Angels Announce Jesus’ Birth to Shepherds • Lesson 4

Angels announced that Jesus is God’s Son.

Bible Verse“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).

Growing Closer to JesusChildren will n share good news with each other,

n hear a story about angels announcing Jesus’ birth to shepherds, andn practice telling people about Jesus the way the shepherds did.

Teacher EnrichmentBible Basisn Angels announce Jesus’ birth to shepherds.

Why do you suppose that God sent a host of heavenly beings to announce the birth of God’s Son to a bunch of shepherds? Why not to kings and royalty? Why not to the priests and religious leaders? Shepherds were about the lowliest class of people in the culture. Tending animals kept them from strictly observing religious laws regarding ceremonial

cleanliness, and they had a reputation for being thieves! Again, why shepherds?We really don’t know why, but we can probably assume that these shepherds were

not like the stereotype. God likely chose a group of shepherds who were faithful in following him. And just maybe God chose to announce Jesus’ birth to them because these common folk would be more likely to receive him wholeheartedly than anyone else. Perhaps they were the ones who needed Jesus most!

Like the shepherds needed Jesus, so do your preschoolers. They, too, can rejoice with the angels that God sent his Son, Jesus, into the world to live as an example for us and to die for our sins.

Prayer• Read John 3:16.• What does Jesus’ coming to earth mean for you? for your preschoolers?• Pray: Lord, I want to thank you for coming to earth for me because…

Luke 2:8-20

Bible Point

55Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 4

What Children Will Do Classroom Supplies Learning Lab Supplies

WelcomeTime

Welcome!—Receive name tags, and be greeted by the teacher.

“Shining Star Name Tags” (p. 23), scissors, marker, safety pins or tape

Let’s GetStarted

Direct children to one or more of the

optional activities until everyone

arrives.

Option 1: Shepherd Hats—Make shepherd hats from paper bags, and talk about the shepherds who went to see Jesus.

Paper bags (14x18½ inches), safety scissors, crayons

Option 2: Manger Cards—Use the manger stamp to decorate Christmas cards or wrapping paper.

Construction paper, newsprint, crayons

Option 3: Search for the Savior—Look for a baby doll the way the shepherds looked for Baby Jesus.

Bible, doll, blanket, shoe box

Pick-Up Time—Sing a song as they pick up toys and gather for Bible Story Time.

CD player

Bible Story Time

Setting the Stage—Share good news with a partner.

Stop-and-go sign from Lesson 1

Bible Song and Prayer Time—Sing a song, bring out the Bible, and pray together.

Bible, CD player

Hear and Tell the Bible Story—Hear from Luke 2:8-20 how angels appeared to shepherds to announce Jesus’ birth.

Bible, CD player

Do the Bible Story—Create megaphones to use to announce Jesus’ birth.

Construction paper, washable markers, tape

Closing Shepherd Mouse—Teach Whiskers that he doesn't have to be a shepherd to tell people about Jesus.

Washcloth, string

Go and Tell—Sing “Go, Tell It on the Mountain,” and close in prayer.

CD player

This Lesson at a Glance

*See the end of this lesson for extra-time ideas and supplies.

Before the Lessonn Collect the necessary items for the activities you plan to use, referring to the Classroom Supplies and Learning Lab

Supplies listed on the chart.n Make photocopies of the “Today I Learned…” handout (at the end of this lesson) to send home with your children.n Pray for the children in your class and for God’s direction as you teach the lesson.

Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 456

Lesson 4

Welcome TimeSUPPLIES: “Shining Star Name Tags” (p. 23), scissors, marker, safety pins or tape• Bend down and make eye contact with children as they arrive.• Greet each child individually with an enthusiastic smile.• Thank each child for coming to class today.• As children arrive, ask them how they put last week’s lesson into practice. Use

questions such as “Who did you tell about the place where Jesus was born?” and “How did you make room for Jesus this past week?”

• Say: Today we’re going to learn how angels announced that Jesus is God’s Son.

• Hand out the shining star name tags children made during Lesson 1, and help them attach the name tags to their clothing. If some of the name tags were damaged or if children weren’t in class that week, have them make new name tags using the photocopiable handout.

• Direct children to the Let’s Get Started activities you’ve set up.

Let’s Get StartedSet up one or more of the following activities for children to do as they arrive. After

you greet each child, invite him or her to choose an activity.Circulate between the activities to offer help as needed and direct children’s

conversation toward the point of today’s lesson. Ask questions such as “What does a shepherd do?” or “Who can you tell that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday?”

n Option 1: Shepherd HatsSUPPLIES: paper bags (14x18½ inches), safety scissors, crayons

Give each child a paper bag. Help each child cut out a 6x10-inch piece from one side as illustrated. Let children decorate their bags and wear them as shepherd hats. Encourage children to look around the room for wolves or other wild animals that might attack their sheep. Tell them that today’s Bible story is about a group of shepherds who heard an important message from God.

n Option 2: Manger CardsSUPPLIES: construction paper, newsprint, crayons

Set out light-colored construction paper, newsprint, crayons, and the manger stamp and ink pad. Let children use the manger stamp and ink pad to decorate construction paper to use as Christmas cards or sheets of newsprint to use as wrapping paper. Encourage them to use crayons or other art supplies to

add their own designs while they’re waiting for a turn to use the manger stamp. As they work, remind them that angels announced that Jesus is God’s Son, and we give cards and presents at Christmas to celebrate his birthday.

It’s important to say the Bible Point just as it’s written in each activity. Repeating the Bible Point again and again will help children remember it and apply it to their lives.

57Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 4

Angels Announce Jesus’ Birth to Shepherds

n Option 3: Search for the SaviorSUPPLIES: Bible, doll, blanket, shoe box

Before class, wrap a small doll in a blanket, and set it in a shoe box. Hide the shoe box somewhere in your classroom.

Tell children that angels announced that Jesus is God’s Son. Read children the angel’s message from Luke 2:11-12. Then have them look for the doll you’ve hidden, just as the shepherds looked for Jesus. Tell them that the doll is wrapped up and lying in a box. When they find the doll, let them take turns hiding it again.

When everyone has arrived and you’re ready to move on to Bible Story Time, encourage the children to finish what they’re doing and get ready to clean up.

n Pick-Up TimeSUPPLIES: CD player

Lead children in singing “Come Along With Me” (track 2) with the CD to the tune of “Come and Go With Me.” Encourage children to sing along as they help clean up the room.

Come along with me and pick up all our things,Pick up all our things,Pick up all our things.Come along with me and pick up all our thingsSo our room will be clean.(Repeat 2x.)

Bible Story Timen Setting the StageSUPPLIES: stop-and-go sign (from Lesson 1)

Tell the children you’ll hold up the stop-and-go sign to get their attention. Explain that when you show the red side, the children are to stop what they’re doing and listen for your directions. When you show the green side, you’ll stop talking and listen to them. Encourage children to respond quickly so you’ll have time for all the fun activities you’ve planned.

Ask: • What did you make or do when you came to our class today? (Made a shepherd hat; made a Christmas card; looked for baby Jesus.)

Say: Some of you made manger cards, some of you made shepherd hats, and some of you pretended to be shepherds looking for baby Jesus. We’re going to be hearing a lot about shepherds today. The shepherds in our Bible story heard some good news from angels. Just for fun, let’s tell each other some good news now.

Bring in bathrobes and hand towels to create shepherd costumes for children to wear during today’s lesson. track 2

Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 458

Lesson 4

Help the children form pairs. Say: Think about some good news you can tell your partner. Maybe you got to go on a special trip, or you got a new toy, or you helped your mom or dad make treats this week. Raise your hand when you’ve thought of something. When I show my green sign, I’d like the partner who’s wearing the most white to tell your partner the good news you’re thinking of.

Wait for children to raise their hands, and then hold up the green sign. After a few moments, hold up the red sign to get children’s attention. Say: Now I’d like the other partner to share good news.

After a few moments, hold up the red sign to get children’s attention. Say: I’d like to hear some of your good news.

Ask: • What good news did you hear from your partners? (My partner went to her grandma’s house; my partner got a basketball for Christmas.)

Let several children respond; then say: That’s great news! We get to do a lot of good, fun things during the Christmas season. In our Bible story today, we’re going to hear about the greatest news of all—the news about Jesus being born. Angels announced that Jesus is God’s Son. Let’s bring out our Bible and hear how that happened.

n Bible Song and Prayer TimeSUPPLIES: Bible, CD player

Say: Now it’s time to choose a Bible person to bring me the Bible marked with today’s Bible story. As we sing our Bible song, we’ll pass around our special Bible. The person who’s holding the Bible when the music stops will be our Bible person today. Remember that everyone will get a chance to hold the Bible one week.

Lead children in singing “I’m So Glad for the Bible” (track 3) with the CD to the tune of “Give Me Oil in My Lamp.” As you sing, pass around the special Bible.

I’m so glad for the Bible.Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’.I’m so glad for God’s book today.I’m so glad for the Bible.Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’—Keep me learnin’ all about his way.

When the music stops, invite the child who’s holding the Bible to bring it to you. Lead the class in clapping for the Bible person, cheering, and making fun applause sound effects by slapping your thighs with your palms. Stamp the child’s hand with the manger stamp, and thank the child for bringing you the Bible. Then stamp the other children’s hands. Return the manger stamp and ink pad to the Learning Lab.

Say: I’m thankful for [name of child who brought the Bible], and I’m thankful for everyone in our class today. Each of you is a special part of our class! Let’s thank God together for all our friends in this class.

Let me hear ’bout God’s love—Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’.Let me hear ’bout God’s love for me.Let me hear ’bout God’s love—Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’.Let’s shine the light for all to see.

tracks 3 & 4

(Repeat first verse.)

59Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 4

Angels Announce Jesus’ Birth to Shepherds

Lead children in singing “I’m So Glad We’re Together” (track 4) with the CD to the tune of “Give Me Oil in My Lamp.” Lead children in folding their hands and bowing their heads as you sing the second verse.

I’m so glad we’re together.Keep us prayin’, prayin’, prayin’.I’m so glad we’re all here today.I’m so glad we’re together.Keep us prayin’, prayin’, prayin’—Prayin’ for each other every day.

n Hear and Tell the Bible StorySUPPLIES: Bible, CD player

Open the Bible to Luke 2:8-20, and show it to the children. Say: Our story comes from the Bible, God’s special book. Our Bible Big Book shows us pictures of the Bible story.

Bring out the Bible Big Book: Jesus’ Birth. Open the Big Book to pages 2 and 3, and hold it up for children to see. Say: Our Bible Big Book has told us lots of things about Christmas. Hold up the garland. This garland reminds me of Christmas because many people use it to decorate their homes for Christmas. I’ll decorate

you with the garland if you can tell me something about these pictures.Have children raise their hands if they want to share. Drape the garland around

a child’s shoulders before he or she shares. Children might remember things such as “The angel is talking to Mary” or “An angel is telling Joseph about Jesus.” Turn to pages 4 and 5, and allow other children to share and “be decorated.” Then put the garland away and out of sight. Show children the pictures on pages 6 and 7. Say: Let’s listen so we can hear what’s happening in these pictures.

Play the “Shepherd’s Story” segment (track 8) from the CD. Ask: • What do you think the shepherds thought when they saw all those

angels? (Something important was happening; they wondered where they all came from; they were scared.)

• How do you think the shepherds felt when they finally found baby Jesus? (Tired from running so long; excited to see baby Jesus; glad the angels told them about baby Jesus.)

Say: The shepherds were so glad to see baby Jesus, they told everyone about him. Let’s pretend we’re shepherds and say, “Come see Jesus. Jesus is God’s Son!”

Pause for children to say this, and then continue: What? I can’t hear you. Tell me again. “Come see Jesus. Jesus is God’s Son!”

Pause for children to repeat the words again.

Thank you, Lord, for each one.Keep me thankful, thankful, thankful.Thank you for everyone who’s here.Thank you, Lord, for each one.Keep me thankful, thankful, thankful—Thankful for our friends both far and

near.

track 8

This Bible story is featured in My First Hands-On Bible™. Order several now for your ministry at group.com.

Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 460

Lesson 4

Say: We can be like the shepherds. We can invite our friends and family to come to church where they can hear about Jesus. We can tell everyone we know that Jesus is God’s Son and that Jesus wants to be our friend!

Let’s practice telling about Jesus one more time. Pretend you want to tell the person sitting next to you that Jesus came to be his or her friend. Turn to that

person and say, “Come see Jesus. Jesus wants to be your friend!”Let children repeat this a few times; then show the red sign.Say: Let’s thank Jesus for loving us and being our friend.Pray: Dear Jesus, thank you that you love us. We love you, too.

We’re glad you want to be our friend. Amen.

n Do the Bible StorySUPPLIES: construction paper, washable markers, tape

Give each child a sheet of construction paper. Allow several minutes for children to decorate the paper with markers. Then show them how to roll their paper into a megaphone shape. Secure with several pieces of tape.

Ask: • What are some ways we celebrate good news? (Parties; dancing; music.)

Say: Angels announced that Jesus is God’s Son. That was really good news! Let’s pretend we’re angels and deliver that message.

Teach the children the following rhyme and have them say it through their megaphones while marching around the room. After each repetition, blow the tasseled trumpet from the Bible Discovery Pak and encourage the children to “toot” into their megaphones with you.

Say: “We’re the angels and we’re here to sayGod's Son Jesus was born today!”

Closingn Shepherd MouseSUPPLIES: washcloth or small hand towel, string

Before class, make a shepherd hat for Whiskers by tying a washcloth or hand towel around his head with a piece of string. Bring out Whiskers the Mouse, wearing his shepherd hat, and go through the following puppet script. When you finish the script, put Whiskers away and out of sight.

Preschoolers have lots of energy, and can walk and run with confidence. This activity lets them practice their developing physical skills.

61Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 4

Angels Announce Jesus’ Birth to Shepherds

n Go and TellSUPPLIES: CD player

Say: Whiskers is going to tell his cousin Joey that angels announced that Jesus is God’s Son. We can tell

people about Jesus, too. Let’s learn a song now that will help us remember to do that. We’ll listen to it first and then sing it together.

Play “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” from the CD (track 9). Listen to the song; sing along when the chorus is repeated.

Teacher: Whiskers, what’s that hat you’re wearing?

Whiskers: (Proudly) It’s my shepherd hat.

Teacher: Are you going to be watching some sheep today?

Whiskers: (Shakes head.) Nope. I wanted to be like the shepherds in our Bible story, so I made myself a shepherd hat.

Teacher: I still don’t understand.

Whiskers: I wanted to be like the shepherds so I could tell my cousin Joey about baby Jesus. He doesn’t know that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday.

Teacher: Your shepherd hat is very nice, Whiskers, but you don’t have to be a shepherd to tell people about baby Jesus. You’re the best one to tell your cousin Joey about Jesus.

Whiskers: I am? But what should I say?

Teacher: Let’s ask your friends if they can help you think of something to say. Children, how can Whiskers tell his cousin Joey about Jesus?

(Help children come up with responses such as “Tell him Christmas is Jesus’ birthday,” “Tell him angels announced that Jesus is God’s Son,” or “Invite him to come to church.”)

Whiskers: Thanks. When I see my cousin Joey next week, I’m going to tell him that baby Jesus is God’s Son. I think I’ll wear my shepherd hat to his house. That will remind me to tell him.

Teacher: Good idea, Whiskers. Next time we see you, you can tell us about your visit to your cousin Joey’s.

Whiskers: OK, I’ll see you then. Goodbye.

Permission to photocopy this script from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum® Preschool granted for local church use.Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Ave., Loveland, CO 80538. group.com

track 9

Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 462

Lesson 4

(Verse 1)While shepherds kept their watchingO’er silent flocks by night,Behold, throughout the heavensThere shone a holy light.

(Chorus)Go, tell it on the mountainOver the hills and everywhere.Go, tell it on the mountainThat Jesus Christ is born!

(Verse 2)Down in a lowly mangerThe humble Christ was bornAnd God sent us salvationThat blessed Christmas morn.

(Repeat chorus; then repeat verse 1 and chorus.)

That Jesus Christ Is born!Is born!“Go, Tell It on the Mountain” by John W. Work, Jr.

Stop the CD, and then say: We can also tell people why Jesus came. Does anyone remember the Bible verse we’ve been learning that tells us why Jesus came? Let children respond and share 1 Timothy 1:15 if they remember it. Then say: Let’s say our Bible verse together, and do the motions that we taught Whiskers a couple of weeks ago.

Lead children in saying 1 Timothy 1:15 together with these motions:

Christ Jesus (point up)Came into the world (make arms into a large circle to represent the world)To save sinners. (Hug arms around self.)

Say: Let’s pray and ask God to help us tell people about baby Jesus. Pray: Dear God, thanks for sending baby Jesus to save us. Help us to tell people about him the way the shepherds did. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Collect name tags for next week’s use, and remind children to take home any crafts they made today.

Growing closer to Jesus extends beyond the classroom.Photocopy the “Today I Learned…” handout (at the end of this lesson) for this week, and send it home with the children. Encourage parents to use the handout to plan meaningful family activities to reinforce this week’s topic.

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Angels Announce Jesus’ Birth to Shepherds

n Lively Learning: Go Tell It Everywhere!Gather children in one area of the room. Lead them in singing “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” without the

CD. When children know the words well, substitute areas of your classroom for the word “mountain.” Lead children in hopping, tiptoeing, or crawling to the area you mention. For example, you might sing, “Go, tell it near the window…” and lead children in hopping to the window. Then when you finish the verse, lead children in cheering, “Angels announced that Jesus is God’s Son!”

n Make to Take: Manger-Scene MobilesBefore class, put together a sample manger-

scene mobile using the figures from the “Manger Mobile Figures” handout (p. 65). Punch holes in the Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, and shepherd figures, and slide them onto a piece of chenille wire. Twist the ends of the wire together, and attach a yarn loop to the top, as shown in the illustration at left.

Give each child a piece of chenille wire, safety scissors, and a copy of the “Manger Mobile Figures” handout. Have them color and cut out the figures. Help them punch holes in their figures, slide them onto chenille wire, and twist the ends of the wire together. Help each child attach a yarn loop to the completed mobile.

n Treat to Eat: Sweet SheepHelp children clean their hands with baby wipes or at a

nearby sink. Place large and small marshmallows and small pretzel sticks where children can reach them. Show children how to put two large marshmallows together with a pretzel in the middle to hold them together. Then demonstrate how to add a smaller marshmallow at one end as a head and another at the end as a tail. Children may use more pretzels to create legs for their sheep.

As they work, remind children angels announced that Jesus is God’s Son.As children finish their sheep, let them eat their creations.

n Story Picture: Hurry to See JesusGive each child a small candy cane, a plastic knife, and a copy of the “Today I Learned…” handout. Set out

a can of prepared frosting, and let children “glue” their candy canes onto their pictures as shepherd’s staffs. As children work, review the details of today’s Bible story.

If you choose to make manger-scene mobiles, you’ll want to have at least one adult helper in your class. Young 3-year-olds will need help with cutting, and most children will need help tying the yarn loops to their mobiles.

For Extra Time If you have a long class time or want to add additional elements to your lesson, try one of the following activities.

Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 464

Lesson 4

Manger Mobile FiguresPhotocopy and cut out the figures. You’ll need one set of figures for each child.

65Permission to photocopy this handout from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum®, Preschool, granted for local church use. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Ave., Loveland, CO 80538. group.com

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).

n What did the shepherds do when they heard about Jesus?

n How can you be like the shepherds?

n Who can our family tell about Jesus this week?

n Make an angel food cake with your preschooler. Have friends over to share your dessert. Encourage your child to share the story of the angels announcing Jesus’ birth.

n Teach your child the familiar Christmas carol “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Talk about what the big words in the song mean.

Shepherds Hurry to

See Jesus (Luke 2:8-20)

Angels announced that

J

esus is God’s Son.

Help me learn this:

Ask me:

Family Fun

Lesson 4Today your child learned how ANGELS ANNOUNCED THAT JESUS IS GOD’S SON. The children heard about the angels’ appearance to shepherds. They practiced telling each other about Jesus like the shepherds did.

66 Permission to photocopy this handout from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum®, Preschool, granted for local church use. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Ave., Loveland, CO 80538. group.com