Big Idea: Jesus is the greatest Christmas gift of all time, so we can give glory and praise to God.
Bible Basis: Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 2:1–20
Key Verse: “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.” John 3:16
OPENING PRAYER
Lord, open now my heart to hear, And through your Word to me draw near. Let me your Word ever pure retain; Let me your child and heir remain. All this I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
THUMBS UP, THUMBS DOWN
Simply ask your child to share one good thing that happened today or this week (thumbs up) and one not-so-good thing (thumbs down). This is a great way to share celebrations and struggles with one another.
BIBLE LESSON VIDEO
ASK THESE QUESTIONS
For younger kids:
What was your favorite part of this story? Why?
Do you think Jesus is the greatest gift ever? Why or why not?
For older kids:
What do you think this story teaches us about God?
Do you think Jesus is the greatest gift ever? Why or why not?
REFLECT AND RESPOND
After the video, have your child pick one or more of the prompts on the GO! Home Guide.
Prayer Station prompt: Write a prayer to God and thank Him for giving you Jesus—the best gift ever!
Journal Station prompt: Imagine you were there when Jesus was born. What did you see? What did you say? What did you do? Write a story about it.
Bible Station prompt: Read it for yourself: Luke 2:1–20. Draw a picture of the story or write to God about your favorite part of the story. Tell Him why you liked it.
Art Station prompt: Draw a picture of baby Jesus in a manger. While you’re drawing, think about why Jesus is the best gift ever.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
+ Light It Up Connection Question
- Say: Merry Christmas! Can you believe it’s finally (or almost) here?! Today we’re going to “Light it Up” again and learn about the very first Christmas—the day that Jesus was born. We’ll get to guess what’s inside of some presents and when we figure it out, the presents will help us tell the story. Before we get started, though, I want to ask you a question:
- Question: What is the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received?
+ The Greatest Gift (Application Activity)
- Set-up: Print one “Greatest Gift Template” on 8½ x 11 cardstock for each kid.
- Say: We get so many awesome gifts during Christmas, but none of them come close to being as awesome as Jesus! We’re going to make a gift right now that will help us remember our Bible story and verse. When it’s finished, you can take it home and open it with your family on Christmas morning so that they can hear about the greatest gift too.
- Directions: Give each kid in your group a “Greatest Gift Template” along with some scissors and markers or crayons. Help the kids follow the directions on the template in order to cut out, color, and create their own story box. When finished, the box will look like a present on the outside, while the inside will have the four story pictures that help them remember the Christmas story and Bible verse (John 3:16.) Ask the kids to recount the Christmas story and Bible verse using the pictures. When finished, have the kids fold and tape the box closed as per the instructions. Encourage the kids to take their “present” home and to open it with their family on Christmas morning. They can use the pictures inside to share the Christmas story and verse with their family. When they’re finished, ask them the question below.
- Question: It’s so easy to get excited about opening Christmas presents and forget what Christmas is really about. If you could create a new tradition with your family that would help you remember the real reason for Christmas, what would it be?
+ Pass the Candy Cane (Bible Memorization Activity)
- Directions: Place the Bible verse sign in the middle of the group and read it carefully with your kids several times so they can begin to memorize it. Today’s Bible verse says: “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.” John 3:16. Begin the game by passing a candy cane around the circle. As the candy cane is being passed, have the kids read or recite the Bible verse from the card in the middle. When the group has finished reading the verse, the candy cane can no longer be passed (just like in the game “Hot Potato”). Next, flip the Bible verse card over so that the verse is no longer visible. Have the kid who is holding the candy cane recite the verse from memory along with the kids sitting to their left and right. If the kid holding the candy cane successfully recites the verse, they can keep the candy cane. Otherwise, they have to give it back. Finally, flip the Bible verse card back over so the verse is visible again, begin passing another candy cane around the circle and repeat the previous instructions. Continue until the kids have confidently memorized the verse.
- Question: This is one of the most well-known verses in the Bible. Why do you think it’s so popular?
+ Bite-sized Prayers (Prayer Activity)
- Directions: Open a large bag of Christmas M&Ms®, but leave the candy inside. Pass a napkin to each person. One at a time, allow each kid to use the spoon to scoop as many M&Ms® as they can or want out of the bag with one scoop. Tell them that for each piece of candy they get, they’ll have to answer a question, so the more they get, the more they have to share. Tell the kids not to eat the candy until you instruct them. Once everyone has a scoop of candy on their napkin, choose someone to go first. Have that kid hold up one of their pieces of candy. Depending on the color of the candy, have them answer the corresponding question:
- For each Red: God I’m thankful for…
- For each Green: God, I need you for…
- For each White: God, I’m sorry for…
- Directions: When they’ve shared, allow them to eat that piece of candy. Continue around the circle until all of the candy is gone or enough prayer requests have been shared. Close the activity with prayer. Encourage the kids to tell God why they think Jesus is so wonderful and to thank God for the gift of His Son.
(Due to copyright restrictions, the printable materials described in the activities above are only available to those who have registered for Our Savior’s Kids. To register your child(ren), click the button below)
CLOSING PRAYER
Thank you God for all the gifts you give us every day. The sun and moon and stars so bright and friends along the way. Most of all I thank you for the precious son who came So I could know and love like him, I’ll sing about his name. The best gift to me, his name is Jesus, thank you God for Jesus. The best gift to me. Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read in the Bible the story that was the basis for this week’s lesson:
Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 2:1–20
Do more of the activities list above with your child.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!