Lesson Learned: We are getting ready to celebrate Jesus’ birthday.
Materials Needed: a calendar, stickers
Bible Verse:
Luke 2:15-20
5 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Talking Points: When Jesus was born, people were very excited to see Him, especially His mother and father. Your parents were probably very excited to meet you too. They probably couldn’t wait to see what you looked like; you were a special gift to them from God. They had many things to do do get ready for you: buy a crib, get clothes, make sure they had diapers, and mostly importantly pray. Mary probably had things to get ready to, especially her heart. We are about to celebrate Jesus’ special birthday and we need to make sure our hearts and minds are ready for this special day too.
Questions: Do you know when your birthday is? What did you do for your last birthday to make is special?
Activity: Show the child December 25th on the calendar and explain to them that this is the day we will be celebrating Jesus’ birthday. With the child, count the days from now until then. We will be getting our hearts and minds ready to celebrate this very special day! Let the child decorate December 25th with stickers.
Prayer: Dear Lord, we can never thank You enough for all the wonderful, amazing things You do. You came down to Heaven to be here with us and we are looking forward to celebrating Your Son’s birthday in a few weeks. Help us prepare our hearts for this wonderful celebration! Amen!