During the lesson, the information for you to know is written in regular type, and what we suggest speaking or reading aloud to children is in bold. All resources for this lesson, including the Teacher Guide, Student Page, Family Connection Card, and other resources can be downloaded in a ZIP file by clicking on the following link:
In some lessons you will find "resource articles." These are articles written by experts from around the world to help equip you for your work with children and adolescents. Share them with parents or guardians if you consider it appropriate.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:1–2
When Jesus was still a small, fragile newborn, others knew that He was worthy of worship. The shepherds hurried to the humble manger to see the Saviour the angels had spoken about. Old Simeon and Anna rejoiced at the sight of the tiny baby, for they knew He was God’s promised salvation. The magi, also called wise men, travelled a long distance to worship the new King.
This week, respond to Jesus in the same way His first visitors did—with worship! Bow down like the wise men did. Tell others the amazing news as the shepherds and Anna did. Lift your voice in praise as Simeon did when he took the newborn Saviour in his arms. Allow the wonder of Jesus, God made man, to be with you this week.
Let families know that their children will worship Jesus as others did that first Christmas. Encourage families to share what they know or have heard about Christmas. Encourage the children to share what they learned in class with their families.
Teacher Tip: If possible, email or text the Family Connection Card to the families of your students.
As the children come in today, welcome them with a cheery Christmas greeting! When everyone has arrived, ask the children what they remember or have heard about Jesus’ birth.
Tell the children that they will play a special game of tag. Ask for a volunteer to be “It.” Explain that the volunteer will try to tag the other children, who will try to escape. When he tags a child, she must link arms with him. Then the volunteer will try to tag another child. When the next child is tagged, he will link arms with the child who was tagged earlier. All the children who have been tagged must stay linked together. Once all of the children are linked together, the game is over. Then have the children sit down.
What would you think if I told you that our volunteer represents God? When “God” tagged someone, He was inviting her to be with Him. We will hear about some people God invited to be with Him and to worship Jesus.
Divide the children into 3 groups.
Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Jesus is the Saviour God had promised to send to His people. Amazingly, some people recognized this, even when He was still a tiny baby!
I will give each group the story of some people who recognized that Jesus was God’s promised Saviour. Each group will read its story and act it out for the whole class. One person in each group will read the story out loud while the others act it out silently.
Give each group one of the worship stories from the end of this lesson. Give the groups about 5–10 minutes to read the story and prepare their silent skit. Have each group perform their story for the rest of the group. Be sure to clap after each one.
Have the children remain in their groups for the rest of the lesson.
Why do you think God told the shepherds about Jesus?
Allow the children to offer their ideas.
Optional: If possible, share the image of the shepherds seeing Jesus from The Action Bible.
Shepherds were not considered important in their communities. But these shepherds were the first to worship the new King. God does not think anyone is unimportant. He invites everyone to worship Jesus.
Why do you think God showed baby Jesus to Simeon and Anna?
Allow the children to offer their ideas.
Optional: If possible, share the image of Simeon holding baby Jesus from The Action Bible.
Simeon and Anna were faithful believers who trusted that God would fulfil His promise. Because of this, they recognized Jesus as the Saviour. God wants everyone to know and trust Him. He invites everyone to worship Jesus.
Why do you think God led the wise men to Jesus?
Allow the children to offer their ideas.
Optional: If possible, share the image of the wise men giving gifts from The Action Bible.
The wise men did not believe in the Jewish God. But they knew who Jesus was, and they travelled a long way to worship Him. God wants everyone to seek Him and know the joy He brings. He invites everyone to worship Jesus.
As we have seen, God invites everyone to worship Jesus!
People may not think that you are important, but you are important to God. Whether you believe in God now or are not yet ready to trust Him, He does love you and wants you to know Him. He invites you to love and worship Jesus.
If you are using the Memory Verse Poster, show it to the students.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:1-2
The shepherds, Simeon and Anna, and the wise men all recognized who Jesus was and worshipped Him.
In your groups, think about the story you acted out earlier. How did the people in your story worship Jesus? Create a song that shows the people in your story worshipping Jesus. You can make up your own melody, or you can use the melody of a song you already know.
Give the groups 5 minutes to create their songs. Then have them share their creations with the whole class. Clap for everyone’s beautiful songs.
Throughout the year, we have learned many things about Jesus and who He is. I will ask you some questions, and I want you to think about the answers quietly, in your hearts.
Optional: If you are using the Student Pages, your children can colour them.
Close your class by praying this blessing over the children:
Blessing: The shepherds, Simeon, Anna, and the wise men recognized Jesus and worshipped Him. May you also recognize Jesus and worship him.
Lead the children in singing this quarter’s song, if possible. (soft return here)
Life on Life ©2020 David C Cook. Reproducible for home or classroom use only. All other uses require written permission from David C Cook [email protected]. All rights reserved.
