Lesson kit: The Shepherds and the First Christmas Night

Lesson aim

God told the Christmas news first to simple people: Jesus came for everyone, and whoever finds him wants to tell others.

Key verse

“There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.” Luke 2:8

Lesson plan

1. 1

   Welcome · 5 minutes

   Greet the children, sing a song they know and say a short prayer.

2. 2

   The story · 10 minutes

   Tell the story with the illustrations on the big screen or by reading it aloud, page by page.

   Open on the big screen →
3. 3

   Talk · 10 minutes

   Ask the questions below and let the children answer in their own words.

4. 4

   Activity · 10 minutes

   Hand out the printed sheet: each child draws their favourite scene and practises the verse.

5. 5

   Closing prayer · 2 minutes

   Close by thanking God for what you learned today. God told the Christmas news first to simple people: Jesus came for everyone, and whoever finds him wants to tell others.

Discussion questions

1. What were the shepherds doing when the angel appeared?
2. What sign did the angel give to help them find the baby?
3. Who can you tell the news that Jesus was born?

Summary for the teacher

One night near Bethlehem, shepherds were watching their sheep when an angel appeared and the glory of God shone around them. The angel told them not to be afraid: the Savior had been born, and they would find him wrapped in cloths in a manger. A great crowd of angels praised God. The shepherds hurried, found Mary, Joseph, and the baby, told everyone what they had heard, and went back praising God.