The end of the year ushers in an exciting time for all ages. We join in the history of awaiting the coming Savior during the season of Advent and then celebrate His birth during Christmas. When it comes to teaching about this time, here are four accounts you can use to teach the Christmas story to children and youth in fun and interactive ways with Christmas Lessons – Enduring Faith® Bible Curriculum.
God Promises a Savior (Luke 1:26–56; 2:1–20)
The Old Testament is filled with stories and accounts of how humanity has failed time and time again, in desperate need of the Savior that God promised would one day come. The Gospel of Luke shares the moment Mary learns from the angel Gabriel that, through the Holy Spirit, she will bring the promised Savior into the world. In this incredible story we also learn of another miracle: her cousin Elizabeth, who has been unable to have a baby, is also pregnant, “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). This baby was John the Baptist, a prophet who would prepare the way for Jesus. With this story, you can teach your class how the Holy Spirit was working from the Old Testament all the way to this moment with Mary and Elizabeth. The Christmas Lessons – Enduring Faith Bible Curriculum kit comes with helpful tools for teaching this story, including a lesson video, Bible Story poster, and activity pages.
Teach this story to youth by acting out Luke 1:26-56 and 2:1-20. Or, using the Leader Guide, discuss this story and go deeper into God’s Word together by reading connecting passages like 2 Samuel 7:16, Isaiah 47:12, and Micah 5:2. You can even take it one step further with them by discussing why it was important that Jesus was born just like us and why God used Mary to bring the Savior into the world.
Baby Jesus Is Born (Luke 2:1–20)
The Gospel of Luke continues with the story of Jesus’ birth and what a huge cause of celebration this was for mankind. Through this story, share with children and youth that this wasn’t a just big deal because the Savior had finally come but because He came as a baby. Jesus being born was so exciting that even the angels in heaven could not contain their joy as they appeared and shared with shepherds nearby that the Savior was finally here! Teach this story in a few ways, depending on the age group. For young learners, use the Bible story poster and the Arch® Book Baby Jesus Is Born. For older kids, discuss what it must have been like to be one of the shepherds or encourage them to share times in their lives when they experienced a surprise or felt very joyful.
As this lesson brings a lot of attention to where Jesus was born, you can also set up a nativity scene together using the classic 16-piece nativity set and discuss all the people who are shown.
The Songs of Christmas (Luke 1:46–56; 2:1–40)
During the Christmas season, we hear a lot of songs on the radio, in stores, and at church. But some of the very first Christmas songs can be found in the Bible. Luke shares a few special songs from Mary (the Magnificat), Simeon (Nunc Dimittis), and angels. Jesus’ birth was such a joyful occasion that songs of praise and worship couldn’t be contained!
As you read the story together, remind children and youth that these are songs we still sing today, and we get to join the choir that has been singing praises to God for many years! Christmas Lessons – Enduring Faith® Bible Curriculum provides leader materials, activity pages, an Arch® Book, a video, and more for this story. But you can also simply use a hymnal and spend your Sunday School time picking Christmas hymns to sing together.
The Visit of the Wise Men (Matthew 2:1–12)
The Gospel of Matthew is the only one that tells us about the Wise Men who came to visit Jesus after He was born. This story is important because these men were not Jewish, so why would they be curious to know about this King who was born? These men studied the stars and noticed that on the night Jesus was born, a new star had appeared in the sky. They understood that something incredible had happened and wanted to investigate.
As you teach this story, emphasize that Jesus’ birth was a blessing for everyone! He came to be the Savior for all of us and that is why we celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth every year.
Scripture: ESV®.
Blog post adapted from Christmas Lessons – Enduring Faith® Bible Curriculum © 2023 Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Christmas Lessons – Enduring Faith® Bible Curriculum covers these four accounts with engaging lessons, posters, Arch® Books, coloring pages, and more.
