Born in a Manger. The story about the birth of Christ comes alive in this lesson as the children hear, see, and become part of this special event.

Born in a Manger The story about the birth of Christ comes alive in this lesson as the children hear, see, and become part of this special event. TOPICS Birth of Jesus, Christmas AS KIDS ARRIVE (15 minutes) Itchy, Smelly, Bed (Activity) page 2 BIBLE VERSE (5 minutes) "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11 NIRV Where was our Savior born? (In the town of David.) What was the name of that small town? (Bethlehem.) Who is our Savior? (Jesus.) BIBLE STORY (15 minutes) Gather the children around you in preparation for story time. Children never get tired of hearing about the time when Jesus was born. The story is even more fun when told with visual aids. As you read the story from the Bible, use the following activity to encourage the children to listen and interact with the story. Lift and Learn - Baby Jesus (Activity) page 3 Read Luke: 2:1-16 (The Birth of Jesus) Discussion Questions: 1. With whom did Joseph go to Bethlehem to register for the census? (Mary.) 2. When the baby came, what did Mary wrap Him in? (Clothes, swaddling clothes, etc.) 3. Why did Mary place baby Jesus in a manger? (There was no room at the inn.) 4. What did the shepherds hear and see in the sky? (An angel of the Lord.) 5. When a great company of heavenly host appeared with the angel, what did they say? (Glory to God in the highest.) 6. What did the shepherds do after they heard this? (They went to Bethlehem to see the baby.) 7. What would be the most exciting thing about seeing baby Jesus lying in a manger? (Allow for answers.) FUN TIME (10 minutes) Jesus is His Name (Activity) page 4 ALTERNATE FUN TIME (10 minutes) A Not So Silent Night (Story) page 5-6 CLOSING ACTIVITY (5-10 minutes) Give the children blank sheets of paper and crayons or colored markers. Have them create their own unique manger scene, to include all of the characters mentioned during today's lesson. Have them draw some gifts for the baby Jesus, that they would like to give Him.

ITCHY, SMELLY BED Born in a Manger Children create the manger scene, but first they must find all the parts. TOPICS: Birth of Jesus, Christmas MATERIALS: A small nativity with characters, plenty of barn animals, and 3 kings (wise men, magi) with gifts DURATION: Approximately 15 minutes PREPARATION: Place the stable structure without the characters on top of the table so the children will see that it is empty. Hide the other figures, animals, etc. in different areas of the room where the children will not see them immediately, but can be found easily. Put the three kings with gifts in a separate place to search last, or have the children close their eyes after finding the other items, and then hide them. If no nativity set is available, picture cut-outs can work just as well. WHAT YOU WILL DO: Have the children find the different nativity items hidden in the room, and complete the nativity scene. Adding Mary, Joseph and Jesus first, then the animals, and last the wise men as you tell the story of the birth of Jesus. WHAT YOU WILL SAY: "Before Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph traveled many days to the town of Bethlehem. But when they arrived, the city was so full with travelers it was hard to find a place to stay. Someone suggested that they stay in a certain place. What kind of place was it? (A stable or barn like the one on the table.) Our stable is empty. What may have been in the stable on that special night? (The children will probably mention a manger and certain animals.) I think when Jesus was born there were special people and animals that visited to celebrate His birth. Let s go find them and help them find their way to our barn. Of course, Mary, Joseph and Jesus should be inside first. Then we will add the rest. (Allow time for the children to find the hidden items.) Great! Let's put Mary and Joseph here first. Next baby Jesus. What did baby Jesus sleep on? Right, a manger filled with hay. That would be an itchy, smelly bed, don't you think? What else was in the stable? Right, animals. Let's add some animals.next there were visitors, like shepherds. Let's add them too." After you help arrange the figures, tell the children that three kings (wise men, magi) also visited Jesus. "What do you think the wise men brought? (Presents.) We need to find the wise men." Explain where the children should look for the wise men, and add them to the scene as they are discovered. Note: The Biblical account of the birth of Jesus does not specifically mention the type of structure where the manger was found. Neither the common nativity scenes often seen today nor the use of one in this activity should suggest what was actually used at the time of Jesus' birth.

Born in a Manger LIFT & LEARN - BABY JESUS A fun activity that encourages children to listen and interact with the story about the birth of Jesus. TOPICS: Birth of Jesus, Christmas MATERIALS: Window Story Pages [PDF] page 7-8 Glue, Scissors DURATION: Approximately 10 minutes PREPARATION: Before class, print both window story part one and part two. On window story part one you will notice that there are four boxes numbered one through four. Cut out the lines on the sides and bottom of these boxes. Ensure that the top line is not cut as this will act as the hinge when you open the flap. These boxes will be the windows you use while telling the story. After you cut the windows on three sides, place window story page one over the top of window story page two. When you open the windows, you should be able to see the pictures of Baby Jesus, Star, Angel and Shepherds. Once you have determined that everything lines up correctly, carefully glue window story page one over page two. A little glue will go a long way, so use the glue sparingly and be sure not to get any glue in the window areas. WHAT YOU WILL DO: Tell the children that you will be telling them the story of the birth of Jesus and that through out the story you will be asking for kids to help you tell the story. As you tell the story, select different children to come up and open a window at the appropriate time. As the windows open, show all the children the pictures that had been hidden behind the window.

Born in a Manger JESUS IS HIS NAME A fun Christmas activity that will take the children back to the day when Jesus was born. TOPICS: Birth of Jesus, Christmas MATERIALS: Poem Jesus is His Name [PDF] page 9 Several old white T-shirts Colorful markers Glitter glues in different colors Small barn toy animals of lambs, sheep, chicken, goats, etc (optional) DURATION: Approximately 10 minutes PREPARATION: Before class, using the markers or colored glitter glues, make a character shirt for each child in your class. Write on each shirt names such as Angel, Shepherd, Lamb, Sheep, Star, or Magi. Put a shirt on each child and have them sit in a circle in the middle of the room as the teacher sits in front of them. WHAT YOU WILL DO: Tell the children they will pretend that they are in the town of Bethlehem during the time when Jesus was born. Explain that some of the children will be in the sky as a star or an angel, an animal in the barn, or perhaps a shepherd or a Magi who came to visit Jesus. As you read the poem to the children, let them chime in by shouting Jesus is His name at the end of each stanza as indicated.

A NOT SO SILENT NIGHT Born in a Manger A short Christmas story about the night Jesus was born, which was not silent at all. For storybook version page 10-21 TOPICS: Birth of Jesus, Christmas DURATION: Approximately 10 minutes This is a story about a not so silent night. A night when many people traveled to Bethlehem. A night when many people grew tired. They came on donkeys, horses, and carts. Some were rich and some were not, but everyone had one thing in mind to find a place to rest during what they hoped would be a quiet evening. The hours passed by, and it was getting late. Everyone had fallen asleep, but wait, listen! If you sit very still, you can hear someone or something whispering in the night. Hey star, what are your doing? It seems you can t stay still, whispered a big bright moon. I am just trying to make sure I m in the right spot! said the star. For what? asked the moon, quietly moving his eyes from left to right and up and down. This is a special night, remember? The angel said so, and he told me to be ready. By the way, I have to save energy. Can you help me light my way so I can see? asked the star as he dimmed his light and wiggled left to right, then up an down to find that perfect spot. The moon replied, Oh yeah. I remember now. Okay, here you go. I hope my light is bright enough to help! Just then, the moon shined his light directly on the star, and the star stumbled almost to another galaxy! Hey, that s too bright! Just keep it toned down a little. Besides, it s not time yet, said the star as he zoomed into position and sat still. He gave the moon a big smile while testing his light. With that, there were little lights bouncing all around him. Suddenly, the star saw some angels flying by. There were so many, they almost covered the whole sky. They seemed to be dancing. One whizzed by the moon, winked his eye, and put his fingers to his mouth. Sssshhhhhh, he said, and off he went again with the other angels. One big angel was particularly anxious. He put his hand on his hips, then up in the air. He was directing all the others, like a conductor of a choir. Glory, Glory, said one. Halleluiah, said another. Keep it low for now, said the big angel as he flew away. The other angels followed him, continuing to sing, "Glory, Glory" and "Halleluiah," and they all flew happily by the moon. Then even the moon began to sing Glory Halleluiah, as he made himself as bright and round as he could be. Meanwhile, at a small barn not too far from Bethlehem, the animals could not keep quiet either. They were talking among themselves. Moooooo, said the cow. I hope the trough is big enough for the baby. Then a little lamb spoke up. Hey horse! Don t eat too much of that hay. We need it for the mother to rest on. I m not eating it. I m gathering the hay to take it to the family. I know we need to make the family comfortable, the horse replied.

Born in a Manger I am so excited, said a mama sheep. Me too, said the papa sheep. Little lamb, come over here with us, they both said. The little lamb ran with his tiny little hooves next to his mama and papa and sat down right in front of a young man and his wife. All the animals looked at them and waited. The cows and the horses, the donkeys and some deer, and all the others waited for something special to happen. Suddenly, everyone and everything felt something different. Pairs of eyes opened. The animals stood up in wonder. The star shined his brightest, and the moon, gazing down through the night sky, down to the earth and into the barn, looked in awe at the sight. Then it happened. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 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. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests. (Luke 2:8-14 NIV ) Oh, the star shone so bright for a long time. As the shepherds traveled to find the baby, the angels shouted and praised the newborn King. Despite all the noises around Him, do you know what the little baby Jesus was doing? He was sound asleep and as quiet as he could be. THE END

Jesus is His Name One day there was a couple, Joseph and Mary were their names, They walked a long way to Bethlehem, With many special friends. Then late at night, and oh so tired Pregnant Mary needed rest, But ahead for many weary miles, There was no room for quests. They walked at dark, they walked a lot But all that came their way, After knocking on so many doors, Was a smelly bed of hay. Joseph and Mary fell right to sleep, No one could hear a sound. Not even a snore from the tiny mice, And there were quite a few around. Then something happened, spectacular! Little lights came dancing near, They kept on getting bigger, brighter, When suddenly we hear: ~~~~~~~~ Holy, Holy, Holy Angels in Heaven sing, A baby boy is born today... (Children in unison) JESUS IS HIS NAME He is our Savior, our Redeemer, Our King, our Conqueror, He is the Son of God on high..." (Children in unison) JESUS IS HIS NAME "From the line of David, Born in Bethlehem, He sleeps now in a manger..." (Children in unison) JESUS IS HIS NAME "Angels adore Him, animals visit Him, Shepherds are in awe. Three Magi come to give Him gold, frankincense and myrrh." "Hallelujah to our new born King...," (Children in unison) JESUS IS HIS NAME Kids Sunday School Place, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This is a story about a not so silent night. A night when many people traveled to Bethlehem. A night when many people grew tired. They came on donkeys, horses, and carts. Some were rich and some were not, but everyone had one thing in mind to find a place to rest during what they hoped would be a quiet evening. The hours passed by, and it was getting late. Everyone had fallen asleep, but wait, listen! If you sit very still, you can hear someone or something whispering in the night.

Hey star, what are you doing? It seems you can t stay still, whispered a big bright moon. I am just trying to make sure I m in the right spot! said the star. For what? asked the moon, quietly moving his eyes from left to right and up and down. This is a special night, remember? The angel said so, and he told me to be ready. By the way, I have to save energy. Can you help me light my way so I can see? asked the star as he dimmed his light and wiggled left to right, then up an down to find that perfect spot.

The moon replied, Oh yeah. I remember now. Okay, here you go. I hope my light is bright enough to help! Just then, the moon shined his light directly on the star, and the star stumbled almost to another galaxy! Hey, that s too bright! Just keep it toned down a little. Besides, it s not time yet, said the star as he zoomed into position and sat still. He gave the moon a big smile while testing his light. With that, there were little lights bouncing all around him.

Suddenly, the star saw some angels flying by. There were so many, they almost covered the whole sky. They seemed to be dancing. One whizzed by the moon, winked his eye, and put his fingers to his mouth. Sssshhhhhh, he said, and off he went again with the other angels.

One big angel was particularly anxious. He put his hand on his hips, then up in the air. He was directing all the others, like a conductor of a choir. Glory, Glory, said one. Halleluiah, said another. Keep it low for now, said the big angel as he flew away. The other angels followed him, continuing to sing, "Glory, Glory" and "Halleluiah," and they all flew happily by the moon. Then even the moon began to sing, Glory Halleluiah, as he made himself as bright and round as he could be.

Meanwhile, at a small barn not too far from Bethlehem, the animals could not keep quiet either. They were talking among themselves. Moooooo, said the cow. I hope the trough is big enough for the baby.

Then a little lamb spoke up. Hey horse! Don t eat too much of that hay. We need it for the mother to rest on. I m not eating it. I m gathering the hay to take it to the family. I know we need to make the family comfortable, the horse replied.

I am so excited, said a mama sheep. Me too, said the papa sheep. Little lamb, come over here with us, they both said. The little lamb ran with his tiny little hooves next to his mama and papa and sat down right in front of a young man and his wife. All the animals looked at them and waited. The cows and the horses, the donkeys and some deer, and all the others waited for something special to happen.

Suddenly, everyone and everything felt something different. Pairs of eyes opened. The animals stood up in wonder. The star shined his brightest, and the moon, gazing down through the night sky, down to the earth and into the barn, looked in awe at the sight. Then it happened.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 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. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests. (Luke 2:8-14 NIV)

Oh, the star shone so bright for a long time. As the shepherds traveled to find the baby, the angels shouted and praised the newborn King. Despite all the noises around Him, do you know what the little baby Jesus was doing? He was sound asleep and as quiet as he could be. The End.