry and since he could not go after the wise men he came up with a very wicked and cruel plan. He decided that he could eliminate this King once and for all and He could never take his kingdom away from him! Only a fool could think that he could stop God’s plans. (Volunteer may read Psalm 33:11 “But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” Job 42:2 “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.”

Because Herod’s heart was full of pride and foolishness he actually thought he could get rid of God’s promised King. He commanded his soldiers go throughout the land of Bethlehem and surrounding areas. They were to put to death all children who were two years old and under.

God always keeps His Word. Nothing can stop God’s plans. Many years before Herod was even born, God knew that Herod would do this terrible thing to all the baby boys. Even though Herod was wicked and tried to kill the Promised King, God kept Jesus safe by sending Joseph to Egypt until Herod was dead.

When Herod died God told Joseph it was safe to return to the land of Israel. Joseph took Jesus and Mary and they lived in the city of Nazareth.

God sent the King of the Jews, Jesus into the world so many years ago. God spoke to people and showed them the way to His Son. He spoke to the shepherds by sending an angel and they went and found Jesus and worshiped Him. God sent a star to lead the wise men to the King of kings and they worshiped Him. Herod learned about God’s King but he was so worried that Jesus was going to take away his kingdom that he tried to have Him killed. Jesus didn’t want Herod’s throne He wanted his heart. We never read of Herod ever bowing to worship the King of all kings. Every one of us here this morning has been shown the King. God has allowed us to hear from His Word, His promises to send a King and how He kept His promise. Jesus came to this earth as a baby, grew up and died on the cross so we all could be saved. He is the King and one day He will come back to this earth and rule as the King of all the earth.

Closing Application:

What will you do with this information God has given you? Will you believe in Jesus? Will you bring your best gift to Jesus and worship and obey Him? Will you worry that Jesus will not allow you to do the things you want to do and you will try to be your own king? It is our prayer that you will choose to believe in Jesus and allow Him to be the King of your heart.

God kept His promise to send the King of the Jews. The Magi were truly wise men because they heard about this promise and followed the star that God sent to guide them to Jesus. The Jewish people living in Jerusalem were not wise because although they had the Scriptures that taught them God’s promises they didn’t have room in their heart to do anything about it when they heard the news from the Magi.

God made a promise that has not happened yet. He promised that one day Jesus is going to return and punish those who reject Him and reign as King of all the earth with those who believe in Him living in His Kingdom. How do we live knowing that promise? If a person who was not a believer in Christ were to ask you about Jesus coming back would you know what to say? Do you know what the Bible says so you could share with them? Is your life an example to that person that you believe Jesus is coming again? Are behaving in a way that shows you are expecting Jesus to return? If not, what changes do you need to make so that you can be ready at any moment for Jesus to come back?

Close in prayer.

Review Questions:

• Why did the wise men travel to Jerusalem?
• Where did the scribes tell Herod the Christ Child would be born?
• How did God lead the wise men to the King?
• Why did the wise men go a different way back home?
• How did Herod act when the wise men didn’t come tell him where the Baby was?
• How did God protect His Son?
• Where did Joseph take his family to live after Herod died?
• Which group of people was seeking God?
• Which group of people was not seeking God?
• How does God lead people to Jesus today?
• How can you allow Jesus to be the King of your heart?

Additional Resources For This Bible Story

• Lessons, coloring pages about the Wise Men (MSS Crafts)
• Wise Men Coloring page (from Sermon’s for Kids)
• Object Lesson for Obedient Heart
• Other resources for lessons activities

Need More Help? Then check out our Wise Men lesson for Children’s church, a children’s sermon about the Magi, a preschool song about the Wise Men, or this lesson about King Herod.

Wait there’s more . . . You can browse all of our printable Christmas Lessons and coloring pages. Our free materials are perfect to use in your church, home, or school. There is no charge and you are welcome to copy as many as you like.

Related posts:

1. Magi and Two Very Different Kings: Christmas Bible Lesson
2. Free Christmas Lesson Plans for Kids Sunday School
3. Jesus Feeds 5,000 Sunday School Lesson
4. Nicodemus Seeks Jesus At Night (Sunday School Lesson)
5. Vacation Bible School in King James (KJV)

Are you looking for a great craft idea for your children’s Sunday school class? Then check out these websites. They list many great kid’s Christmas crafts, ideas and projects. Arts and crafts are not my strong point. So I’m thankful for all the easy and free Christmas craft ideas for kids. Try these for your Sunday school lesson, children’s church, or at home with your children.

New for Christmas 2010, Mandy is creating an Advent coloring book. Each page will have a different coloring sheet to help children think about the meaning of Christmas. When all put together, kids will have a Gospel-centered art project in to celebrate the season.

Click above to see more craft ideas on Pinterest

Free Christmas Craft Ideas For Kids

Christmas Time Together is the best place to find free, easy and clear craft projects for children. Your kids will love these art projects. Some craft ideas include: Advent Mural, Angel Tree Ornament, Bead Wreath & Candy Cane, Bell Ornament, Candy Basket, Cookie Cutter Ornament, Christmas Card Ornaments, Christmas Cornucopia, Christmas Cracker, Christmas Piñata, Christmas Place Mats, Clothes Pin Angel and many more. These crafts are free and easy to print off instructions.

Cullen’s Christmas Crafts are free to watch on YouTube. She always does a great job explaining the craft and making it simple to repeat.

Craft Central Station Christmas Idea page offers more great Christmas projects for kids. They offer a wide range of craft, gift, art, and card projects for children.

Danielle’s Place has dozens of free and easy Christmas crafts for children. Some crafts include:Craft Stick Christmas Star Ornament Craft for Kids, Peppermint Candy Frame, Coffee Filter Angel Craft, Ice Cream Cone Christmas Tree Craft, Poinsettia Flower Angel Craft, Picture Frame Christmas Ornament Craft, Lace Angel Craft, Angel Hershey’s Kiss Party Favor Craft, Communion Cup Reindeer, Christmas Candle with Base Craft, Gift Bags with gift tags Craft, CD Christmas Ornament Craft, Nativity Craft, Baby Jesus Envelop Craft, and many printable card crafts in her members area.

The Christmas Zone at Kidology.org is a great place to find crafts and Sunday school lessons about Christmas. They offer many free items, but you’ll need to buy a membership to get full access. I usually look here first when I’m planning a craft for kid’s church.

Related posts:

1. Free Christmas Lesson Plans for Kids Sunday School
2. Bible Verses About Christmas
3. Birth of John The Baptist: Christmas Lesson for Children

Here are some Bible verses about Christmas. You can use these favorite scripture quotes for your Christmas greeting cards. Many churches also use them for Advent Bible readings or Christmas programs.

These Bible verses are inspirational for holiday occasions and a great way to personalize your gifts or crafts. Click here to suggest a verse. I’d love to hear how you’re using these Christmas Bible verses for cards.

Bible Verses About Christmas

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Luke 1:35
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy–the Son of God.

Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

Luke 2:9-12
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. (10) And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (12) And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:13-14
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, (14) “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Micah 5:2
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times. ”

Isaiah 9:6-7
(6) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (7) Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

New for Christmas 2010: Mandy is creating an Advent coloring book. Each page will have a different coloring sheet to help children think about the meaning of Christmas. When all put together, kids will have a Gospel-centered art project in to celebrate the season.

Need More Help? Check out our free Christmas resources for kids ministry. This includes our Christmas Bible Lessons that have been used by thousands of churches.

Long Bible Passages and Christmas Verses

Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. (19) And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. (20) But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. (21) She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (22) All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: (23) “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (24) When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, (25) but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Luke 1:26-80
[ad#float-right](26) In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, (27) to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. (28) And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (29) But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. (30) And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. (31) And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. (32) He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, (33) and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (34) And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (35) And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy–the Son of God. (36) And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. (37) For nothing will be impossible with God.” (38) And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (39) In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, (40) and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. (41) And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, (42) and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! (43) And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? (44) For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. (45) And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (46) And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, (47) and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, (48) for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; (49) for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. (50) And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. (51) He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; (52) he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; (53) he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. (54) He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, (55) as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” (56) And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home. (57) Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. (58) And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. (59) And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, (60) but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” (61) And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by this name.” (62) And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. (63) And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered. (64) And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. (65) And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, (66) and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him. (67) And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, (68) “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people (69) and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, (70) as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, (71) that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; (72) to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, (73) the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us (74) that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, (75) in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. (76) And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, (77) to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, (78) because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high (79) to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (80) And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

Luke 2:1-40
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. (2) This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. (3) And all went to be registered, each to his own town. (4) And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, (5) to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. (6) And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. (7) And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (8) And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. (9) And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. (10) And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (12) And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” (13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, (14) “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (15) When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” (16) And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. (17) And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. (18) And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. (19) But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. (20) And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (21) And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. (22) And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (23) (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) (24) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” (25) Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. (26) And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. (27) And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, (28) he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, (29) “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; (30) for my eyes have seen your salvation (31) that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, (32) a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” (33) And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. (34) And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (35) (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (36) And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, (37) and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. (38) And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. (39) And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. (40) And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

Matthew 2:1-23
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, (2) saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (3) When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; (4) and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. (5) They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: (6) “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” (7) Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. (8) And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” (9) After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. (10) When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. (11) And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. (12) And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. (13) Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” (14) And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt (15) and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” (16) Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. (17) Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: (18) “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” (19) But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, (20) saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” (21) And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. (22) But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. (23) And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled: “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

What’s your favorite Bible verse about Christmas?

Related posts:

1. Bible Verses About Parents, Children, Mothers & Fathers
2. Bible Verses About Children