Christmas Bible Lesson for Kids (Birth of Jesus)
Theme: Emmanuel
Big Truth: Jesus is God with us.
Key Verse: “They will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’).” — Matthew 1:23
Bible Story: Luke 1–2; Matthew 1–2
Pillar Focus: Presence (Living aware that Jesus is near)
1) Introduction
Who here has ever felt all alone? Maybe at school, at night, or even when something was hard? It doesn’t feel good, does it? But guess what? Today, we’re learning something amazing—we are never truly alone because Jesus is Emmanuel, which means God with us! From the very beginning, God had a plan to be close to us. He didn’t want to stay far away in heaven—He came to live among us, as Jesus! And today, we’re going to learn how that changes everything for us every single day.
2) Game: Nativity Build Race
Setup: Picture cards: Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, Manger, Angels, Shepherds, Wise Men, Star, Stable.
Play: Teams race to collect and arrange the scene in the right order.
4) Praise & Worship
Praise: “Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)” (Kids), “Go Tell It on the Mountain”
Worship: “O Come Let Us Adore Him”
Coaching: Invite a moment of quiet awe—“Jesus, thank You for coming close.”
6) Bible Story — Act Out (Nativity)
Puppets & Props
Puppets: Narrator, Mary, Joseph, Angel, Shepherd, Wise Man, Herod (optional)
Stable backdrop; manger (shoebox + straw/paper)
Star on a stick; small wrapped “gifts”
Scroll (prophecy), crown (Herod), baby blanket
Setup
Left stage = Nazareth (Mary/Joseph).
Center = Bethlehem stable.
Right = Fields (Shepherd) and far-right = Herod’s palace (optional).
Music cues (optional): soft lullaby under a stable scene.
SCRIPT
Narrator (front):
“Today we tell the true story of God with us. Long ago, God promised a Savior. And at just the right time, He came.”
Scene 1 — The Announcement (Left/Nazareth)
Angel (to Mary): “Do not be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God. You will have a Son—Jesus. He will be called Immanuel—God with us.”
Mary (humble): “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”
Narrator: “An angel also spoke to Joseph in a dream: ‘Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.’”
Scene 2 — Journey & No Room (Center moves)
Narrator: “A ruler ordered everyone to be counted, so Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem.”
Joseph (knocking): “Is there any room?”
Innkeeper (offstage voice): “No room—sorry!”
Mary (gentle): “Joseph, the baby is coming.”
Narrator: “They found a stable. And there, Jesus was born. God came close.”
(Place a wrapped “baby” puppet/blanket in the manger.)
Scene 3 — Angels & Shepherds (Right/fields)
Shepherd: “Just a quiet night with the sheep…”
Angel (bright): “Do not be afraid! I bring good news of great joy—for all people! A Savior has been born—Christ the Lord. You’ll find Him in a manger.”
Shepherd (excited): “Let’s go to Bethlehem!”
(Shepherd moves to the stable and kneels.)
Shepherd (soft): “God… with us.”
Scene 4 — Wise Men & Herod (Far-right then center)
Narrator: “A bright star rose. Wise men from the east followed it.”
Wise Man (looking up): “Where is the newborn King? We have gifts—gold, frankincense, myrrh.”
(Optional) Herod (stern): “Find the child and report back to me.” (Narrator aside: “But Herod’s heart was not kind.”)
Narrator: “The star led the wise men to Jesus. They bowed and worshiped.”
Wise Man (at manger): “We honor You, King Jesus.”
Scene 5 — Emmanuel (Center)
Narrator (warm, to audience):
“Immanuel means God with us. He came as a baby, lived among us, died for us, and rose again. And by His Spirit—He is still with us today.”
All Puppets (together): “Jesus is God with us!”
Closing (Narrator)
“Where is Jesus now? By His Spirit—with us. We can talk to Him anytime.”
7) Holy Spirit Activation
Activity: “Feel His Presence”
Say: “Right now, let’s practice being aware that Jesus is here with us. He’s not far away. He’s close—closer than your breath.”
Have kids close their eyes, put their hands out, and take 2–3 deep breaths.
Lead them: “Say quietly: Jesus, I’m glad You’re here. How do you want to love me right now? Let’s listen for what He might want to say or show to us.”
Give kids 1–2 minutes in silence. Encourage them: “If you feel peace, warmth, or a picture in your mind, that’s one way God speaks!”
Ask: “Did anyone feel God’s love or hear Him speak to your heart? You can share if you want!
8) Small Group Questions
What does the name “Emmanuel” mean?
Why do you think God wanted to come close to us instead of staying far away?
How does it make you feel to know that Jesus is always with you?
When is a time you felt like you were all alone? How can remembering “God is with me” help you in those moments?
How can you live like Jesus is with you every day—at school, at home, or with friends?
9) Prayer (Repeat-after-me)
Let’s take a moment to thank Jesus for coming close to us. Close your eyes and put your hands out like you’re receiving a gift.”
Prayer:
“Jesus, thank You for being Emmanuel—God with us. Thank You for coming to earth so we could know Your love. Help us to remember that You are with us in every situation, and we never have to be afraid or feel alone. We love You! Amen.”