Lesson Objective
To help children understand the importance of the announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds and how this event demonstrates God’s love for all people, even the humblest among us. The children will learn to appreciate God’s grace and share the Good News with others.
Introduction
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” (Luke 2:1-5)
In this passage, we see that Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem due to a decree from Caesar Augustus. Mary was pregnant with Jesus, the Son of God, who was about to be born.
The Announcement to the Shepherds
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:8-12)
The shepherds were humble and lowly people who were chosen by God to receive the first announcement of Jesus’ birth. This shows that God’s love is for everyone, regardless of their status or position in society.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think God chose the shepherds to receive the news of Jesus’ birth?
- What does this tell us about God’s love and grace?
Object Lesson: The Shepherd’s Staff
Bring a shepherd’s staff or a long stick to represent one. Explain that the shepherd’s staff was used to guide and protect the sheep. Just as the shepherd takes care of his sheep, Jesus is our Good Shepherd who loves and cares for us. We can trust Jesus to guide and protect us in our lives.
Game Idea: Find the Baby Jesus
Hide a small baby doll or a picture of baby Jesus somewhere in the room. Have the children search for it, just as the shepherds searched for Jesus after hearing the good news from the angel. When the child finds the baby Jesus, have them share one way they can share the Good News with others.
Conclusion
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:13-14)
The birth of Jesus was a significant event, not only for the shepherds but for all of humanity. God sent His Son to be our Savior, showing His love and grace to everyone, even the humblest among us. Let us remember to share the Good News with others and help them understand the love of God revealed through the birth of Jesus Christ.
Emphasizing the Importance of Jesus’ Birth
Dear children, have you ever wondered why the birth of Jesus is so important to us? Why do we celebrate it every year with such joy and enthusiasm? It’s because Jesus’ birth was not just an ordinary event; it was the beginning of God’s great plan to bring salvation to all people, including you and me.
Isn’t it amazing to think that God chose shepherds, simple and humble people, to receive the first announcement of Jesus’ birth? This shows us that God’s love and grace are for everyone, no matter who we are or where we come from. And that, my dear friends, is something worth celebrating!
Jesus: The Only Way to Salvation
Now, let’s take a moment to think about what this means for our lives. If Jesus is the only way to salvation, doesn’t it make sense for us to follow Him and share this Good News with others? Jesus came to this world to save us from our sins, and by believing in Him and accepting His gift of salvation, we can have eternal life in heaven.
But how can we share this message with others? It’s simpler than you might think. We can start by living our lives in a way that reflects the love and grace of Jesus. By showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to those around us, we can demonstrate the power of God’s love and inspire others to seek Jesus as their Savior.
A Call to Action
So, what can we do today to share the Good News of Jesus’ birth with others? Here are some practical suggestions:
- Pray for opportunities to share the Good News with your friends, family, and classmates.
- Be a good example by showing love, kindness, and forgiveness to those around you.
- Invite someone to church or a Sunday school class, where they can learn more about Jesus and His love for them.
- Share your favorite Bible story about Jesus with someone who may not know about Him.
Remember, dear children, that we have a great responsibility to share the Good News of Jesus’ birth with others. As God chose the humble shepherds to be the first to hear about Jesus, He has also chosen us to share this message of love and salvation with the world. Let us seize every opportunity to spread the Good News, knowing that in doing so, we are fulfilling God’s plan and bringing joy to His heart.
May the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ fill your hearts and minds as you go forth to share the Good News of His birth with others. Amen.
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